IRL and Nascar sponsor joins DJR to ensure Canto can do in 2005
17/3/2005 16:09 (Press Release) -
Prominent U.S motorsport sponsor Gatorz Billet Eyewear has teamed up with Dick Johnson Racing to form one of the most formidable teams in this year's V8 Supercar Development Series. Dick Johnson Racing has also signed up Dean Canto to spearhead its championship aspirations.
"Dick Johnson Racing couldn't be happier to announce that Gatorz Billet Eyewear will be the naming sponsor on Dean Canto's Ford Falcon in the 2005 V8 Development Series," Dick Johnson said.
"To have a secured another new name to V8 Supercars and a non-automotive organisation at that, is extremely satisfying.
"Gatorz is a significant supporter of motorsport in America, particularly in the Indy Racing League and NASCAR, and is now a player in V8 Supercars.
"Not only will Gatorz Racing and Dean Canto be one of the teams to beat but I'm sure that the team itself will look the part in some seriously cool shades."
The Gatorz announcement follows on from Summit Fleet Leasing's support of Grant Denyer's Ford and Westpoint's naming rights sponsorship of DJR's V8 Supercar Championship team.
Gatorz may be new to Australian motorsport but it is well known in America and is the sponsor of several high profile drivers and teams.
"Gatorz has a very big presence in America, particularly in motorsport, so we wanted to enter V8 Supercars in Australia and expand our motorsport interests here," Gatorz representative Aron Degotardi said.
"Gatorz sponsors Michael Andretti and Sam Hornish Junior in the IRL series and two teams in the NASCAR Championship, including Braun Racing.
"With Gatorz now available in Australia it believed the best way to increase awareness was to go through motorsport and V8 Supercars."
Gatorz Billet Eyewear is using its relationship with Dick Johnson Racing to improve its profile in what is a very competitive market.
"There is a huge opportunity to promote the Gatorz brand in the Australian market through Dick Johnson Racing," Degotardi said.
"Gatorz is very new to Australia, so we want to become known nationwide as a leading eyewear company that is reliable, comfortable and stylish.
"Dick has such a strong profile, he's long established in Australia, and we believe that this is a great way to promote our eyewear to a wider audience."
For Dean Canto, the opportunity to drive for Dick Johnson and Gatorz Racing has the Sydney based driver eagerly awaiting the start of the season.
"I really can't wait for the season to start," Dean Canto said.
"With the backing of Gatorz and the incredible knowledge and technical ability of Dick Johnson Racing I think that we'll be very competitive."
Canto will steer Steve Johnson's former Ford Falcon in the series.
"We all know how strong and reliable last year's number 17 Falcon is; I'm extremely happy to be driving it," Canto said.
"Steve (Johnson) finished last season so well; I'm expecting the Ford will be as good, if not better this year for me."
Canto is hoping to become the first driver to secure two V8 Supercar Development titles, following his first in 2000.
"The aim is to be as strong as we can; and I think we will be a contender (for the title)," Canto said.
"The last time I competed in the Development Series I won it fairly easily, but we all know how much talent is out there now and how much stronger the series is - it'll be tough."
The first round of the 2005 Development Series starts at the Adelaide's Clipsal event on March 17-20, where it will be a support to the main V8 Championship.
Release Date: 22/02/2005
Dick Johnson Racing
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