.. with Superleague Formula
Scottish football club Rangers has added reason to celebrate today – fresh from their victory in the CIS Insurance Cup Final against Dundee United on Sunday, the Glasgow-based squad today became the first UK-based club to join Superleague Formula.
The club has won more major trophies than any football club in the world, and now Rangers have their sights set on championship success on the race track.
The club’s blue, white and red colours will adorn the 750 horsepower, V-12 powered Superleague Formula single seater in the new championship which kicks off at Donington Park in the UK in August this year.
Rangers are the sole remaining UK club doing battle in the UEFA Cup competition this season, and now, the club will now fight it out in Superleague Formula with European rivals AC Milan, PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto, Olympiacos, Borussia Dortmund, RSC Anderlecht, FC Basel, Galatasaray SK and Sevilla, plus Brazilian greats Flamengo and Corinthians.
Rangers will also be the sole Scottish representative on the Superleague Formula grid. In total, 20 clubs will line up for the six round championship this year – eternal football rivals fighting it out in an entirely new sport.
The club’s fans are expected to meet their newest "signing" when the car is unveiled at Ibrox Stadium next month.
"We are thrilled to join so many great clubs in a totally new sporting endeavour – a project which will not only promote Rangers across the world but also provide an income stream for the Club," said Rangers Chief Executive, Martin Bain.
"We will benefit greatly through sponsorship, television and spectator revenues so it is a win-win situation for us.
"Superleague Formula will introduce the passion of the Rangers brand to a whole new range of fans, in addition to our existing support, and we are proud to represent Scotland in the new venture.
"The Club has enjoyed some fantastic European nights of late and we look forward to competing against some of the biggest names in world football in Superleague Formula."
Rangers have scored a remarkable 51 Scottish League Championships and currently hold a 3-point lead in the 2007/08 title race.
It has recorded 31 Scottish Cup wins; 25 League Cup titles (including yesterday’s victory against Dundee United) and also scored a victory in the 1972 Cup Winner’s Cup.
"Rangers record is really quite remarkable and we are delighted that they are now part of Superleague Formula," said Alex Andreu, Superleague Formula President and CEO.
"We are looking at bringing together the biggest brands in world football to take part in Superleague Formula and Rangers is a perfect addition for us.
"Not only has the club been wildly successful throughout its history, the Rangers fans are incredibly passionate and we are looking forward to encouraging them to make the trip down to Donington Park to see their car do battle in the opening round of the championship.
"The Superleague Formula grid is certainly filling fast. We have 12 of the 20 spots now announced, two additional clubs to announce after Easter and we are currently finalising arrangements for the final six places."
Pre-season "training" has already begun for Superleague Formula with the V-12 powered, 750 horsepower prototype hitting the track for the first time recently at Donington Park. Testing will continue after Easter at the Circuito Monteblanco in Spain.
- Paul Ryan- photos Superleague
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