JELD-WEN and Schwerkolt part ways

Charlie Schwerkolt Racing (CSR) has today confirmed the exit of major partner JELD-WEN Windows and Doors at the end of the 2014 season.

The decision comes after two years of partnership between CSR and JELD-WEN, that has seen the JELD-WEN brand broadcast to over 40 million television viewers, and has grown their Australian business by over four-million dollars.

This announcement follows last week's news that CSR has signed race-winning driver Lee Holdsworth on a multi-year agreement beginning in 2015.

JELD-WEN has undergone changes in its corporate structure in both the United States and Australia, following a private equity take-over earlier this year, leading to the reduction of marketing budgets and the cessation of the partnership at the end of 2014.

2015 will see a rejuvenation of the sport, with incredible amounts of coverage through V8 Supercars' partnership with News Limited, Foxtel and Channel Ten.

Team Owner Charlie Schwerkolt said that whilst it was disappointing to see JELD-WEN leave the team, it also provided the opportunity to put together an exciting new chapter in the team's history as we enter a new phase of the sport.

"We're still seeking major backing for the 2015 season, however with Lee Holdsworth behind the wheel of the #18, we will be one of the most competitive packages in the field, and will offer immense value to any company looking to build their brand nationwide," Schwerkolt said.

"We offer huge opportunity to all of our partners. We've worked hard with JELD-WEN over the last two years, assisting them to grow their business through fantastic business to business opportunities which have brought over $4 million into their Corinthian Doors business.

"We are a sport with a massive viewing audience - 19 million people watched V8 Supercars on television last year, and this year that number is increasing. Bathurst alone was watched by 5.8million people! The multi-platform set-up next year will see us airing in prime-time on free-to-air TV for the first time, alongside Foxtel's Live High Definition offering. Any company that partners with us will be given great value for money," Schwerkolt said.