Repco secure naming rights for 2021 Bathurst 1000

Repco has signed a new sponsorship deal with the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, securing the naming rights for the annual Bathurst 1000.

Already the Official Automotive Parts Retailer for Supercars, the five-year deal will see Repco replace Supercheap Auto (who in turn replaced Bob Jane T-Marts) as naming rights sponsor for the annual Mount Panorama enduro, starting from 2021.

Repco’s connection with Australian motorsport dates back to the 1940s, but the now American-owned parts company has an even longer Australian history.

Founded in Victoria in 1922, Repco’s most famous for its involvement with Sir Jack Brabham – a partnership that culminated in Brabham’s 1966 Formula 1 World Championship in his Repco V8-powered Brabham BT19.

The earlier Repco Brabham BT11A has a more specific history at Bathurst, setting the first ever 100mph (161 km/h) lap of the Mount Panorama circuit in 1967.
Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said Repco’s partnership for the Bathurst 1000 was a major endorsement of the sport.
“We are delighted to welcome one of Australian motorsport’s most recognisable and premium brands as our naming rights partner of our marquee event from 2021,” Seamer said.

“Having a partner who wants to celebrate this iconic Australian event as much as we do is great news for our sport and an event which is broadcast to around 298 million homes in 90 countries.”
“Having such a prestigious brand behind us is testament to Repco’s ongoing support for the category.”
Repco’s Executive General Manager (Repco AU), Wayne Bryant, said that the new sponsorship deal is part of a plan for Repco to better engage with their customers: people who are passionate about cars and enthusiastic Supercars fans.
“It’s two iconic brands in one amazing partnership. Repco has a long history in motorsport and so, aligning with Australia’s most famous race was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,” Bryant said.

Jamie Walton, Executive General Manager Merchandise and Marketing (Repco ANZ) said the crew of 5000 Repco employees across Australia and New Zealand share the same passion for motorsport as they do the products they sell.
“Motorsport is part of Repco’s DNA,” Walton said. “The Bathurst sponsorship will further enhance our commitment to the Repco Crew and our passionate customers. It also ensures motorsport is a significant part of our future.”
The new sponsorship deal will expand on Repco’s already substantial digital presence in various Supercars assets, including website, social media platforms, app and fan communications.
The automotive parts retailer is also a leading sponsor of two-time defending Champion Scott McLaughlin and Fabian Coulthard’s Shell V-Power Racing Team.