Livery leaves Erebus tickled pink
Erebus Motorsport and iconic Australian brand Wendy's are set to make a bold statement at Mount Panorama for this week's Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 after today unveiling a bright pink livery for The Great Race.
Wendy's has chosen Australia's most famous motor race as the launching pad for its first foray into V8 Supercars sponsorship as title rights partner for Erebus Motorsport's #4 car to be driven by rising stars Ash Walsh and Jack Le Brocq.
The Wendy's pink livery will adorn the #4 car for Bathurst and the remaining three Australia-based events on the V8 Supercars calendar at the Castrol Gold Coast 600, WD-30 Phillip Island Supersprint and Coates Hire Sydney 500.
Asked his thoughts about driving a pink car, Erebus Motorsport pilot Ash Walsh joked: "Real men wear Pink, don't they?"
"Seriously though, it's fantastic to have the support of Wendy's for Bathurst and the remainder of this year. It's the company's first time involved in V8 Supercars so hopefully we can give them a taste of what it's like and have a strong weekend on the track.
"The car looks great and I know the guys here at the workshop have been working right around the clock to have it ready in time for Bathurst.
"I know the Wendy's pink is certainly going to turn a few heads up on top of the mountain."
Wendy's Chief Executive Officer Karin Hattingh said the new partnership with Erebus Motorsport represented a different strategy for the 36-year-old Australian iconic company.
"Getting into motorsport is quite a step away from where we would normally focus our activities, so this is a genuinely exciting venture for us,'' she said.
"We like the idea of fresh, eye-catching and edgy, so were are very keen to see the bright pink Wendy's car going around at Bathurst.
"We've been around for a long time. This is our first step into the field of V8 Supercars but I see it as a perfect fit - big, loud, professional and fun for the fans.
"Our customers are much like racing fans - there is a plenty of colour, lots of noise and everyone is ready to have a great experience.
"Wendy's has always been about the fun, and providing our customers with a great experience, every time. Not that we would expect the drivers in the #4 car to pit stop with a thick shake, but maybe a sneaky treat might help get them through the six hour race!"
Erebus Motorsport Owner Betty Klimenko welcomed the partnership with Wendy's and declared the first-time support of the company marked a new era for V8 Supercars.
"Erebus is excited with our new partnership with Wendy's, it brings a fresh feel to the field and shows that it is not all oil, trucks and energy drinks," said Klimenko.
"They bring a new and fresh outlook to the sport and like myself, think outside the box.
"I finally get to have a pink car, and love the way the Wendy's management thinks. For their first time in the sport, they are coming in with new ideas and a fun and exciting feel to the way they do things.
"This partnership marks a new way of partnering for the sport and I hope other companies that are not usually involved with V8 Supercars follow Wendy's example and take the plunge. It is so worth it and it's a sport the whole family can enjoy.
"We have quite a few female fans and I am sure they are going to fall in love with the car, the concept and the fact that the CEO of Wendy's and myself are both females. The face of V8 Supercars is definitely changing and I am thrilled to be a part of it."
The Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 kicks off on Thursday - click here for full event details.
