The South Australian based company became the naming rights sponsor for the South Australian round of the Australian Rally Championship in 2008, and will now extend their support into the 2009 season.
The sponsorship from Sprint Auto Parts will provide further stability and continuity to Rally SA, recognised as one of the best events on the Australian Rally Championship calendar. A round of the ARC, the event is also a round of the South Australian Championship and the SA Clubman Series, ensuring another bumper field in 2009.
Rally SA cirector, Ivar Stanelis, said he is delighted to continue the association with Sprint Auto Parts.
"I am really excited to be going into a second year with Sprint Auto Parts, a wholly South Australian owned company and, in a way, we can grow together going forward," said Stanelis.
"The rally and everyone involved in the event have benefited greatly from the association, and conversely, Sprint Auto Parts has gained greater exposure within their target markets. For example, the Sprint Auto Parts Rally Club has already been a huge success, and I am sure we can build on that.
"I believe that continuing the relationship is definitely a win/win situation for both parties and hope it will continue long past 2009."
Sprint Auto Part's Managing Director, Chas Calandro, said they are proud to be a sponsor of such an outstanding event that showcases the state of South Australia on the national stage.
"Sprint Auto Parts are pleased to continue their involvement with motor sport and promote a great South Australian event," he said. "We have 31 stores across the state and as a company we are looking forward to promoting the Sprint Auto Parts Rally SA in each of these stores.
"Sprint Auto Parts have been involved in various motor sport events. Sprint Auto Parts came from sprint car racing, which I have been part of as a driver and team owner over the years. We are really looking forward to building on our involvement in Australian rallying."
The reaction from both national and state level competitors has also been exceptionally positive, three-time Australian Rally Champion and current 2008 series leader Neal Bates and co-driver Coral Taylor (Team TRD) are keen to return for another stab at finishing on top of the podium in South Australia.
"We are particularly delighted that Sprint Auto Parts had taken up the option to sponsor the event in 2009," Bates said. "We eagerly look forward to coming back to South Australia to compete on some of the best rally roads in the country."
The Sprint Auto Parts Rally SA will be held in the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and Murraylands regions from July 31 to August 2, 2009 (date subject to CAMS confirmation).
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