New name, same spectacular track action   5 Sep 2014

Media statement: Friday 5 September 2014.

Introducing BNT NZ SuperTourers – new name, same spectacular track action

‘BNT V8 SuperTourers ’ is now ‘BNT NZ SuperTourers’ – and about to take to the track once more.

The company has undergone a name change and rebrand, NZ SuperTourers – formerly V8 SuperTourers New Zealand – are set to fire up another exhilarating season of racing.

“The series needed a much stronger identity so we are very pleased with the new look and feel,” says CEO Ray Noonan. “I think fans and potential new audiences have found it very hard to identify with us due to the noise and clutter that has existed since the inception of SuperTourers two and a half years ago.”

“NZ SuperTourers sets us apart, a clear differentiation. It needed to be simple and stand out, and that is exactly what it does.”

With the name change sparking concern of a planned move away from V8 engines, the team behind NZ SuperTourers are quick to reassure fans this isn’t the case.

While the V8s are undeniably the car of choice for the NZ racing industry, NZ SuperTourer cars are built to take any engine and showcase the best of New Zealand’s considerable driving talent – hence the new name.

‘NZ SuperTourers’ reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering the best motorsport in the country, both today and into the future. The best cars, the best field, the best drivers New Zealand has to offer.

According to Noonan, the rebrand should also prove popular with sponsors: “Of equal importance to us was delivering cut-through for our sponsors within a clear brand hierarchy – which we now have,” he says. “Clean, clear and consistent messaging will deliver greater value for NZ SuperTourers and its sponsors, but ultimately it will resonate with our fans and help grow the series over time.”

The new brand announcement comes just three weeks out from the new series start at Taupo, featuring a strong field including racing heroes Greg Murphy and Shane van Gisbergen. Past New Zealand Champions Angus Fogg, John McIntyre and Paul Manual will also line up for the Rush Security Taupo 400.

Taupo Motorsport Park is the first of six iconic New Zealand tracks the BNT NZ SuperTourers will visit during the seven-round series, which then moves to Hampton Downs, Pukekohe, Manfeild, Timaru and Christchurch’s Ruapuna.

Rising stars Ant Pederson, Andre Heimgartner, Richard Moore and Simon Evans will be among the pacesetters firmly eyeing the championship title – currently held by Murphy.

A host of V8 Supercar drivers will also join the field as co-drivers for the first three rounds.

QUESTIONS/ANSWERS

Why have you dropped ‘V8’ from the name?
The decision to rename the brand ‘NZ SuperTourers’ was made to create a stronger identity focused around providing top quality NZ motorsport. The V8s are still the engine of choice for the foreseeable future, but we wanted to foster a stronger link to our Kiwi connection and talent.

Does this mean V8 will be dropped as an engine size (as V8 Supercars Australia recently announced)?
Our renaming is in no way related to the recent Australia V8 Supercars announcement, and there are no current changes planned to engine size.

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