Rheem Australia has announced a new partnership with the Shell V-Power Racing Team to display the Rheem logo on the #12 and #17 Fords for all 15 rounds of the 2017 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.

“This sponsorship deal represents a rare opportunity to be associated with one of the most enduring legends of Australian motorsport,” says Rheem Australia CEO Chris Taylor.

Rheem is currently celebrating its 80th anniversary of manufacturing in Australia and Chris says it’s a highly appropriate time to extend the company’s long history of association with Australian sport.

“Getting behind sport has always been important to Rheem, and with the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship being one of the most popular attractions on the Australian sporting calendar, the move to link up with an amazing team like the Shell V-Power Racing Team was a logical decision,” says Chris.

“We continue to thoroughly enjoy our ongoing involvement with other national sporting staples such as the NRL and AFL, and we’re looking forward to connecting with a whole new fan demographic around the country – including our own customers and the many people associated with the plumbing industry – when the Supercars get under way this week in Adelaide.”

Shell V-Power Racing Team co-owner Dick Johnson says Rheem Australia’s involvement with the team is a partnership of two Australian icons.

“To be forming a partnership with an iconic Australian brand like Rheem is fantastic for the team, bringing two great brands together. Rheem has a proud history of Australian manufacturing, and ties in perfectly with our team, which holds a special place in Australian motorsport history. We’re looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership between Rheem and the Shell V-Power Racing Team.”

The Shell V-Power Racing Team has seven Australian Touring Car Championships and three Bathurst 1000 victories to its credit and is sure to provide a captivating platform for the Rheem Australia brand.

In 2017, the team’s Ford Falcons will be piloted by Fabian Coulthard and Scott McLaughlin.

“We’re excited to be supporting two talented drivers who have a real chance of taking race wins and being up the front of the championship,” says Chris.

The new-look Shell V-Power Racing Team Fords will debut at the Clipsal 500 from March 2-5 in Adelaide.