The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB is delighted to announce a partnership with the Italian Chamber of Commerce. The collaboration will bring a new level of support to the new championship from Italian companies based in UK. Organisers of the series have developed the platform in a way that promotes not just motorsport and the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse, but also the Italian way of life; food, fashion and attitude. The Italian Chamber of commerce is a very active hub for Italian products and facilitates interaction for Italian companies in the UK and UK companies who wish to develop closer ties with Italy.

As Helen Girgenti General Secretary of the chamber confirms:

“The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is delighted to announce that “The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB” has become a corporate member. We are thrilled that with Trofeo Abarth 500 joining, our members will be able to have the opportunity to enjoy a full season of watching the iconic 500 racing at tracks across all of the UK. Already the team at Abarth Competizioni have developed a massive fan-base of people sharing a passion for Italian products and lifestyle and we are delighted to be associated with such a dynamic brand. We wish the Trofeo a successful first season of racing and I hope that some of our members can meet at the forthcoming race days”

The partnership allows the Trofeo to meet its strategic goals of creating an Italian flavour within the paddock. The idea is to provide guests with a different experience to that sometimes found in UK Motorsport. Italian food suppliers will support the championship and some famous brand should be announced soon.

Paolo Callea, championship manager added:

“We are delighted to have been welcomed so warmly by the chamber and all its members. We have attended a couple of their events and look forward to supporting more. We are working hard to create something special for our hospitality and this deal gives us all the ingredients to succeed.”

We look forward to see you at our events and enjoy a nice espresso…

AutoSport International Show. (January. 15, 2010) – The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB is proud to announce Zing Digital Media as the Title Sponsor of the 2010 series. The UK based digital signage and real-time information company signed the sponsorship agreement at the Autosport Show in Birmingham earlier today. The signing was attended by Colin Herridge of Zing Digital Media; David Lewis of SCH Distribution, Peter Robinson of Abarth UK and Championship organiser Paolo Callea.

The agreement is a significant event for the new series. It confirms that the platform developed around the Abarth 500 Asetto Corse is attractive to all stakeholders including teams, drivers and sponsors. It is also significant that the title sponsor, Zing, is a non-motoring company.

Zing Managing Director, Colin Herridge said;

“This is a very exciting time for us. We have a new brand and, the business is growing so being involved in a highly competitive and performance based series such as the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB fits well with our business. We. and our partner, SCH Distribution, are all about delivering performance products and services and motorsport is a perfect marketing platform to demonstrate this… we are proud to be partnered with such a powerful brand and we look forward to a safe and successful season.”

Denis Baddeley, head of Marketing and Sponsorship for the Trofeo said;

“This is clearly a very important development for the Trofeo Abarth and we are delighted that Zing Digital Media has joined us. This is the first time Zing Digital Media has been involved in motorsport and shows that the Trofeo Abarth 500 Gb is presenting a compelling package for brands that want to be associated with the Abarth brand. With a fresh approach, great events and the motor racing history of this iconic brand combines to offer something new to UK motorsport.”

Paolo Callea, Series Organiser added;

“This is fantastic. We welcome Zing to our Championship and thank them for their support. This is a big step forward for us and shows we are creating something special. Being able to announce a title sponsorship deal before the start of our first season will give teams and drivers increased confidence in the series. With new teams drivers and sponsors being announced, we are looking forward to a great racinng season in 2010.”

Ben Winrow, the 2008 Clio Cup Champion has announced that he will compete in the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB in 2010.

24 year old Ben, the winner of the 2008 BRDC Rising Star Award commented;

“It is good to see a new one make championship in the UK. The first year in any manufacturer supported championship is always special.I’m looking forward to getting back in the driving seat. The championship provides a great opportunity and we’ll see what we can do with it.”

Championship Organiser Paolo Callea said;

“It’s fantastic to be able to announce Ben’s entry into the first season of the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB. We have worked hard to create a series that is attractive to drivers and it is very rewarding to sign up drivers of Ben’s calibre.”

Ben’s entry also means that there is a new team on the grid. Team Pyro brings the number of teams to six. With most teams running multiple cars in the series, the grid is looking solid for 2010.

The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB will start 2010 with a presence at the Autosport International Show at the NEC, Birmingham.

Autosport International, now in its 20th year, is the largest dedicated trade motorsport exhibition in Europe. The format of the show incorporates two trade, followed by two public days, uniquely catering for the industry and motorsport fans alike. This site caters specifically for the motorsport professionals.

The Trofeo will have it’s own stand at the show featuring several Abarth 500 Assetto Corse race cars as well road-going Abarth 500 cars. Organisers are planning to make some big announcements relating to prize funding, teams and drivers.

Fans will also be able to interact with the series via various social media platforms. Prizes will be available for people who sign up to follow the Trofeo on Twitter, become a fan on the Facebook page or upload photos to the Flickr gallery. David Fuller, who manages the digital media for the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB says:

We want people to be able to continue to interact and engage with the series once they have left the stand at the show. Services like Twitter and Facebook allow fans to be part of the Trofeo Abarth 500 community and show their support for teams and drivers as well.

Trofeo Abarth 500 GB at Autosport.

• Stand 19350 – Hall 19.
• Trade Days – 14th, 15th of January
• Public Days – 16th, 17th of January
• NEC, Birmingham (MAP)
• Autosport International 2010 Official Website

The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB team would like to wish all of our Fans, Teams, Drivers, Dealers, Supporters, Colleagues and Friends:

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

We wish you a good break and to have a good time next to your families. Looking forward to seeing you in the new year ready for a succesful and first exciting season of the 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500 GB.

Download the christmas card here… (0.5mb PDF)