Airwaves back with Motorbase in 2010
Motorbase will once again compete under the Airwaves BMW banner in 2010, thanks to a renewed sponsorship agreement with the chewing gum manufacturer. There was no news from Team Boss David Bartrum on the driver line-up though, but he did indicate the team were firmly in the market for established BTCC stars.
“Our original plan was to run a BTCC newcomer alongside an experienced driver, in the same way that we brought Steven Kane and Jonny Adam to touring cars over the past couple of years – that’s how the BTCC grows and sustains itself. I’m not sure it will quite work out like that now . . . as things stand today, we might even go one better.”
The news of the Airwaves deal comes just over three months after the Kent based team announced that they were looking for a new commercial partner following the decision of Wrigley Company Ltd not to continue its support of the team.
However today’s news sees a reversal of that decision, while confirmation that Leyland Paints will also continue with Motorbase for a second successive season puts the squad in an excellent position approaching the 2010 campaign, and leaves Bartrum in an upbeat state of mind.
“A couple of weeks ago, our workshop in Wrotham seemed to have a permanent cloud hanging over it,” said Bartrum, “But things are definitely brightening up.”
Reflecting on the two commercial deals, Bartrum said, “To be honest, it’s been a hard two weeks! March is always a difficult month, trying to tie the last few ends together, but this has been manic!
“When we introduced Wrigley’s Airwaves to the BTCC last year we were ecstatic to have secured such a hugely recognisable brand as our title sponsor. People see Airwaves as the chewing gum that helps you ‘Kick up a gear’ and this association, as well as the brands support is of massive benefit to us. It’s great news for the championship that brands like Airwaves and Leyland Paints feel it is the place to be!”
A number of drivers have tested for Motorbase over the winter, including 2009 driver Jonny Adam, former Motorbase favourite Steven Kane in addition to touring car newcomers Ben Collins, Tim Bridgman and Alex MacDowall.
Speculation also continues to link former BMW driver Mat Jackson to the Kent squad, while one driver very familiar with the machine and yet to announce a deal for the coming season is reigning BTCC Champion Colin Turkington.
Now with the Airwaves deal in place, it looks likely that the next announcement will see Motorbase confirming what is sure to be one of the strongest driver line-ups in the BTCC.
