BNT – the leading provider in New Zealand of replacement and aftermarket automotive spare parts and an established sponsor of V8 motor racing in the country – has been confirmed as the category sponsor for 2013 for the V8 SuperTourer championship.

The multi-year deal will see the category become known as the BNT V8 SuperTourers, with further round-specific sponsorships set to be announced as well as title sponsorship for the Motor Racing Series in which the BNT V8 SuperTourers will run.

“BNT have watched with interest the evolution of V8 racing in New Zealand over the past 12 months,” explained BNT General Manager Greg Horne. “We have been impressed with the progress made by the V8 SuperTourer series over that period. As a result of that, and because we believe their formula for the future is the right one, we are very pleased to confirm our association with V8ST as principle category partner for next season and beyond.”

BNT V8 SuperTourers enjoyed a super-successful, action-packed first season in New Zealand, with very close racing. Rising star Scott McLaughlin won a closely-fought championship against Kiwi legend Greg Murphy and the fierce on track battles attracted more than 100,000 spectators and more than a million viewers across the 2012 televised series. The SuperTourers also attracted strong interest from Australia, the United States and Europe. More than 130,000 Speed TV viewers in Australia tuned in for each round, a factor which helped in attracting a number of Supercar drivers to the endurance races in the second half of the V8ST season.

In fact, V8ST attracted drivers with experience in most global racing categories, including Formula One, Indycar, World Touring Cars, the German DTM series, Supercars and the global Porsche SuperCup.

“There is no question this has been a tough first season in challenging economic times, but we have seen some fabulous racing, plenty of big name drivers, good crowds and as we iron out the teething troubles, a really great product that has provided a superb platform for existing and new motor sport companies to get involved in something that is 100% home-grown and right at the cutting edge of where global motor racing is going,” explained CEO Didier Debae.

“It is really fantastic for us to know that in 2013 we will have a great partner like BNT on board as the main Category Sponsor. This will help us raise the game even further and consolidate V8 SuperTourers position as the premier racing class in New Zealand.”