West Surrey Racing (WSR) has announced that its partnership with eBay in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) is to come to an end after five years of working together.
WSR began their association with eBay in the 2010 season, with the partnership developing to eventually encompass title sponsorship from 2012 to 2014. However having finally clinched the 2014 title with Colin Turkington, the internet giant have decided to end their involvement with the team.
It is the second time that WSR have lost their title sponsor having just clinched a BTCC drivers’ title with Turkington.
WSR Team Principal Dick Bennetts explained that the team are already searching for a new title sponsor for their trio of BMW 125i M Sport cars for 2015.
“We have just completed our most successful season in the BTCC, winning four out of four categories, so I believe we are in a strong position to offer new partners a unique marketing opportunity,” said Bennetts.
“We have enjoyed a great partnership with eBay and I am extremely proud of everyone at WSR, by securing both Drivers’ titles with Colin Turkington and both Teams’ titles with the help of Rob Collard and Nick Foster this year.”
Steve Heywood, eBay spokesman, says that the brand are pleased to be able to conclude their commercial partnership with such a successful season as 2014, in which the team took nine victories with Turkington and Collard.
“eBay has enjoyed a very successful partnership with West Surrey Racing and are proud to conclude our sponsorship on a real high with Colin’s fantastic BTCC Championship win,” said Heywood. “We would also like to thank Dick and the whole WSR team for their huge effort this year and wish them more success in the future.”