SuperGP newsletter 2009-07-10

NITRO SUPERGP SET TO TAKE-OFF WITH STRATEGIC AIRLINES

The 2009 Nitro SuperGP has confirmed Queensland company Strategic Airlines as a major event partner and naming rights sponsor of support category Formula Ford for this October's event, set to hit the streets of Surfers Paradise over October 22-25.

Part of the Strategic Aviation Group, the international airline is Australia's newest and will be the Official Airline Sponsor of the Nitro SuperGP after extending its partnership following a successful inaugural arrangement in 2008.

This year's 19th annual event will bring together A1GP World Cup of Motorsport and the home-grown V8 Supercars Championship Series for the first time along with a bumper support category including Strategic Airlines Formula Ford, for four days and nights of action at what is one of the world's great sporting festivals.

Nitro SuperGP General Manager Greg Hooton said he was pleased to welcome Strategic Airlines on board as the official airline sponsor of the event, and encouraged corporate clients to keep them in mind for their travel needs this October.

"What Strategic Airlines is undertaking within the aviation industry is indeed very exciting, especially in today's climate, and I couldn't be happier to welcome them again as a major event partner and naming rights sponsor of our event's Formula Ford round," said Hooton.

"Michael and his team are working very hard to see the operation in the air and servicing corporate clients across a wide variety of sectors by September, while also turning their eye to helping the community and I applaud them for that.

"There is now just over 100 days left to go before all of the event action, including racing from Strategic Airlines Formula Ford, takes-off on our streets and I am looking forward to having them along for the ride."

Strategic Airlines Managing Director Michael James said the airline would be ready for take-off in September of this year with the first aircraft of the inaugural fleet arriving earlier this week.

"The arrival of the first aircraft was a positive development for the Australian aviation industry in the present climate, and we are ecstatic to be able to say that we will be in the air come September as Australia's newest international airline," said James.

"As a company we are committed to acting as a dedicated corporate citizen through support of events and initiatives which show support for the local region and its economy -- and with an annual local economic injection of around $60 million, the Nitro SuperGP certainly fits the bill.

"In extension of that we are pleased to be able to be the naming rights sponsor of the Formula Ford racing at the event, as this category regularly acts as a stepping stone for our next great racing talents.

"I very much enjoyed the chance to meet (local Formuia Ford competitor) Nick Foster and talk to him about the category and his racing recently, and I look forward to seeing him and his fast-paced counterparts in action in a few months time.

"With our launch in September, we will be ideally positioned to work with key corporate, mining, tourism and leisure entities for any travel needs they may have for flying to the Nitro SuperGP, and hope to see as many people as possible trackside for what is set to be a great event.

Strategic Airlines has bases in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin and also in Europe, and is positioned to offer great opportunities to potential clientele for worldwide ACMI lease and contract charter arrangements, as well as the possibility to work with groups for sporting, entertainment, incentive and group travel arrangements.

The 2009 Nitro SuperGP will host Event 11 of the V8 Supercars Championship Series and the first round of the 2009/10 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport season.

-credit: supergp.com