Prodrive deal set in steel

Prodrive Racing (Australia) is pleased to announce its 12-year partnership with steel distribution company Orrcon Steel will continue beyond 2016 with the long-time sponsor extending its deal for an additional two years.

A featured brand on both Mark Winterbottom and Cameron Waters' FG X Fords, Orrcon Steel will continue in a similar capacity in 2017 and beyond after celebrating its 15th year in the Supercars category in 2016.

As part of the newly-signed deal with Orrcon Steel, one of its key businesses Metalcorp will also become part of the PRA family for the next two years.

Focused on steel supply to the rural sector, Metalcorp will feature on Mildura-local Cameron Waters' #6 Monster Energy Ford from the Sydney 500 event alongside existing partner Orrcon Steel.

"It's really exciting to have Metalcorp come on board," said Waters. "I'm from a rural town in Victoria so to partner with a rural focused company is a really good fit.

"Orrcon Steel has been such an integral part of the Prodrive team for such a long time and a great supporter of mine in the first year of my Supercars career. To have both brands on my car is a bonus and I have no doubt our relationship will be further enhanced with Metalcorp."

After developing a strong partnership with the company over many years, Mark Winterbottom is pleased to see Orrcon Steel extend its term with the team.

"It's fantastic to have Orrcon Steel back on board," said Winterbottom.

"They've been with the team since the early days and have been a big supporter of mine since the start. They were the major sponsor on my car for six years and were there with me for my Bathurst and Championship win, so to have them sign on again and continue that loyalty is great."

"I've been a part of many great events with Orrcon Steel over the years, so I'm excited to see that continue and to have Team Steel with me again next year."

Orrcon Steel National Sales and Marketing Manager Lester Kirkwood says the brand’s motorsport program is an important part of its culture.

"We have been involved in the Supercars category for 15 years now and Prodrive Racing has played a big part in that," said Kirkwood.

"The motorsport platform is a key part of our customer relationship program which our customers and staff value. The accessibility and hospitality given to us by Prodrive Racing and its staff is why we've had such a strong relationship for so many years. Prodrive Racing and Orrcon Steel values align and that is an incredibly important part of this partnership."

Prodrive Racing Team Principal and CEO Tim Edwards is also excited for the relationship to continue.

"The Orrcon Steel family have been an important part of our partnership family for many years now and our businesses have grown together. Their business mantra “We’ll see it through” has been demonstrated over many years.

"There are a lot of exciting things happening within the category and the team over the next two years and it's great that Orrcon Steel will be a part of it all as they have been in the past.

"They have been a part of our team for 12 years and a supporter of the sport for 15 years, so it is fantastic for them to continue their long-term relationship with the category."

The Metalcorp logo will feature on car six from practice at the Coates Hire Sydney 500.