Target and Mark

4 February 2013

Frosty becomes first V8 driver to gain multi retail sponsorship

Target Australia is thrilled to announce a new partnership with V8 Supercar driver and voice of Disney Pixar Cars 2, Mark  “Frosty” Winterbottom.

For the first time partnering with a V8 Supercar driver, the retailer has recruited Ford’s highest profile driver, Mark Winterbottom, to join Target in the official capacity as an ambassador. The partnership originated from Winterbottom’s highly successful ambassador role, and Target’s existing agreement, with one of the world’s most recognised brands, Disney.

The partnership will give Target customers a special opportunity to meet Mark “Frosty” Winterbottom through appearances at various Target stores around Australia in 2013. Target will also become the home of ‘Frosty’ product through the Disney agreement and the introduction of exclusive ‘Frosty’ merchandise that will be available only at Target and online at target.com.au.

“We are really excited about this new partnership with V8 Supercar driver Mark Winterbottom, as he is such a well-respected, recognised and admired Australian sporting hero and has a vast supporter base. Mark is very popular with our customers, among adults and also, given his connection to Disney, he is a huge hit with children of all ages” said Dene Rogers, Managing Director, Target Australia.

“The partnership will give Target customers a special opportunity to meet Mark through appearances at various Target stores around Australia in 2013.  Mark is a naturally friendly person and enjoys meeting his supporters so our customers can expect a memorable experience when they meet him.”

Winterbottom said the partnership is one he is very proud of and a great way to meet his fans.

“Target is such a great brand and their commitment to delivering the best shopping experience to their customers is world class. My partnership with Target will also give Disney’s Cars 2 and  ‘Frosty’ fans an opportunity to meet me in person at Target stores throughout the year which is something my fans don’t often have access to.  I am also really excited about the new Frosty merchandise range,” said Mark Winterbottom.

Winterbottom finished 3^rd in the 2012 V8 Supercar championship which wrapped up in December.  An intense off-season training program will see him take on the 2013 season in March at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide where he can expect an audience of up to 300,000 people.

Winterbottom was awarded the acclaimed V8 Supercars Barry Sheene Medal in 2012, representing the best and fairest driver as voted by the Australian media.

“To be recognized by the media as not only a competitive V8 Supercar driver but also one who has their respect is a nice thing to know after what was a solid but frustrating year.  I work very hard as an ambassador for our sport and try to give our fans an experience to remember, this medal is recognition of that.”

Mark “Frosty” Winterbottom is competing in his 8^th consecutive V8 Supercar season with Ford’s Factory team, Ford Performance Racing.  The season is set to be one of the biggest yet with the introduction of the new Car of the Future and additional manufactures adding to the competition.

To be up to date with V8 Supercar Driver Mark “Frosty” Winterbottom’s Target store appearances, fans are encouraged to visit target.com.au or facebook.com/targetaus