The new look Shell V-Power Racing Team was today launched in Melbourne before an audience of media, team partners and Viva Energy Australia (“Viva Energy”) employees.
The Shell V-Power brand has become the naming rights partner for the DJR Team Penske racing team in a multi-year deal. Through partner and exclusive Shell licensee, Viva Energy, Fabian Coulthard and Scott McLaughlin will race with the Shell V-Power Fords at every round of the 2017 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.
The expansion of the Shell partnership has special significance for Dick Johnson and Team Penske. 2017 will mark a 50-year association between Shell and Johnson while there has also been a long and successful association with Team Penske in the United States.
General Manager of Shell’s licensee, Viva Energy, Dan Ridgway said “This is a very exciting time for Shell V-Power customers. We have had a partnership with DJR Team Penske for many years, but our commitment to the Shell V-Power brand as the naming right platform for this program opens up new and innovative programs on track and at 920+ service stations across the country.
“We strive to deliver efficiency and performance with our fuel and lubricant products and we have delivered substantial improvements through our technical alliance with DJR Team Penske. Shell has a long tradition of taking what is learned from the track and transferring that knowledge into high quality products. The Shell V-Power Racing Team will be at the forefront of this program.
Shell livery has been synonymous with the Queensland based team, and new recruit Scott McLaughlin acknowledged the power of the Shell brand at today’s launch. “Even as a young guy, I always saw the Shell and Dick Johnson relationships as one of the best in the sport. To now be part of the new Shell V-Power Racing Team and drive for Dick and Roger Penske is fantastic. I think the team is doing great things and can’t wait to get the No 17 Shell V-Power Ford on track at the Clipsal 500.”
Entering his second year with the team, Fabian Coulthard was enthused by the new Shell V-Power Racing Team plans. “My first race for DJR Team Penske was in the Shell Ford at Clipsal last year. The response from the fans was extraordinary. It is a very powerful relationship and I am sure Scott and I will continue to build on the progress the team made in 2016.”
Click here to find out more about the Shell V-Power Racing Team