Cataclean joins forces with Kwik Fit and NAPA in industry-leading deal
BTCC helps forge partnership between three successful automotive brands
An industry-leading partnership between Cataclean, Kwik Fit and NAPA has been announced at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed, as the three hugely successful automotive brands struck a deal, largely thanks to a relationship built in the BTCC.
The partnership itself sees Cataclean named as the official supplier to Kwik Fit of fuel and engine additives, whilst NAPA will distribute the product on behalf of Cataclean to Kwik Fit’s more than 700 retail autocentres.
Kwik Fit – the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company – has been title sponsor of the British Touring Car Championship since 2019 and has been a huge supporter of the UK’s leading motorsport series ever since.
Kwik Fit’s BTCC exhibition stand at the Festival of Speed is a perfect example of its activations around the championship, whilst this headlining B2B deal with Cataclean also highlights the myriad ways in which the BTCC provides a quality return on investment.
Cataclean is no stranger to the BTCC paddock of course, having supported multiple race-winner Dan Rowbottom since 2017. Rowbottom’s on and off-track drive and business acumen has been instrumental in bringing the three great brands together.
The brand has long been established across the UK’s automotive aftermarket sector, developing and manufacturing its fuel and exhaust system cleaner since 1995. Cataclean is an ideal product for Kwik Fit and its customers, cleaning the entire fuel and exhaust system in one simple treatment, reducing harmful emissions, improves MPG and keeps the vehicle running better, cleaner and for longer. Results, of course, may vary with age of vehicle, driving style and climate.
NAPA – with its 260 branches and 26 distribution hubs across the UK – has also played an integral role in the deal, being ideally placed to distribute the Cataclean products to all Kwik Fit Centres around the country.
ITV’s Sport’s well-known BTCC presenter Louise Goodman made the announcement at the world renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed, and was joined on-stage by Mark Slade (CEO, Kwik Fit), Mat Adams (Key Account Operations Manager, AAG/NAPA), Dan Rowbottom (Brand Ambassador – Cataclean/BTCC Driver – NAPA Racing UK) and William Jones (Sales Director, Cataclean Global Limited) to confirm details of the deal, whilst BTCC Chief Executive Alan Gow also had his say on this fantastic partnership.
William Jones, Sales Director – Cataclean, said: “We are delighted to be here announcing this magnificent partnership. At Cataclean, we have always looked at our sponsorship in motorsport from a commercial perspective and not just being a sticker on the car. This is something you have to work hard at by bringing partnerships such as this together and we would like to thank everyone at Kwik Fit, NAPA and the BTCC for playing a part in this announcement.”
Dan Rowbottom, Brand Ambassador – Cataclean/BTCC Driver – NAPA Racing UK, said: “This truly is an industry leading partnership, and I couldn’t be prouder in playing a part in bringing these three great automotive brands together. It also wouldn’t have been possible without our participation in the BTCC and the relationships that we’ve been able to build there. Everyone at Cataclean is looking forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Kwik Fit and NAPA.”
Tom Gentle, Head of Retail Marketing – Kwik Fit, said: “Kwik Fit has been Title Sponsor of the British Touring Car Championship for a number of years now and we couldn’t be happier with its return in value, whilst also helping to build new relationships such as this with Cataclean. We’re looking forward to showcasing Kwik Fit and the BTCC across four days here at Goodwood, and this long-term partnership with Cataclean is the perfect way to kick things off.”
Adam McNaney, UK Group Marketing Manager – NAPA, said: “NAPA Auto Parts are delighted with this deal, which further strengthens our relationship with Cataclean, Kwik Fit and BTCC. A true partnership which would not have happened without the platform of BTCC and the desire from the three brands to work together.”
Alan Gow, Chief Executive – BTCC, said: “The relationship between Cataclean, Kwik Fit and NAPA is the perfect example of a business-to-business relationship that can take place in the BTCC. Kwik Fit has already expressed that the BTCC is one of the best B2B environments they’ve ever worked in, not just because of this deal. Of course, we are proud of this partnership as it perfectly underlines what the BTCC is all about when it comes to business-to-business relationships.”
Goodyear preview: Turkington discusses ‘unique challenges’ of Thruxton
The fourth weekend of the British Touring Car Championship takes the series to Thruxton Circuit. With its high speed layout and abrasive surface, it’s the only BTCC circuit where only the Goodyear hard compound tyre will be available.
Located about 30 miles north of Southampton, Thruxton first hosted the BTCC back in 1969. The venue started its life as an airfield in 1941, and was home to both the Royal Air Force and United States Air Force during world war two.
Goodyear will bring the hard compound tyre specification this weekend, which is designed to handle high load demands. This tyre specification delivers performance characteristics to complement with the high vertical & lateral forces generated by the combination of 11 corners that make up the 2.36-mile Thruxton circuit.
The hard tyre has already been used this year at Snetterton alongside the soft and medium, and will return at the next two events at Oulton Park and Croft.
Four-time champion Colin Turkington spoke to Goodyear as a preview to the weekend action at the most demanding circuit on the calendar.
“Thruxton is a difficult one given the high speed and abrasive nature that’s really hard on the tyres,'' explains the 69-time BTCC race winner. “You really feel it in qualifying because you’re out for one or two warm up laps and you have to manage the pace, with only one shot to get a perfect lap during each qualifying run”, Turkington adds.
“That makes Thruxton a unique challenge, given the nature of the circuit, it’s high speed but it’s also bumpy, so you need a car that gives you confidence. The soft and medium Goodyear tyres give a bit more feel, so making sure the setup gets us into a good place confidence wise is key with only the hard available.
“Finding that compliance means we will likely run the car a bit softer at Thruxton,” Turkington continues. “It makes managing the tyre a bit better so we’re competitive at the end of races. Kerbs are also a huge factor, particularly the last chicane where there’s a mega high kerb. That has a big impact on the car and tyre, so some real unique challenges!”
Zeus Cloud Racing With WSR
Presenting: Bobby Thompson’s Zeus Cloud Racing with WSR BMW 330e M Sport
Zeus Cloud Racing with WSR are very pleased to present the new-look BMW 330e M Sport that will be driven by Bobby Thompson in the remaining eight rounds of the British Touring Car Championship.
Unveiled today (Thursday), ahead of this weekend’s triple-header event at Snetterton, the BMW 3 Series carries the striking and distinctive branding of Zeus Cloud, a market-leading enterprise solutions integrator and provider of cutting-edge technology services.
Every one of Zeus Cloud Racing with WSR’s races will be broadcast live in the UK on ITV4 and globally without restrictions on the ITV Sport TikTok channel. Coverage at Snetterton begins at 1050 on Sunday on ITV4 and online on ITV X.
Dick Bennetts, Team Principal, said: “Bringing Bobby into the team would not have been possible without the support of Zeus Cloud, so we’re very pleased to showcase them on the #19 BMW across the rest of the BTCC season. Many people have said that they think Bobby is a race winner with the right machinery and we agree, so we’re sure it’s going to be a car fans take a lot of interest in this year. We are also very grateful for all the effort put in by Path Marketing and Ergo Consultancy.”
Bobby’s Back! Thompson joins Zeus Cloud Racing with WSR
Zeus Cloud Racing with WSR will debut at next weekend’s Snetterton British Touring Car Championship round with fan favourite Bobby Thompson at the wheel of a BMW 330e M Sport.
The news ensures that a fourth BMW will be on the grid for the remainder of the season with multiple podium-finisher Bobby carrying his familiar #19 on the WSR designed, built and run race car.
The 27-year-old from Hornchurch has scored three podium finishes in the BTCC over the past two seasons and was the series Jack Sears Trophy champion in 2022.
He will now join Colin Turkington, Adam Morgan and Jake Hill to complete a quartet of BMWs in the UK’s leading motor racing championship, every round of which is broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK and on ITV Sport’s TikTok channel globally.
This exciting new partnership with 16-time BTCC champions WSR marks the first foray into the series for Zeus Cloud.
Zeus Cloud is a market-leading enterprise solutions integrator and provider of cutting-edge technology services, which are designed to help boost businesses to better thrive in today's digital and technologically centred world, especially Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
Its commitment to providing and managing services stems from a passion for finding the best and latest solutions in all fields of technology, and for this season it is a perfect partner for a BTCC programme with a team as renowned for technical excellence and advancement as WSR.
Bobby’s BMW will carry the full Zeus Cloud Racing livery, which will be unveiled ahead of the Snetterton race weekend. Zeus Cloud branding will also appear on the Team BMW cars of Colin Turkington and Adam Morgan.
Bobby Thompson said: “It's honestly a dream come true! This journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with relentless hard work and the tireless support of my incredible family. I'm immensely grateful to WSR for their unwavering belief in me, guiding me through every step, especially during the Brands Hatch test. And to Zeus Cloud and their visionary CEO, Mark, your support is beyond words – it's something I used to only dream about. With a team that's growing stronger by the day and support that's nothing short of amazing, I'm so excited to hit the track as soon as possible - I wish Snetterton was this weekend!”
Dick Bennetts, Team Principal, WSR, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bobby and Zeus Cloud to WSR. It was always clear what a determined and tenacious racer Bobby was when he was a rival, but when he tested with us in April at Brands Hatch we saw just what his capabilities were on and off-track. A huge thank you to Zeus Cloud and Path Marketing for making this programme possible. Their business is integrating cloud solutions to create one cohesive platform and running a motorsport team is very similar as we combine the skills of our team members to try to win on the racetrack. The partnership of Zeus Cloud, Bobby and the WSR BMW has everything needed to perform.”
Mark Grindey, Group CEO, Zeus Cloud, said: "Our team at Zeus Cloud are very happy to collaborate with WSR and Bobby Thompson. It's refreshing and a great opportunity to be working with people like Bobby who have worked their way up."
Dale Cullen, Managing Director, Path Marketing, said: “We are looking forward to working with Bobby, he’s a great guy and has worked hard to get where he is today. He hasn’t had the finance he needed behind him up until now, as he’s just a regular guy from Essex, but we believe this will be a major turning point for him. We wish him every success in the season.”
Global Media Properties (GMP) named exclusive commercial partner for the BTCC
Global Media Properties (GMP) proudly announces its appointment as the Exclusive Commercial Partnership Agency for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). This partnership heralds a new era of strategic collaboration aimed at driving innovation, fostering new partnerships, and enhancing consumer experiences within the UK’s premier motorsport series.
The British Touring Car Championship is one of the most prestigious and longest running motorsport championships in the world. Since its inception in 1958, the BTCC has captivated tens of millions of fans in the UK and worldwide, with its non-stop action and entertainment.
In its capacity as the Exclusive Commercial Partner, GMP will spearhead the development and execution of a dynamic commercial strategy tailored to meet the evolving demands of modern businesses and audiences. This entails reimagining the BTCC’s commercial proposition to align seamlessly with contemporary content and ROI expectations while unlocking new avenues for growth and engagement.
Moreover, GMP will extend its expertise to BTCC teams, offering support in their pursuit of new partnerships and sponsorship opportunities, further enriching the competitive landscape of the championship.
Alan Gow, CEO of the British Touring Car Championship, remarked, “As we embark on this exciting journey with GMP, we are confident that their innovative approach and strategic insights will elevate the BTCC to new heights of commercial success and audience engagement.”
Greg Albrecht, CEO of Global Media Properties, commented, “Securing the BTCC as a client is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of commercial partnerships. We are eager to collaborate with Alan and his team to unlock the full potential of the championship and deliver unparalleled value to commercial partners and consumers alike.”
For more information about Global Media Properties and the British Touring Car Championship, please visit www.globalmediaproperties.co or www.btcc.net.
About Global Media Properties (GMP): Global Media Properties is an integrated agency providing innovative commercial solutions in the realm of sports, arts and culture, entertainment, and tourism. Utilising its four core verticals of sales, content creation, data/insights, and asset development, GMP strives to unlock new opportunities and enhance experiences for partners and audiences worldwide.
Contact: Greg Albrecht, CEO, Global Media Properties (GMP): +1 (416) 399-7293 or galbrecht@globalmediaproperties.co
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The British Touring Car Championship is one of the best-loved, most illustrious and famous motor racing championships in the world. Only Formula 1 and America’s NASCAR stock car series have longer histories – since its inception in 1958, it has attracted and captivated millions of fans around the world.
Saloon car racing was a huge success from the very start, with the public packing into Britain’s motor sport venues to watch the top drivers of the day compete in racing versions of their road cars at simply unbelievable speeds. It’s a lasting appeal that to this day continues to deliver a punch and panache that is the envy of every other motor sporting arena in the UK.
Traditional, great British names such as Jaguar, Austin, Ford, Mini, Lotus, Sunbeam and Triumph – often with top international stars, including Formula 1 drivers, at the wheel – were all winners in the first 20 years, each aware of the importance of using the BTCC to showcase their latest models.
By the Eighties, the BTCC was moving with the times and beginning to develop a truly international flavour. Mazda, Toyota and Alfa Romeo were the first three winners of the decade as the championship continued to be run for several classes of car, but the mighty Ford RS500 and BMW M3 – dominant as the Nineties loomed – are probably the two most evocative models of the period.
It was in the Nineties, however, that the BTCC truly boomed. The championship was already beginning to grow in stature, with regular television coverage on the BBC’s flagship sports show, Grandstand. When the decision was taken to make the BTCC exclusively for 2-litre cars, it instantly created closer racing and attracted a host of high-profile manufacturers, teams and drivers to the series. Combined with enhanced television coverage and marketing genius, this made the BTCC essential viewing for millions throughout the UK – and many millions more around the world.
Trackside crowd figures nudged the 40,000 mark as the calendar evolved into a major UK tour with events being added in Scotland and Wales. The social element of the championship quickly became important, and as is the case now, there was no substitute for ‘being there’. Few other sports have enjoyed such rapid growth in popularity.
Unsurprisingly, manufacturers simply could not afford to miss out on the enormous marketing value of competing in the BTCC and Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Toyota, Vauxhall and Volvo were all quick to join the party. Every one of them has the BTCC to thank for being a part of their ongoing growth in the UK over the years.
Key to the BTCC’s enduring success has been the potential for independently-run teams to face off against major manufacturers on a level playing field without the need for factory support. The consistently close competition is testament to carefully formulated sporting and technical regulations, allowing any number of entrants on the capacity grid to experience success – regardless of car body styles or engineering philosophy.
The BTCC became the first major touring car championship in the world to introduce hybrid power in 2022, and was significantly enhanced for the 2024 campaign with cars now receiving around double the amount of hybrid-boost.
Now with unprecedented levels of national television coverage, ITV agreed a long-term contract extension up until the end of 2026, whilst the championship will be broadcast globally for the first time in its history thanks to a world-first deal between ITV and TikTok.
A new qualifying format, enhancement to the hybrid system and the Goodyear tyre options will undoubtedly spice up the action on-track for the year ahead, whilst a new media and broadcast strategy will ensure fans can follow the UK's biggest and best championship more than ever before!
One Motorsport to take a pause from BTCC in 2024
One Motorsport can today (21 February) announce that it will take a planned pause from competing in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship for the 2024 season, with the aim of returning to the grid to fight for outright honours in 2025.
Having spent a number of years operating as a successful and totally independent front-running team in the UK’s premier motorsport series, Team Owner Steve Dudman has made the difficult decision to press pause on the outfits immediate involvement in the championship this year.
While the team may not be lining up on the grid this year, the team aims to undertake an extensive development programme and testing on its fleet of Honda Civic Type Rs, before a planned return to the entry list in 2025.
Since debuting in the BTCC, the Brackley-based outfit - formerly known as BTC Racing - has enjoyed tremendous success, with back-to-back Independent Drivers’ and Teams’ with a total of 19 wins and 52 podiums.
The highlight of earning the aforementioned Independents crowns in 2022 and 2023 showed the strength, dedication, and professionalism of every member of the race team, in particular the contribution and leadership of Paul Hartley.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision to make however it has been made for the betterment of the team and guaranteeing our future success in the sport,” said One Motorsport Team Owner, Steve Dudman.
“It goes without saying that everyone shall be facing their own challenges this year, from drivers to sponsors alike, and we are no different to that. There has been a lot of back and forth in regard to what our 2024 plans would be, but when I finally made this decision after discussion with TOCA, I knew deep down it was the right one at this time.
“We won’t be downing tools as we have clear programme of work that we want to carry out on both our chassis’, aero and cooling systems together with our engine programmes this year with our highly respected partners NBE. With what we hope will be a year on the sidelines, we can come back next season in a strong position and hit the ground running and with a fresh look in everything we do. We’ll be sure to keep everyone posted as things progress.
“I have to say a massive thank you to every team member, each supplier and race partner supplying us with such strong support in the championship that has been with us on this journey so far, as without them all, we wouldn’t have achieved anywhere near the amount of the success we have done in the series.
“A heartfelt thank you also goes to our three drivers from last year - Josh Cook, Aiden Moffat and Jade Edwards - for their unrelenting hard work and commitment. I’m sure they will enjoy plenty of success in their endeavours this year. A special mention to Bob & Donna Moffat, Phil & Sue Hartley, Debbie & Chris Palmer and the rest of the whole hospitality team, as well as our media team for their support in 2023. Also, a massive thank you to all of our friends, fans and supporters, you are all very special people to us.
“Finally, I’d like to thank Alan Gow and TOCA for their understanding and guidance on this matter. It goes without saying that we’ll be keeping a keen eye on the Championship this year and we wish the other teams and drivers the very best of luck for the forthcoming season."
