MINNEAPOLIS – Castrol, the world’s leading lubrication specialist, and Operation Bass Inc. jointly announced a new multi-year sponsorship agreement that makes Castrol the official motor oil and cleaner of Operation Bass’ industry leading bass and walleye fishing tournament programs.
Starting in 2002, Castrol will put a four-person fishing team on the water in specially designed Castrol Ranger boats. The team will also sport distinctive Chevy Silverado tow vehicles used during Wal-Mart FLW Tour competitions featuring the world’s best anglers and the sport’s richest awards. Through this sponsorship, which includes support of the EverStart Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Circuit and Texas Tournament Trail, Castrol is helping to fuel the nation’s passion for fishing with 169 tournaments that meet every skill level from weekend warriors to world championship contenders.
“The opportunities here are enormous,” said Keith Conlon, senior product manager for Castrol. “There are 55 million people who fish each year. And many of them are do-it-yourselfers or performance-minded enthusiasts who insist on Castrol quality when changing their oil or having their vehicles professionally serviced.”
Castrol will be featured along with other Operation Bass sponsors on the Wal-Mart FLW Tour television program, which features 24 weeks of live broadcasts to more than 84 million households on PAX TV during the 2002 season-a first for the sport. The program will also feature a guaranteed airtime of 3 p.m. (EST) on Saturdays over its entire 27-week schedule. Additionally, Castrol’s sponsorship includes signage at tournaments, creation of a Castrol angler awards program, advertisements in Bass Fishing magazine, inclusion in Operation Bass promotional and public relations materials, and prominence on tour Web sites.
Significantly, Castrol will also be able to showcase its products in the Family Fun Zone set up in the Wal-Mart parking lot during each FLW Tour event. Each Fun Zone is open free to the public and features interactive games and product displays that help sponsor companies build brand awareness and loyalty with fishing’s large fan base.
“Fishing is more popular than baseball, basketball, football, golf and tennis. It’s a family-oriented activity that people from all walks of life can enjoy,” said Irwin L. Jacobs, chairman of Operation Bass. “More than any other sport, fishing is the nation’s true national pastime. And we are proud to introduce Castrol to our loyal family of sponsors. Castrol is a global leader in the lubricant category with premium brands that people trust.”
Castrol has long been the lubricant of choice for maximum protection. In fact, the land speed record has been broken 21 times by vehicles using Castrol lubricants, most recently in 1997 by Andy Green and his 763 mph jet-powered ThrustSSC. Today the company continues its motorsports tradition as a sponsor of 10-time National Hot Rod Association champion John Force and the NHRA Junior Drag Racing League. Globally, Castrol is also involved in Formula One racing, World Superbike competition and American Motocross Association events.
Castrol offers several premium products including Castrol GTX, a conventional oil that provides maximum protection against viscosity and thermal breakdown; Castrol Syntec blend, a semi-synthetic that provides added protection under severe driving conditions; and Castrol Syntec, a full synthetic that is engineered to provide the ultimate in engine protection and performance even under demanding conditions. In the marine category, Castrol Super Outboard Oil is formulated for today’s high-tech engines and helps minimize spark plug fouling and carbon deposit build-up in exhaust ports. Castrol Super Clean and its full line of cleaning/care products are ideal for the toughest tasks.
In its 22-year history, Operation Bass has undergone eight major expansions to become the only tournament organization to serve bass and walleye anglers of all skill levels from coast to coast. Today the company is the world’s leader in bass tournament promotion, awarding anglers up to $21 million in cash and prizes in 2002.
Sponsors of the 2001 Wal-Mart FLW Tour are ALPO Pet Foods, BFGoodrich Tires, Black & Decker, Chevrolet, Coleman, Conseco, Energizer, EverStart Batteries, Frito-Lay, Fujifilm, Kellogg’s, Land O’Lakes, Lowrance, Minn Kota, Pepsi, Plano Tackle Systems, Poulan, Ranger Boats, Shop-Vac, Snickers Cruncher Bar, Timex, US Bank, Visa, Wal-Mart, Weed Eater, Wrangler and Yamaha Outboards. ACDelco spark plugs and oil filters, David sunflower seeds, ACT II, Excalibur, Strike King and Eagle Claw and Daiwa are associate sponsors of the 2001 tour.
Click here to visit the Castrol Web site.