British 250cc Team Postpones MotoGP Launch
Winona WCM Vow to Continue Search for Sponsorship
The Winona WCM Grand Prix has pledged to continue the hunt
for a major sponsor after their main sponsor for 2007 failed
to deliver funding in time for the planned launch at the Donington
MotoGP race.
The funding problems for Winona WCM started at the end of
2006 when last year main sponsor moved budget into the world
rally championship leaving the new British outfit with just
a few weeks to find new backers
.The situation appeared to be resolved when a new fashion
brand signed up to sponsor the team in February 2007 with
the bulk of funding due to arrive in April and May in time
for a potentially exciting launch at the teams home race at
Donington Park.
However the major payments never arrived and the resulting
legal dispute shows no signs of being resolved.
The team had planned to pay tribute to Bob McIntyre’s
British GP win in 1957 by running a replica colour scheme
from that famous TT victory.
Andy Hyde, Commercial Director of Winona WCM,
said: “Winning a motorcycle grand prix is a huge achievement
that should rank alongside other great sporting feats like
winning Wimbledon or the British Open Golf. But somehow this
has been forgotten in the UK.“The great example of past
heroes like Bob Mac, who ultimately gave his life in the pursuit
of our sport, is a timely reminder of the meaning of our sport.”
Peter Clifford, Racing Director of Winona WCM,
added: Over the last 15 years we have enjoyed putting a lot
of effort behind the Grand Prix careers of young British riders
like Neil Hodgson James Haydon Chris Burns and James Ellison.
We want to continue doing that and see this setback as just
another challenge to overcome.- END
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