In the world of professional motorsport, image is everything. Sponsors pay to have their company logos appear on immaculate car bodywork, which are seen in photographs and on television channels all over the world. However, with cars travelling up to 200mph, grit on the race tracks readily strips off paintwork and can damage sponsor logos.
The very latest high profile racing series, Grand Prix (GP) Masters, has adopted an innovative approach to the challenge of keeping vehicle livery in immaculate condition over a long and arduous racing season. The series is protecting all its cars with Scotchgard Paint Protection Film from global innovation company 3M.GP Masters is a one-make motor racing series featuring retired Formula One drivers. Launched just months ago, 2006 will prove to be an important year in setting the standard for the series and assuring its future success. It is vital the cars look perfect in every detail in order to attract and win respect of sponsors and supporters. GP Masters cars are all prepared and run by Delta Motorsport, and the trackside support service is provided jointly by 3M suppliers; Paintshield UK, and Formula Racefilm Ltd. “We are very pleased to be able to forge a partnership with one of the largest companies in the world,” says Director of Delta Motorsport, Simon Dowson. “The 3M brand is known all over the globe, and the opportunity to help develop a product that is already a market leader is too good to turn down,” he continues. “At Delta Motorsport, we believe there is great potential in our alliance with 3M, which we hope will develop as the GP Masters series expands worldwide.” Scotchgard Paint Protection Film is a virtually invisible, transparent urethane film that provides a durable barrier against stone chip damage and abrasion. Unlike alternative products, Scotchgard PPF keeps paintwork looking good for extended periods thanks to a clear topcoat containing 3M’s specially formulated UV protectants. Originally developed to protect the rotor blades of helicopters and the nose cones of fighter jets, it has also been applied to automotive fleet operators and OEMs. “The film will get the toughest test in this harsh, fast-paced environment,” says Formula Racefilm Director, Eddie Taylor. “We will be monitoring product condition throughout the season with confidence in its performance, and ensuring that the cars meet the stringent cosmetic demands of every race.” Both 3M suppliers mark the association with GP Masters as an important step in developing European business. “With the deal to supply the GP Masters series we are moving into another gear,” says Managing Director of Paintshield, Tom Wakeford. “There are very few opportunities to fast track the development of a product in this way. Our design capabilities have enabled us to react quickly to team requirements and provide unequalled designs.” FRL’s Eddie Taylor adds, “We are pleased to help 3M build awareness of its Paint Protection Film business in Europe, and we feel our association with the high profile GP Masters series will help us to achieve this quickly.” More information on Scotchgard Paint Protection Film and 3M’s full range of innovative automotive products can be found at www.3m-automotive.com Scotchgard is a trademark of 3M. 3M is a trademark of 3M Company. |
