ITM announces long term naming rights sponsorship of Hamilton V8 Supercar street race

New Zealand's largest annual sporting event, the V8 Supercar street race in Hamilton, has announced a long-term naming sponsor.

The event, set for 16th-18th April next year, will be sponsored by ITM, New Zealand’s largest group of independent trade building supply merchants, for the next three years and will be known as the ITM 400.

The announcement is an exciting development for the New Zealand sole round of the V8 Supercar Championship that has attracted 300,000 fans in the first two years.

"To secure a naming sponsor of this significance provides increased commercial credibility and to achieve this outcome in the current economic climate speaks volumes for the stature of our event and our belief that V8 Supercars can deliver a value for money, positive return on investment for sponsors", said Event Director, Steve Vuleta. "ITM have been a sponsor in the last two years. They are a strong New Zealand company with nationwide distribution, their customers are our key demographic and ITM has excellent brand and corporate values".

ITM, with more than ninety branches nationwide, are delighted with the new sponsorship.

"The whole team at ITM is thrilled to be the naming sponsor for the ITM 400", said Gordon Buswell, CEO of ITM.

"At ITM we have built our brand to attract customers, build credibility with suppliers and excite our people. The ITM 400 undoubtedly achieves all three. This will be our third year of involvement in what has become New Zealand's largest sporting event. The construction of the track, its removal, the precision of the racing teams and the responsiveness to the needs of the motor racing public are all measures of professionalism that we are thrilled to be part of".

“We look forward to being part of the success of the ITM 400 team for at least the next three years.”

The announcement was also met with a very positive response from V8 Supercars.

"The ITM 400 in Hamilton is without doubt the best sporting event in New Zealand. It is also a vital part of our Championship and its’ long-term future", Executive Chairman Tony Cochrane said.

"This is sensational news that ITM, a company that is enjoying such tremendous growth, has chosen to increase its sponsorship to naming rights level. It clearly shows that companies associated with our sport, the V8 Supercar brand and the great events we stage bring with them significant rewards for our partners".

"We’re proud to be supporting an Australian presence at such an eminent major event, promoting the many facets of our economy and culture to the rest of the world. In supporting the National Pavilion in Shanghai, Qantas is looking forward to a future of even more robust travel links between China and Australia".

Mr Joyce thanked the Minister for Trade, the Hon Simon Crean MP, and the Australian Government, for their significant commitment to the Shanghai Expo.

"The Australian Government is investing heavily in this event, recognising its importance to Australia’s economic opportunities and cultural capital in the Asia Pacific region,” he said.

"I am confident Australia will derive great benefit by generating investment opportunities and tourism interest from a diverse audience spanning the entire globe".