Asia Offline: Faulkner gets disconnected
9/1/2001 23:03 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) - John Faulkner’s 2001 V8 Supercar campaign is in disarray after today being disconnected by his principal sponsor, Asia Online.
The Melbourne-based JFR squad was told of the decision yesterday, ending a one-year association with the emerging online company.
Asia Online cited “a new company focus” as reason for the split.
“Asia Online has redirected its sponsorship focus to concentrate on the business sector,” Marketing Director Simon Fenwick said.
“Because of this, the decision has been made that the ongoing sponsorship opportunity with JFR does not exist with that new focus and direction of our business,” he explained.
Owner/driver Faulkner today spoke of his disappointment in losing the company’s support after, what he believed, was a productive relationship.
“Obviously we are disappointed that Asia Online won’t be with us this year,” a dejected Faulkner said.
“We worked very hard during the year developing a highly professional image both on and off the track. I have been ecstatic with what we have been able to achieve with Asia Online in 2000 and I know it has been something that our fans and the public have noticed.”
“We take some comfort in knowing that the decision was based on Asia Online’s decision to refocus their sponsorship budget into strictly the business sector and not into the sporting arena in 2001,” he said.
While Faulkner’s auxiliary sponsors (Cummins, Tycon and Pepsi among them) have reaffirmed their support for the coming season, the team will be without a major backer come the Australian Grand Prix unless one can be sought over the next few weeks.
“Our major hurdle now is securing a naming rights sponsor before the start of the season which is only seven or so weeks away. We have a few balls up in the air but nothing concrete at this stage,” Faulkner said.
Today’s announcement is the second major sponsor to leave the sport over the off-season, after Mark Larkham lost his principal sponsor, Mitre 10.
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