Andrew has been approached to run the Jesus. All about life branding on a Fujitsu Supercar at Bathurst. Andrew has avoided the idea of running in the Fujitsu series as he feels that the V8 utes provide better value for money however there is no doubting that the wider community believes that V8 Supercars are the "real deal" and this is further magnified by the relationship the Supercars have with Bathurst.
The opportunity for Andrew and the Jesus Racing Team has come from two of the leading Fujitsu series teams.
Andrew said "it has been really challenging to think about this opportunity because it is not something I have been pushing for. The Bible Society is right behind the idea as they can see how it will assist us to open even more doors for the Schools ministry program and will create a fantastic Public Relationship story at the time they are launching the Sydney 2009 Jesus. All about life program".
Steve Peach said "Some people have been surprised about the level of skill and competitiveness Andrew has displayed in the Ute series, he has been very successful in just 18 months. The Christian community as a whole has stood behind Andrew and the endeavours of Jesus Racing to bring the name of Jesus into the market place in such a bold fashion, the fact that Andrew runs at the front of the field has been positive fuel to that fire.
Although Jesus Racing is not looking to step out of the Ute series the opportunity to promote the Jesus. All about life brand on the Bathurst V8 Supercar stage is to great to pass up".
It's truly an exciting opportunity and one that both Andrew and Steve don't feel has been manufactured or manipulated. They both feel God's hand in it.
Potential Opposition: The potential opposition to this move is quite significant. Australian Motor Sport is a unique environment and has a lot of egos. It also has its fair share of ungodly activities, competition and selfishness. Bringing the name of Jesus into the centre of this culture, in the country's most serious form of racing at the country's most prominent circuit is surely going to stir some people. Those that were nominally opposed to Andrew's boldness or slightly annoyed at the stand Jesus Racing makes in the Ute series which is known for its "entertainment" value will surely get louder and more serious with Jesus Racing's V8 Supercar involvement. It's important for us to understand this move has never been made before in Australian Motor sport, not even close. That then gives us great opportunity for coverage and exposure for the name of Jesus, but it will also bring substantial opposition.
Requirements for success: The cost of running a V8 Supercar at Bathurst along with a quality team and all it's input is not cheap as you can imagine. Given the success we have achieved in the V8 Ute series it would be less than helpful for Jesus Racing to run with a team that is sub-standard, it is going to be difficult enough as it is to step up and be competitive as a Rookie let-a-lone with sub-standard equipment. The cost however for doing this including testing is going to cost around $60 -70,000 including us having an in-car camera promoting the Jesus. All about life program. This sounds like a lot of money however the team received $120,000 worth of TV coverage at the Philip Island round in the V8 Utes last year when we had the in-car camera so our expectations would be significantly more than this at Bathurst. The Public relationship value and the ministry opportunity value will be extraordinary.
Just over $40,000 has already been committed to for this venture and this gives us a clear indication that God is a part of it. We do however need to raise the other funds as we do not want to dip into the Jesus Ute program funds as this may jeopardise the success of this program.
If you feel like this is something you would like to contribute to we would love to hear from you. If you would like to do so via the tax deductible Areopagus Trust please do so however please note that your contribution is for the V8 Supercar as we don't want to negatively impact on our Ute series campaign for 2008.
Finally this venture will also require some significant prayer support, we would appreciate your time and efforts in this area as well. As supporters of Jesus Racing we understand that you either enjoy motor sport and want to see that vehicle used to glorify God and bring life to people or that you want to personally support Andrew and Steve in the Jesus Racing ministry and its activities.
If you have any feedback or feel that you are in a position to assist us in any way, please feel free to make contact with us via Steve Peach. He can be contacted via email on steve@jesusracing.com.au
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