Already reaping the benefits of its association with Supercars as a series sponsor as well as a team backer, Hino has announced it has expanded its back for the enlarged Charlie Schwerkolt Team 18 operation for this year’s Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.
Hino has been a backer of Team 18’s single car operation in recent years but has expanded backing for the team supporting both Mark Winterbottom and new recruit Scott Pye full season ahead.
Hino has been a backer of the Schwerkolt run team for the past two seasons and backs up the truck makers position as the as the Official Light and Medium Duty Truck and Bus Sponsor for the Supercars Championship, which the brand has held since 2016.
As part of the expanded relationship, a Hino 700 Series SS2848 AMT prime mover will haul the team’s B-double trailers around Australia for the first time.
For season 2020 Mark Winterbottom will steer the Irwin Tools-backed entry, while his new team mate Scott Pye will be in a second Holden with backing from DeWalt Tools.
“We couldn’t be prouder to grow our partnership with Team 18 as the squad expands to two cars for the 2020 season,” said Dimitri Andreatidis, Head of Customer and Brand for Hino Australia.
“Supercars has proven to be a fantastic fit for Hino; the sport truly resonates with our customer base, making it an ideal platform to build further brand exposure, while at the same time providing us with incredible trackside experiences.
“Through the sport, not only have we been able to engage with both our dealer network and customers, but we have developed strong relationships with the other brands involved with the team.
“These partnerships will see Hino continue to promote our brand not only on the track, in the pits and around the event precincts, but also throughout the country, with numerous activations planned alongside our partners nationwide.
“Renowned brands such as Irwin and DeWalt are used by Hino customers every day, so it is a natural fit for all involved.
“Mark Winterbottom is a proven champion in the sport, while Scott Pye is a star on the rise.
“Together with their Triple 8-sourced machinery, they have the tools to take the fight right up to the competition,” concluded Mr Andreatidis.
Team Owner Charlie Schwerkolt welcomed the expanded involvement of Hino:
“I’m extremely proud to have Hino onboard for what will be the third year with Team 18 and an exciting time as we expand to two cars with Irwin Racing and DeWalt Racing in the 2020 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.
“Team 18’s partnership with Hino will jointly grow the brand together with Irwin and DeWalt, and we can’t wait to meet Hino dealers and customers at each and every event throughout the season,” he concluded.
Hino has a rich motorsport heritage, which in 2019 saw its support of Team 18 and the Supercars Championship extended, with the brand becoming the Official Recovery Vehicle at Supercars promoted events, with a Hino 500 Series FE1424 tilt tray seen on track at various rounds.
Meanwhile, Hino also backs the exciting one-make Toyota 86 Series which supports the Supercars Championship, while in off-road circles, it recently claimed its 11th class victory in the gruelling Dakar Rally.
