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STIHL RALLIES FOR SUBARU TEAMS IN SA CHAMPS |
In co-sponsoring two Subaru teams - Bosal Brospeed and Metmeister Sasol Delight, which are revving up the competition in the 2005 Sasol South African Rally Championships - STIHL South Africa has committed itself to yet another major South African spectator sport. This follows hot on the heels of the company's sponsorship commitment to the Non-stop Duzi Canoe Marathon and rugby development in KwaZulu-Natal.
 | | The Bosal Brospeed team Nicholas Ryan and Schalk van Heerden. |
In co-sponsoring two Subaru teams - Bosal Brospeed and Metmeister Sasol Delight, which are revving up the competition in the 2005 Sasol South African Rally Championships - STIHL South Africa has committed itself to yet another major South African spectator sport. This follows hot on the heels of the company's sponsorship commitment to the Non-stop Duzi Canoe Marathon and rugby development in KwaZulu-Natal.
During the national competition, which comprises eight events, the STIHL-sponsored teams push their 2-litre turbo powered production class cars to the limit driving across farms, sugar plantations, through forests and STIHL is there to ensure that the cars are clean and in pristine driving condition with its high-pressure washers and vacuum cleaners.
 | | The Metmeister Sasol Delight team Thilo von Westenhagen (left) and Visser du Plessis (right) with STIHL's Bill Vogts. |
David Hutton, STIHL South Africa GM, says, "As manufacturers of world's leading outdoor tools and equipment, we are pleased to be associated with the SA Rally Championships, which takes competitors through farm and forest environments where our equipment is the product of choice."
Pat Barnard, commercial director of Speedsport, the company responsible for co-ordinating sponsorships for the two teams is delighted at the Stihl sponsorship.
 | | The Bosal Brospeed Subaru Impreza WRX STi in action. |
"We have a longstanding relationship with STIHL. Not only do they supply superior quality cleaning equipment that can withstand the rigours of rallying and keep our cars in great condition, but their dedication to the sport is also exemplary. And having STIHL export manager and rally aficionado Bill Vogts on board further reinforces their commitment," he says.
 | | The Metmeister Sasol Delight Subaru Impreza WRX STi splashes in the mud. |
The two Subaru Impreza WRX STi cars competing in the Group N production-based car class of the national competition have placed well in the points thus far. The Bosal Brospeed team comprises driver Nicholas Ryan, who is competing in the SA Rally Championships for the fourth time, and navigator Schalk van Heerden, while the Metmeister Sasol Delight team comprises driver Visser du Plessis, who is participating for the sixth year running, and navigator Thilo von Westenhagen.
"STIHL South Africa is thrilled to be associated with the most popular motorsport in South Africa and the second biggest spectator sport in the world - after the World Cup Soccer - drawing an even larger television audience than the Formula One Grand Prix," says Dave Hutton.
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