After the news two days ago that ENEOS is to be backing Yamaha's MotoGP squad, more good news on the sponsorship front. Bel-Ray, manufacturer of a range of automotive lubrication products, today announced that they will be expanding their presence in the MotoGP paddock by backing Team Aspar's efforts in all three classes of MotoGP. The US oil producer will be supplying a range of products for the Aspar team to use in MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3.
The move sees Bel-Ray expanding its sponsorship activities in international motorcycle racing. After starting off in 2011, supporting the Tech 3 Moto2 team, Bel-Ray has added support for Carlos Checa's Althea Ducati squad for the 2012 World Superbike season, as well as the complete Aspar line up. The sponsorship arrangement is also a positive sign for both the Moto2 and Moto3 classes, where it has been possible to attract sponsorship from a company selling lubricants despite the fact that the regulations impose a single supplier of engine oil on the class.
One small irony about the deal is that Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal had a lot to do with bringing Bel-Ray into the paddock. Poncharal expended a lot of effort to get Bel-Ray to sponsor his Moto2 team, spending a lot of time showing key Bel-Ray personnel around the paddock and explaining the series. It is unknown whether the company will be returning to sponsor Tech 3 for 2012, but it will not be for lack of trying on the Tech 3 boss' part.
Below is the official press release from Bel-Ray:
Bel-Ray Press Release- Bel-Ray Partners with Team Aspar
FARMINGDALE, NJ –– January 4, 2012, Bel-Ray Company, Inc. – the leading United States based lubrication manufacturing company is pleased to announce a partnership with Team Aspar as the official oil for their MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 teams for 2012, 2013 and 2014 racing seasons.
The world championship season begins in Qatar on April 8th and concludes in Valencia on November 11th with 16 rounds in between. The series travels the globe and includes stops throughout Europe, including France, Italy and Spain. Stops also include Japan and Australia as well as 2 events in the United States this summer.
For the 2012 racing season, Team Aspar will consist of Hector Faubel and Alberto Moncayo in the Moto3 competition, Toni Elias and Nicolas Terol in the Moto2 competition and Aleix Espargaro and Randy DuPuniet in the MotoGP competition.
"Bel-Ray has a long history in the Spanish market, supplying the most technically advanced lubricants throughout the Powersports industry," said Bel-Ray Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Liquori. "We are thrilled to align with Team Aspar, and their similar history of performance, integrity and winning. We look forward to a long partnership, filled with success," she added.
Aspar Team Owner, Jorge Martínez, spoke about the Bel-Ray relationship. "It is very important for us to have the collaboration of a sponsor as prestigious as Bel-Ray. I am sure that this union will be mutually beneficial. Team Aspar will continue to be the biggest private team in the World Championship next season, with a presence in Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP classes. Bel Ray will support us in all three classes. The fact that the Team Aspar has international sponsors shows that we are doing a good job, that our hard work is of interest outside of our homeland and that allying oneself with Team Aspar is synonymous with success."
Team Aspar sport director, Gino Borsoi, also spoke about Bel-Ray's addition to the team. "We are thrilled to have Bel-Ray as a sponsor of Team Aspar for the 2012 season and beyond. Bel-Ray's leading lubrication technology makes them the number one choice for Team Aspar and the extreme racing conditions of MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto 3 Racing"
The team will be using Bel-Ray's complete line of performance lubricants including the popular EXS Synthetic Ester 4T Engine Oil, MotoChill Racing Coolant, Blue Tac Chain Lube and 6 in 1 Multipurpose Lubricants during the 2012 season in all of their racing.
Learn more about Team Aspar as well as other Bel-Ray racers at www.belray.com or on their exclusive racing site, www.belrayracing.com.
About Bel-Ray Company Inc
Bel Ray Company Inc was founded in 1946 and is a privately held, woman owned business serving the lubrication needs of powersports, industrial and mining customers worldwide. Bel-Ray is recognized as the leader in the specialty lubricants industry for setting high standards of quality and performance with products formulated for the motorcycle, automotive, aviation, energy, food, marine, military, mining, OEM, Industrial steel, and textile industries.
"Flex Your Engine" with Bel-Ray's superior Powersports line that delivers top quality Made-in-the-USA products to motorcycle and recreational vehicle enthusiasts around the world. Bel-Ray products are available at powersports dealers worldwide. Visit Bel-Ray.com for a complete dealer listing. Like us on Facebook.com/BelRay or follow us on Twitter/Bel_Ray
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Comments
Blast from the past.
use to be 'the' stuff to run your 2T on..next to Castrol R of course.
OEM Approvals
This is not a comment for or against Bel-Ray. I am thrilled they are supporting motorcycle racing. We need more of that.
I looked on their website about their oil, specifically OEM approvals. TM Racing SpA is the only OEM under motorcycle oil listed with approvals. Amy I missing something? That might be something for Bel-Ray to update as they expand into new markets and compete in the US for sales.
Official Moto3 oil supplier
Last announcement I saw of the Moto3 rules it said the "official oil supplier" was TBA. Has a supplier been announced?