Subaru unveiled as TT's Official Car Partner in major three-year deal
Subaru has been appointed Official Car Partner of the Isle of Man TT, fuelled by Monster Energy, in a major coup for the Isle of Man Government’s Department of Economic Development.
The three-year deal will see the car giant provide its latest models for use by the TT organisation to help manage the running of the event, including the course inspection and roads open and closed duties.
The popular Subaru range includes the Legacy sedan, Outback, Forester and Impreza models, and the marquee has a rich rally heritage. Subaru enjoys massive global sales – setting a new sales record in 2010 – and an outstanding reputation for performance, safety, practicality and reliability, as well as world-beating technology such as the Boxer engine and all-wheel-drive system.
As part of the sponsorship, Subaru will also be involved in a closed road demonstration lap around the iconic 37¾ mile Mountain Course at this year’s TT.
Rally legend Tony Pond was the last driver to drive a closed road car lap of the course, in 1990.
Watch a clip of Tony Pond’s TT Mountain course lap
Manx rally star, and official 2011 Subaru Rally Team USA driver, David Higgins, will be the driver on the closed road car lap. He is a two-time US Rally Champion, as well as 2004 British Rally Champion.
Commenting on the closed road demonstration lap he said:
“Having grown up on the Isle of Man I understand that the TT Races has a mythical status and an incredible heritage and I am looking forward to adding another chapter to its history.”
“The Mountain Course represents a stunning drive, but for once I’m not going to have much chance to take in the views.”
As part of the deal, Subaru will also receive full trackside branding throughout the TT, programme and race guide advertising plus promotion and banners on the official TT website.
Economic Development Minister Allan Bell said:
“This is a really strong commercial deal for the TT Races that will also open up some excellent promotional opportunities for the event and the Isle of Man and highlights how strong the TT now is as a global sporting property.”
“I am delighted that we have attracted a sponsor as prestigious as Subaru and we look forward to building a long-term partnership with the company.”
Isle of Man Tourism political member Geoff Corkish added:
“The name Subaru has become synonymous with rally success on the Isle of Man and we look forward to welcoming them in such an integral role in the TT Races.”
Photo courtesy of Jakob Ebrey
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