Just had this from Adopt a Racer. Frankie has become patron for the scheme!
10 March 2004
For Immediate Release
-Press Release Starts-
FRANKIE CHILI GIVES PATRONAGE TO ADOPT A RACER
World Superbike leader, Frankie Chili has given maximum points to Adopt a Racer by becoming the scheme's patron.
Frankie, in his 10th season at World Superbike, is known as "The People's Champion". As one of the most active riders in the championship, he has competed in 213 events, taken 56 podiums and 17 wins including his recent victory at Misano but still understands the difficulty of finding sponsorship.
"It is difficult to find sponsorship today," said Frankie. "All around the world, big companies are closing their pockets more and more. I think the idea of the fans helping is a good one."
Adopt a Racer, set up in December 2003, gives racing fans a chance to help club level racers with their expenses by Adopting a Racer for as little as £10 a month or through one-off donations. It also gives them an opportunity to become more involved with the sport and their chosen rider.
"My first race as a fan was in 1972 in Modena," said Frankie. "If I could have Adopt a Racer then, I would but instead I become one!" Smiling, he continued: "Maybe someone will adopt me, too!"
Aimed at addressing the needs of club and privateer racers at all levels and ages, this non-profit scheme is not so much about results but very much about keeping racers where they should be - on the circuits. The scheme not only endeavours to raise necessary funding to do this, but is helping to highlight talent and teaching riders the necessary skills for moving their racing careers forward.
Frankie, the "elder statesman" of the WSBK Championship, says the Adopt a Racer scheme matches his own feelings about promoting and supporting the sport. "You are helping the younger riders. This is good. But you also help the older riders. They are the ambassadors and can teach the young riders but like me, they can still win."
Adopt a Racer currently has 54 riders on board and has already raised over £7,000.00 in committed sponsorship for its racers. Founder, Kailah Eglington, said: "It costs the average club racer between £8-10,000 a season to race. We have only just tipped the iceberg in terms of what is required."
"I am over the moon about Frankie joining us," she continued. "For a legend like Chili to give us patronage is a huge vote of confidence. I hope that others will follow his lead and join Adopt a Racer in supporting the glue of British motorcycle racing - the club racers - which is where all our top racers began." Eglington also offered thanks to Tony Scott of the European Superbike School who was "instrumental in introducing Frankie to the scheme."
Frankie summed up his feelings: "For me as a racer, I must ride. I can never be tired of riding! This is how it is for all racers. They must ride or they die inside. I have never met Kailah before today, but I know she understands this. I hope all my British fans will adopt their British riders. Maybe one day, I will be racing with them!"
For more information on the Adopt a Racer scheme, visit the website at
www.adopt-a-racer.org.uk, contact Kailah Eglington on 01462 672590 or 0797 169 3532 or look out for the Adopt a Racer at selected club race venues across the country.
-Press Release Ends-
skidlids
Linear Mode
