Virgin partnership will “benefit the fans”

The freshly announced Naming Rights Partnership between Virgin Australia and V8 Supercars is going to generate tourism, and be beneficial for business and fans of the sport, according to Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti.

Speaking at the launch yesterday, Borghetti indicated the passion of V8 Supercars fans, along with the national nature of the sport is what drew his company to signing a five-year Naming Rights Partnership deal.

”We’re thrilled to become the Naming Rights Partner,” he said.

“It [V8 Supercars] is a great generator of domestic tourism, which is perfect for us.”

As a part of the Naming Rights Partnership deal, V8 Supercars fans will have access to special deals on flights, accommodation and V8 Supercars event tickets through the new Supercars Travel portal on the Virgin Australia website.

“There is no doubt that this will benefit both of our businesses, absolutely no doubt,” said Borghetti.

“Importantly it will benefit the sport, importantly it will benefit tourism and very importantly it will benefit the fans.”

Borghetti identified the fans as one of the key reasons behind Virgin Australia’s decision to come on board. He also pointed out that relationships in business are important, and that he felt the relationship between Virgin Australia and V8 Supercars was the right fit.

“V8 Supercars is absolutely a grass roots sport, with passionate fans right across the nation. We know that because we carry some,” he said.

“We look forward to being a part of the sport that you have developed so very well.

“Business is about relationships, and I am delighted with the V8 [Supercars] relationship in the past, and going into the future.”

V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton echoed Borghetti’s sentiments.

“It’s fantastic to have one of Australia’s most recognisable and premium brands step right in behind V8 Supercars,” he said.

“It is testament to the strength of the sport, and really cements our place in the Australian landscape.

“More importantly, it is a massive win for the fans. The Anytime, Any Race, Anywhere packages that Virgin will create in conjunction with V8 Supercars mean that the fans will find an even easier, more affordable way to attend our races, which is terrific.”

Craig Lowndes gave his stamp of approval at the launch yesterday, saying the opportunity to understand the all-inclusive cost of attendance was important for fans.

The next event for the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship is the Perth SuperSprint across the weekend of May 6-8.