The Lucas Oil Top Fuel Launch at Autosport International

Wow! Its only a few weeks since the launch but what a reaction! Interviews, press, phone calls, let's say Lucas Oil is a name that really stirs the motorsport juices!

So, wind back a few weeks.
Before Christmas, Andy lets us all know that our new sponsor is signed up and we are to launch on the Santa Pod stand at Autosport International. BUT, we are not to know who it is until much later. Andy knows how to protect his sponsors, so the easiest way to keep a secret is not to tell anyone till nearer the day!
That said, organisation is a tried and tested routine. Dan has done this before so it's him we turn to for the plan, and its pretty simple. We are to unload the car on the Friday as soon as the Santa Pod stand is available, cover it so no-one can see it and then unveil on the Saturday. The commentating legend that is John Price is booked to do the build up and launch, the crew are briefed to arrive in "mufti" without our new crew shirts (so THATS who it is!), book the PA and the promo girls and wait.
Andy and I arrive on Thursday for the trade day and see just how big this thing is. Andy immediately goes on the prowl and by lunch has signed a new associate sponsor (news to follow). We spend lunch time in the VIP area over the main stage as guest of Jaguar watching the launch of the Jaguar GP3 car and then its back to doing the rounds before an early finish.
On Friday the crew arrive to unload and get the car positioned, polished and covered from prying eyes. With not much more to do, everyone has an early finish as we know from previous events it's going to be a long weekend.
On Saturday we are all in place before 9am, when it seems half of the West Midlands arrive at the event. The morning is a series of checks and worries geting everything into place. The launch is set up and the interviews post launch are arranged. To warm up, Ben does a standup act on the stage in Hall 11; its comedy Jim, but not as we know it.
One last check under the covers reveals a couple of stickers have been added by another manufacturer to try to catch us out. We know who you are and we will visit you later! So, they are removed and we're ready. By this time a large crowd is gathering and John is doing his stuff on the SP gallery. Bang on 12 the other attractions in the hall quieten down and its our turn to take the limelight. On a countdown from 10, the covers come off to reveal the Lucas Oil dragster colours (courtesy of 3D) and on cue Andy and four Lucas girls appear on the balcony. Cue lots of flashbulbs and applause. Now the secret is out we can take off our fleeces to reveal our new crew shirts. At last!

What follows is a wirl of interviews around the car, photos are taken and then Andy is off to be interviewed on a motorised bed (seriously) by Motorsport News, follow up interviews later in the day and yet more on Sunday complete the press blitz. You can see a selection on http://www.eurodragster.com/news/features/andy_carter_lucas_oil/default.asp http://www.topnitro.co.uk/07-Auto/AC/AC-Launch07.html http://www.dragsterworld.com/2007reports/autosport/index.php
plus, word has it there are some shaky videos on you tube from the launch, but you'll have to find those yourself.
After 2 long days of meeting the public, promoting Lucas, Santa Pod and Top Fuel, its time to pack up and go home. As always the whole team are on hand to load the trailer and get everything packed away.

Our special thanks for a fantastic event go to Les Downey and Steve McQueen of Lucas Oil, Keith Bartlett, David Lloyd Jones, Kjell Petersen, Darren Prentice, Debbie, Jo, and Charlie of Santa Pod, John Price, Dan W, Rockstar Johnny, Ben, Lion, Neil, Dan F, Gary, Phil, Dave, Rich, Alan and Steve of Carter Motorsport and finally and very importantly, everyone who joined us at the stand over the weekend.

Keep an eye on the website for our next sponsor updates and our first outings.

Derek Todd

...ends

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