[Crash Test]

As poached from v8x.com.au :

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2000

Mitre 10-years over
by: Andrew Clarke
V8X


After an evolving 10 year relationship that took him from Formula Holden to the top ranks of V8 Supercars, Mark Larkham has parted company with his major sponsor - Mitre 10. Larkham was sacrificed as part of an overall review of the Mitre 10 sponsorship activity, which Ian Tyson of Mitre 10 says needs to move into new areas.
"On behalf of Mitre 10 we would like to thank Mark Larkham for his years of contribution to our business," Mr Tyson said, "and would wish him and the team every success in the future. The review of our marketing activities has resulted in us being able to embrace new opportunities for development of the Mitre 10 brands."

Mark Larkham was philosophical about the decision: "After 10 years it is time for a change in direction... Obviously we are never happy to see the end of a strong association with a naming rights sponsor, however, we must realise that this is simply a case of a sponsorship coming to an end of its natural course.

"We will definitely be running one car for Mark Larkham next year and I wouldn’t think we will be any less competitive than this year - perhaps even better with some of the people we have recruited.

"Let me say, this will not present as big a hole as some perceive. We have good sponsors in Ford, Karcher and Supercraft and we are OK for next year."

That said, he is looking for a replacement for Mitre 10. The writing was on the boards with some senior management changes recently, which Larko says effectively moved the 10 year relationship back to scratch. Robert Stanley from Karcher and Howard Marsden of Ford have reaffirmed their commitment to the team.

The Larkham-Mitre 10 relationship was successful on many levels, and unique in the way it grew with his success and needs on the track, all the way from battling for the Formula Holden Champiosnhip to sitting on pole at Bathurst last year. The partnership resulted in the developing trend of involving key suppliers as co-sponsors, and gave us a series of great model cars for our bookshelves.