Penrite Racing to run branding of new Perth Bears NRL franchise
Penrite Oil announces new partnership with Bears
Team leader Matt Payne leads Supercars Championship by 92 points
Supercars and the NRL will crossover in Perth, with teams' championship leaders Penrite Racing to team up with the incoming Perth Bears franchise.
The link-up sees the Bears take prominent signage on the bonnets of Repco Supercars Championship leader Matt Payne and Kai Allen's Fords, whilst Penrite Oil have also been confirmed as one of the Bears' Foundation Major Partners.
The Bears name is synonymous with rugby league. The North Sydney Bears were one of rugby league's founding teams in 1908, and last competed in the NRL in 1999.
2027 will see the Bears moniker return to the NRL, this time based in an expansion team in Western Australia. Rugby League immortal Mal Meninga will be head coach.
Both the Penrite/Bears partnership and the new-look Penrite Racing Mustangs were unveiled at a special launch event at Penrite's Perth warehouse on Wednesday evening, in front of fans, Penrite staff, and Perth Bears officials.
"We're looking forward to working with Penrite Oil and the Perth Bears at the Perth Super 440," said Penrite Racing CEO Brenton Grove.
"We know the Perth Supercars fans are certainly passionate about their motorsport and we expect the passion for the Perth Bears to be just as strong as they begin to make their mark on the city.
"The Penrite Racing Mustangs will be looking sharp at Wanneroo this weekend and we can’t wait to put on a show in Western Australia both in the lead up to the event and during the race weekend itself.”
Penrite Oil CEO Toby Dymond added: "We’re excited to unveil the new Penrite Racing livery for the Perth Supercars round as we welcome the Perth Bears into the Penrite family.
"Their branding on the bonnet creates a bold cross connection between two teams that share a strong focus on performance, teamwork and winning.
"The Perth round is always an incredible event, and we’re excited to showcase the new look in front of the fans this weekend. This is the beginning of an exciting partnership, and we look forward to building on it ahead of the Perth Bears upcoming NRL season.”
As part of tie-up, a number of Perth Bears VIPs and special guests will be in the Penrite Racing garage throughout the weekend.
Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie said: "Perth has an incredibly passionate, parochial sporting fanbase that lives and breathes high performance. What better way to launch the partnership than with this high-octane collaboration between Penrite and the Perth Bears.”
Payne leads the championship by 92 points heading into the weekend, and is in the box seat to clinch the first spot in the Repco Supercars Finals Series.
