Glenfords, PCR to split at end of year.

Paul Cruickshank Racing will be looking for a new title sponsor for 2009, after Glenfords announced that it was to withdraw from motorsport.

Glenfords Tool Centres has announced that it will not be renewing its sponsorship agreement with Paul Cruickshank Racing for the 2009 V8 Supercar season, having decided to end its involvement in motorsport completely from the end of 2008.

The announcement brings an end to a three-year partnership that played an integral part in PCR becoming the first team to graduate from the Development Series and establish itself in the main V8 championship, running Marcus Marshall in its inaugural season in the top flight, in 2006, and then pulling off the major coup of attracting veteran John Bowe to see out his career with a year in the #111 Ford in 2007.

"For such a challenging and competitive sport, we've had a good run," Glenfords CEO Peter Simpson insisted, "We're particularly fond of all the drivers who have raced under the Glenfords Racing umbrella over the years - nine in total - who were either known winners or fresh talents that were nurtured into winners, which helped the image of our brand immensely along the way.

"When we first started in motor racing, no-one really knew who Glenfords were! We're the largest discount tool retailer in Australia and now a well-known entity, so our sponsorship has been very beneficial from a branding perspective.

"We've enjoyed ourselves along the way too - it's just time to shift focus. This is not to say we are permanently moving away from the motorsport game, but we will review our options and opportunities as they arise in future years. We'd like to thank all people that have contributed towards making Glenfords Racing a success over the last five years."

Current PCR driver Fabian Coulthard has established himself as a serious contender for the top ten with Glenfords' support this year, but Cruickshank and his team now need to focus on replacing its backer for 2009.

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