THE DAWNING OF A NEW ERA
15 March 2007 - Virgin Mobile Racing

Virgin Media Optoma Loans Yamaha has launched its 2007 team to the world at Croft circuit in North Yorkshire.

The new team, resplendent in it’s new livery was unveiled along with the Virgin Media Cup class of 2007. Virgin Media Optoma Loans Yamaha is undoubtedly the largest team in the paddock, fielding a two-man British Superbike team of Tommy Hill and James Haydon, a two-man British Supersport team of Billy McConnell and Tom Grant, and the 29-rider line-up of the Virgin Media Cup.

Yamaha Motor UK has once again pledged full support to the team, culminating in the instigation of the new Supersport team for the coming season. The winner of the Virgin Media Cup in 2007 will earn themselves a seat in the Supersport team for 2008.

After a successful first season with Pirelli in 2006, the relationship will extend through all three classes. With proven tyres established for both Superbike and Supersport classes, the Virgin Media Cup riders will benefit from the latest generation of the Pirelli Diablo Corsa III dual compound rubber.

After a successful day’s acclimatisation with new machinery for the Virgin Media Cup riders, the Superbike and Supersport riders will take to the North Yorkshire circuit for a full day’s testing tomorrow, 14th March.

Rob McElnea, Team Owner: “The day has been very positive for us. We have an exciting class for 07, many of whom have the potential to be new superstars in the making. This is the 8th year in the relationship with the Virgin group, starting with the new mobile brand, and now with Media. This is another great opportunity for us to grow with them.”

James Kydd, Managing Director of Marketing at Virgin Media: “The sponsorship provides us with a fantastic opportunity to build brand awareness with Superbike enthusiasts, who are passionate about their sport and like to keep up to speed via the TV and internet. Our involvement with Superbikes is about much more than painting a team red. We’re continuing to support the sport at a grass roots level through the Virgin Media Cup.”

Andrew Seymour, Optoma Loans Chairman: “Being included as joint title sponsor of the Superbike team is a fantastic opportunity for us. Optoma is definitely involved with the right team with the right personnel. The link with Virgin Media further enhances our support and will gain us exposure and publicity in a very interesting field.”

Jason Griffiths, Pirelli Moto UK Racing Manager: “The success of Pirelli tyres is well documented, and this deal will give us the chance to solidify our relationship with the team as a whole. Becoming the control tyre for the Virgin Media Cup is a fantastic opportunity to develop an even stronger relationship.”

Niall Mackenzie: “As the ambassador to the Virgin Media Cup, I’m really looking forward to helping the riders with their development throughout the coming season.”

www.virginmobileracing.com

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