Kumho embarks on 26th year of BMW championship sponsorship

Sponsors tend to come and go in the fast moving world of motorsport, making Kumho’s relationship with the BMW Racing Drivers Club one of the longest of its type in UK club history – the opening race of the season at Brands Hatch, 8th April, will mark its 26th year.

The original deal inked in 1997 was one of financial support alone, but just three years later the arrangement was expanded to include the supply of tyres, and for many seasons all competitors ran on the company’s Ecsta V700 street legal semi-slick competition tyre.

However, as the cars got quicker and quicker, the additional options of Ecsta S700 slicks for the more powerful machines and a wet weather pattern, W700, for all became an inevitability.

Commenting on the affiliation, president of the BMW Racing Drivers Club, Trevor Ford, said: “It’s quite simple – without Kumho, there would be no BMW championship, and the tyres are excellent.

“They are also affordable, unlike those of many rival brands. Those able to run slicks simply love them, and all the drivers appreciate the relatively low wear rate of the Kumho products.”

John Thrupp, Kumho marketing director added: “The relationship between Kumho and the BMW Racing Drivers Club has been very successful for both parties, and we remain as keen as ever to support what has long been one of the best of all club championships and which provides a perfect showcase for our brand.”

The 2023 schedule for the 14-round championship is:

April 8/9 – Brands Hatch Indy
May 13/14 – Snetterton 300
June 10 – Castle Combe
July 8 – Thruxton
August 12/13 – Donington Park International
September 16/17 – Silverstone International
October 14 – Oulton Park International