Summarize

AutoZone comes aboard as Julian's Ford Focus GTC title sponsor

AutoZone a leading distributor & retailer of quality auto parts has teamed up with Julian van der Watt in South Africa’s premier national Global Touring Car championship. The company was unveiled as van der Watt's title partner on his WCT Engineering prepared Chemical Logistics Racing Ford Focus GTC at last week's third round Extreme Festival at Gqeberha’s Aldo Scribante. The young Capetonian promptly put the car third on the grid before coming home a fine second in his first race as an AutoZone driver.

“We are excited to be a part of motorsport in South Africa,” AutoZone confirmed. "Being a business focused on performance and exceptional quality service output we felt that teaming up with an extraordinary team like, Chemical Logistics Racing run by WCT engineering and pilot Julian van der Watt, was logical, enabling the confidence that this team will excel in Global Touring Cars. “With our support and the team's expertise, it's a recipe for success.

“We are delighted to have AutoZone aboard as our title sponsor,” Julian van der Watt admitted. “We have established ourselves as a proven combination with the Focus GTC and have already delivered a win and several podium finishes in my rookie GTC season. “Now with AutoZone’s support, we look forward to our next step to the front. “I now look forward to doing AutoZone, Chemical Logistics Racing and the WCT Engineering team proud on track.”

Karting champion Julian van der Watt stepped up to Investchem Formula 1600, where he became the South African champion in 2017. That earned him the chance to participate in the US Road to Indy program, where he made it through to the finals, and where he was picked up by Pelfrey Racing, for whom he enjoyed a competitive season of US Formula 2000 in 2018 before going on to race in the US TCR Touring Car Championship. Julian also holds several outright SA race circuit lap records.

Julian returned home to very nearly miss a second and dramatic come from behind Formula 1600 title in 2019, despite starting well into the racing season. He stepped up to drive one of Chemical Logistics Racing's Toyota Corolla GTCs once lockdown had lifted in 2020. Julian’s prowess in the 360 kW 560Nm wings and slicks racing machine earned him a seat in the team’s new Ford Focus GTC for 2021, where his continued success has attracted AutoZone’s support.

AutoZone is the largest privately owned auto-parts distributor and retailer in Southern Africa. Offering more than 75 000 quality service, suspension, friction, engine, electrical automotive parts, with over 700 leading brands, AutoZone stocks most parts for most vehicles, including heavy-duty vehicles. AutoZone works closely with its partners to ensure the Right Parts at the Right Price to keep vehicles performing at their best.  

Another of AutoZone’s advantages is its national footprint of 214 stores, with nationwide free shipping and an online e-commerce site, readily available to meet its customers’ immediate needs. The company looks forward to the benefits of its flag being flown in the highest echelon of South African motor racing.

“Global Touring Cars is South Africa’s leading racing series,” Chemical Logistics Racing boss Ian Schofield concluded. “The series has worked hard to improve the show and recent changes have made for a cracking season so far. “AutoZone recognises this great potential and we now look forward to flying the AutoZone flag high as GTC continues to grow and improve.” 


ENDS

Issued on behalf of Chemical Logistics Racing

What:Autozone Global Touring Cars Announcement
Where:Johannesburg
When:Thursday 3 May 2021
Community:South Africa National

For further information please contact kgregory@investchem.co.za

Click on thumbnails to Download images