Castrol has joined the MG KX Momentum Racing team as a partner sponsor as today the car was unveiled for the first time in full race livery.
The announcement was made at a Media Day held at the Silverstone circuit. The news comes just days after MG Motor UK and Castrol established a new partnership.
Castrol’s involvement complements the ‘dream team’ of drivers, constructors and sponsors set to challenge for the 2012 Dunlop MSA BTCC championship.
Two MG6 GT cars will run in the all-new MG KX Momentum Racing team with double BTCC champion Jason Platoand rising star Andy Neate behind the wheels. The first race in the 10 round series is at Brands Hatch on April 1.
The MG6 GT five-door fastback is the first all-new MG in 16 years. It is designed and engineered at MG Motor UK’s plant in Birmingham where final assembly also takes place.
Plato said he was delighted that Castrol, another great name in the automotive world, had joined the team. He said: “I can’t wait for the first race. The car’s looking great and having Castrol on board adds to our credentials as a team that’s got great backing and means to do the business.
“Castrol’s a brand synonymous with high performance and technology within the automotive and motorsport world.”
Jason Plato is the most successful driver in BTCC racing history with 68 career wins. He has more fastest laps, pole and podium positions than any other driver in the history of the series. He is undoubtedly the face of British Touring Cars as well as being a well-known and respected TV presenter and newly appointed Director of the British Racing Drivers Club.
Castrol’s involvement cements an historic link with the MG brand. Sir George Eyston, the famous pre-war driver and director of Castrol sponsored many MG record breaking attempts. He was involved with such celebrated MG experimental cars as EX120, EX127, EX179 and EX181.
Triple Eight Race Engineering, headed by Ian Harrison, has prepared the MG6 GT race cars. The company has more than 100 BTCC race wins to its credit.
Guy Jones, MG Motor’s Sales & Marketing Director, said: “The feedback to MG going racing again has been incredible and there’s a real passion and pride building around the team. It’s going to be a great season.”
