Electrical group backs young talent a Ford Rising Stars Racing Launch
Release Date: 23/02/2007

Australia's leading distributors to electrical contractors, Lawrence & Hanson and Auslec were named as the flagship commercial partners for Ford's new driver development team, Ford Rising Stars Racing at their launch today. The team car's and transporters 2007 livery were unveiled in front of over 250 guests and many local spectators.

Ford Rising Stars Racing Team is a Ford initiative aimed at bridge the gap for young aspiring drivers between the Formula Ford Class and V8 Supercars.

Speaking at the launch, Hagemeyer Electrical's CEO, Mr Robin Norris was enthusiastic about their Lawrence & Hanson and Auslec brands being involved with the sport of V8 supercars for the first time.

"V8 Supercar fits perfectly with our business and I anticipate that this is the beginning of a long, mutually beneficial and productive partnership. We are and organisation that prides ourself on setting the benchmark within our industry and this is just another example. Ford Rising Stars is a fantastic initiative and fits hand in glove with our reputation as an industry leader in the area of staff training and development.'

With the first round of the 2007 Championship beginning next week the team's three drivers are looking forward to getting on with the racing after a productive first test day at Oran Park. The team's main drivers for the series are Cannel Seven personality and V8 regular, Grant Denyer and last years team driver Michael Caruso. However with Denyer unavailable for round one, team rookie, Daniel Eliott, twenty one from WA gets his first V8 supercar race under the watchful eye of team manager and mentor, Jim Morton.

Ford Rising Stars Manager Jim Morton said "Hagemeyer Australia trades under the names of Lawrence & Hanson and Auslec. These names have been synonymous with the electrical trades industry for over 120 years - servicing and supplying them with for that period. Essentially Lawrence & Hanson has forged a reputation as being one of the best distributors to electrical contractors across Australia with over 150 strategically located branches available for contractors to get their gear wherever they need to be. As the largest, fully national distribution brand in the electrical sector, very few are able to match the strength and capability of the L&H network.'

"Auslec, on the other hand, has serviced and supported the industrial sector developing strong relationships with some of Australia's leading and most well known industrial organisations,' he said.

Hagemeyer complete their overall service proposition to its customer base with the inclusion of 2 specialised business, Pacific Datacom [PDC] and Specialised Lamp Supplies (SLS). PDC offer a high end data distribution service to its customers. With 5 branches located in each major capital city, PDC ensures that your industrial, commercial and high end residential data requirements can be serviced and supplied from a team of highly experienced data personnel. SLS, as its name suggests, also have an expert capability in the distribution of specialised lamps to a range of industries that require an 'out of the ordinary lighting solution'. Based in Victoria, SLS offer an overnight delivery service of any lamp require virtually anywhere in Australia if the order comes in before 2pm.