Sponsors tend to come and go in the fast moving world of motorsport, making Kumho’s relationship with the BMW Racing Drivers Club one of the longest of its type in UK club history – the opening race of the season at Brands Hatch, April 8, will mark its 26th year.
The original deal inked in 1997 was one of financial support alone, but just three years later the arrangement was expanded to include the supply of tyres, and for many seasons all competitors ran very happily on the company’s ECSTA V700 street legal semi-slick competition tyre. However, as always happens in motor racing, the cars got quicker and quicker, until the additional options of ECSTA S700 slicks for the more powerful machines and a wet weather pattern, W700, for all became an inevitability.
Commenting on the very successful affiliation, the President of the BMW Racing Drivers Club, Trevor Ford, said: “It’s quite simple – without Kumho, there would be no BMW championship, and the tyres are excellent. They are also affordable, unlike those of many rival brands. Those able to run slicks simply love them, and all the drivers appreciate the relatively low wear rate of the Kumho products.”
Said Mark Turner, Sporting Manager of the BARC, the championship’s organising club: “The Kumho BMW Championship is a mainstay of our packed calendar. The cars are fantastic and the competitors are guaranteed to provide close, entertaining races that are greatly enjoyed by our spectators. We are much looking forward to another good season with this long-standing series.”
Added Kumho’s Marketing Director John Thrupp: “The relationship between Kumho and the BMW Racing Drivers Club has been very successful for both parties, and we remain as keen as ever to support what has long been one of the best of all club championships and which provides a perfect showcase for our brand.”
The 2023 schedule for the 14-round championship is:
April 8/9 – Brands Hatch Indy
May 13/14 – Snetterton 300
June 10 – Castle Combe
July 8 – Thruxton
August 12/13 – Donington Park International
September 16/17 – Silverstone International
October 14 – Oulton Park International
For further information on the BMW Racing Drivers Club and the Kumho BMW Championship see www.bmwrdc.com, while details of Kumho and its products for passenger cars, SUVs, vans, trucks and motorsport use can be found at www.kumhotyre.co.uk.
