New sponsor for NZ offshore racing

by Bob Wonders on 10 Jan 2011 Internationally recognised shaving brand, Schick Hydro, has come aboard for the New Zealand offshore powerboat season and will sponsor the Superboat team ‘Schick Hydro Racing.'

The boat, a 32’ Douglas Skater, will be driven by Murray Tuffin with Scott Lewis on throttles.

Dual 525hp MerCruiser engines power the boat, which previously raced as ‘A1 Homes’ and ‘Fairview Windows and Doors’, finishing third overall in 2009.

The boat sustained mechanical problems last year, which ended a run of finishing every race started since the crew paired up.

Scott Lewis had been involved with the boat for the past six-years as its driver; he then moved onto the throttles and introduced his best friend, Murray Tuffin to the sport.

Schick Hydro representative in New Zealand, Brett Haeger, said the sponsorship coincided with the launch of the revolutionary Schick Hydro razor in New Zealand.

'We felt this opportunity was too good to pass up,' he said.

'This is a form of motor sport that attracts great coverage in New Zealand and we’re delighted to be involved.'

With valuable input from well-known motor racing commentator, Jamie McCarthy, offshore racing has featured on Channel TV3 Sunday motor sport program and achieved 'staggering' numbers of viewers.

'This has helped our sport immensely and has really increased the profile and has certainly been instrumental in attracting new sponsors like Schick to the fold,' Scott Lewis added.

The 2011 New Zealand season comprises eight races.

Action begins at Taupo on January 22, the final race scheduled for Wellington on April 23.

The full race schedule can be viewed on the NZ Offshore website, www.nzoffshore.co.nz