Prodrive Racing extends agreement with Penske's Western Star

Prodrive Racing (Australia)'s V8 Supercars transporters will continue to be hauled by Western Star Trucks prime movers until at least the end of 2017, after both companies agreed to a two-year contract extension.

The two-time defending Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Champions and team of current Championship leader Mark Winterbottom has been working with Western Star Trucks since the start of 2014. The alliance has been a successful one both on-highway and on the race track.

"Over the last two years Western Star Trucks has been an invaluable partner to our team so it is great news for everyone involved that we will continue that for at least another two," said Prodrive Racing CEO Tim Edwards.

"Together we've won Bathurst, and shared many other successes to date. Throughout it all, we've benefitted and relied on the power of Western Star Trucks to get us to and from the track.

"Our on-highway fuel efficiency is the best we've ever experienced, and when you drive as far as we do each season across Australia, that makes a big difference to the overall cost reduction and efficiencies."

The team use two custom-designed-and-built 5800SS prime movers, powered by Detroit DD15 engines and fitted with Truck-Lite accessories.

Penske Transportation Group International, general manager marketing, Kimberley Ruddock said the partnership has been mutually beneficial one.

"It is great to be continuing our successful partnership with Prodrive Racing," Ruddock said.

"The success on the race track we've shared, coupled with marketing and promotional benefits of the relationship, means our partnership is multi-faceted and works across our entire business.

"The fuel-efficiency data from the team's on-highway use of the 5800SS is positive, and our engineers are using this to enhance our product range."

Prodrive Racing has a technical agreement with the DJR Team Penske race team in V8 Supercars. Both run Ford Falcon FG Xs and share data and information.

Prodrive Racing's next assignment is the long-haul drive from its Melbourne base to Townsville for the Castrol EDGE Townsville 400 on 10-12 July, the next event on the V8 Supercars calendar.

The Castrol EDGE Townsville 400 kicks off on Friday - click here for all the TV broadcast details.

The Castrol EDGE Townsville 400 will be shown on Saturday and Sunday on Channel TEN, with coverage beginning at 12pm and races LIVE from 4.15pm EST each day.

FOX SPORTS 506 will show the weekend in full kicking off on Friday and including all three practice sessions from 7am, as well as the weekend's qualifying and racing LIVE, starting at 7.30am on Saturday and 7.55am on Sunday.