Long-time Australian motorsport supporter, Castrol, has sealed a deal to become the platform naming rights sponsor for the Townsville street race from July 4-6.

The oil giant replaces Sucrogen with the event run at the Reid Park street circuit to be known as the Castrol Townsville 500.

In breaking the Townsville news it has also become known that Castrol EDGE is also the official oil partner of the V8 Supercars Championship.

Added to the Townsville backing, Castrol has also put its name to the teams’ championship with the award now being known as the Castrol EDGE Teams’ Trophy.

V8 chief executive James Warburton said the multi-year commitment from Castrol was a logical step.

“Castrol has one of the strongest pedigrees in motorsport through leadership in technology and commercial support of teams, drivers and organisations from a raft of motorsport disciplines across decades of involvement,” Warburton said in an official statement.

“As a company entrenched in world motorsport it is a logical step to add Australia’s biggest category, and one of the biggest sports, to its brand portfolio.

General Manager of Castrol Australasia Sean Rahaley said the fresh deal continues a proud heritage of the company which has been involved in 19 Bathurst 1000 victories.

“Castrol has enjoyed a rich history in Australian motor racing and continuing this in an official capacity with one of the greatest touring car championships in the world is an exciting time for our organisation, V8 Supercars and the fans,” Rahaley said.

“I’m certainly looking forward to seeing an increased presence in the sport on top of our already strong association with the Pepsi Max Crew FPR, Supercheap Auto Racing and Nissan Motorsport outfits.

“Castrol EDGE with Titanium Fluid Strength Technology is our strongest oil and thus we have chosen to partner with one of the largest racing categories in the world.”

The Castrol EDGE brand will also present V8 Supercars’ latest telecast concept, an official kilometre counter during each of the live races across the Seven Network.

Castrol Australia marketing director Diana Hall says the link between the Castrol EDGE product goes directly back to the brand’s key demographic.

“Castrol’s DNA has become anchored in motorsport over generations and is the perfect brand fit within the V8 Supercars community,” Hall said.

“We’re always searching for opportunities to continually push the boundaries and what better place than within the V8 Supercar environment’s extreme and punishing conditions for car and driver.”

Castrol Bathurst 1000 Facts
• Nineteen Bathurst 1000 victories have been achieved on Castrol oils
• The late, great Peter Brock won eight of his record-breaking nine Bathurst 1000 victories on Castrol oils
•Castrol first tasted success at Mount Panorama in 1969 when Colin Bond and Tony Roberts took their Holden Monaro GTS 350 to victory
•Castrol has played an integral role in many teams engines since the first Bathurst enduro was staged in 1963