Penrite thanks Erebus as five-year sponsorship ends

Penrite has thanked Erebus Motorsport and the team's fans after the Australian company announced the end of its sponsorship of the Holden squad.

The oil brand joined Erebus in 2015 when it backed its #9 Mercedes entry towards the end of the season.

Penrite branding remained for the full 2016 season, on the #9 driven by new recruit David Reynolds, as the team switched to Commodores.

Reynolds delivered the biggest moment for the Erebus-Penrite partnership 12 months later as he claimed a remarkable Bathurst victory with Luke Youlden.

Penrite’s departure comes amid major changes for Erebus, which will take on an all-new driver line-up in 2021.

Young guns Will Brown and Brodie Kostecki, who co-drove for the team in 2020, will replace Reynolds and Dick Johnson Racing-bound Anton De Pasquale.

"Penrite Oil Australia announces that the company’s marketing alliance with the Erebus Motorsport Supercar team has come to an end after a five year association," a company statement reads.

"The Australian company joined the team 2015 and became their title sponsor as it grew to a two car team four years later.

"Penrite Oil Australia’s tenure with the team was highlighted with an outstanding Bathurst 1000 victory for Penrite Racing drivers David Reynolds and Luke Youlden in 2017."

Erebus re-signed Penrite as its major sponsor following the Bathurst win, before the brand upped its backing for 2019 with title sponsorship of both cars as the team adopted the 'Penrite Racing' name.

The Penrite-Erebus partnership was responsible for a number of standout liveries, including the gold finish for its Bathurst defence in 2018, a camouflage number at Townsville in 2019, a KISS-themed livery in 2019 and an Aussie-inspired look for last year's Bathurst 1000.

"This association saw the proudly Australian owned Penrite brand promoted strongly across the country and in New Zealand over the years, linked to highly talented drivers and a team that continued to improve throughout the timeframe of Penrite’s sponsorship involvement," the statement continued.

"Penrite Oil Australia takes this opportunity to thank Erebus Motorsport for their efforts and the vast Penrite Racing fan base for their strong support over the past five years.

"Penrite Oil Australia will be making further announcements related to its exciting 2021 motorsport marketing program shortly."

Erebus is yet to announce a new title sponsor ahead of the 2021 season, which will commence at the Mt Panorama 500 across February 26-28.