CAROLE NASH BACKS MX ACADEMY
15 February 2007 

Young motocross talent from across the country now has the backing of the UK’s biggest motorcycle insurance specialist after Carole Nash was confirmed as a new sponsor of the Suzuki Relentless Academy Team.

Formed by ex-125 British Championship rider Paul Butler, Suzuki Relentless Academy Team will support not just a six strong team but also promising young riders from across the UK. The schoolboy team will compete in a host of classes and series during 2007 - including the UK and European MX2 Championships - with its Suzuki RMZ 250 machines bearing the Carole Nash logo.

Carole Nash stepped in after the team struggled to find suitable insurance to cover its fleet “We’re really grateful to Carole Nash for backing the Suzuki Relentless Academy Team because finding effective insurance was a real headache,” commented Paul Butler from the team’s Cheltenham base. “Most teams are part of larger businesses which can simply extend their insurance policy to protect bikes, but we’re independent which means we needed independent cover which is not easy to find,” he explained.

Carole Nash’s marketing manager Rebecca Harrop said that the firm was pleased to sponsor Suzuki Relentless Academy Team as part of its wider commitment to supporting grassroots biking.

“Over the past 20 odd years we’ve always backed clubs and riders at the grassroots, be it giving Neil Hodgson’s sponsorship for his first race season or simply providing prizes for local club events. But the Suzuki Relentless Academy Team deal is a bit special as not only is it promoting motorcycling which is clearly good for our business, but it is also nurturing young talent. Paul has pulled together a great team and we wish them every success in the 2007 season.”

The deal follows Carole Nash’s recent entry into the off road insurance market. Last May it became the first motorcycle insurance specialist to launch a dedicated off road policy.

Paul Butler, who is also head coach of the 4,500 member British Schoolboy Motocross Association, says the move was significant. “Dirt bike riders can buy a policy for only £99 which frankly is unbelievable. It’s going to help a lot of young riders who before either could get or afford decent insurance.”

The new standalone policy offers fire and theft cover for motocross bikes, including children’s models, plus sport, leisure, utility and junior quads. Instant cover, available from £99, protects against fire and theft at home are an Auto Cycle Union race track or practice ground, with up to £250 worth of accessories also insured. Discounts are also offered if bikes are fitted with insurance-approved security devices such as Datatag and heavy duty locks and chains.

The company has also teamed up with Suzuki to further support to off-roading with free fire and theft insurance offered on all Suzuki two-stroke off-road bikes purchased before the end of March.