eBay ends WSR title sponsorship in BTCC

2014 BTCC championship-winning West Surrey Racing has announced that title sponsor eBay has ended its association with the team after a five-year partnership.

The eBay sponsorship of WSR began in 2010, culminating in title sponsorship from 2012 to 2014, and this year the WSR designed, built and developed BMW 125i M Sport BTCC cars took nine outright wins and 26 podiums in 2014. That resulted in a quartet of championships, and WSR team principal Dick Bennetts said it leaves the team as an attractive option as the search for a new title sponsor begins.

"We have just completed our most successful season in the BTCC, winning four out of four categories, so I believe we are in a strong position to offer new partners a unique marketing opportunity," Bennetts said. "We have enjoyed a great partnership with eBay and I am extremely proud of everyone at WSR, by securing both Drivers' titles with Colin Turkington and both Teams' titles with the help of Rob Collard and Nick Foster this year."

Steve Heywood, spokesman for eBay, said the company was pleased that it could end its association on the back off such a successful season.

"eBay has enjoyed a very successful partnership with West Surrey Racing and are proud to conclude our sponsorship on a real high with Colin's fantastic BTCC Championship win," Heywood said. "We would also like to thank Dick and the whole WSR team for their huge effort this year and wish them more success in the future."