Australian-born company Pirtek has increased its commitment in North American motorsport by becoming a full-time associate sponsor on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series entry of Austin Cindric.
On the back the fluid transfer systems giant's huge commitment with Matt Brabham and Team Murray at the 2016 100th Indianapolis 500, Pirtek's US arm has inked a deal with Brad Keselowski Racing to campaign the Cindric entry.
Pirtek will also be on board with Team Penske as an associate partner for selected second-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series events in 2017.
Cindric, 18, made four starts for the team in 2016 with Pirtek as a partner which was highlighted by qualifying second at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
Cindric also won from the pole in K&N Pro Series East starts in 2016 at Watkins Glen and Virginia International Raceway.
The teenager was victorious in his ARCA Racing Series debut in 2016, winning with Pirtek as a partner at Kentucky Speedway.
The new partnership will include truck branding, driver appearances, business-to-business opportunities and licensing rights, according to Pirtek USA chief executive Glenn Duncan.
“Expanding our NASCAR involvement and growing our partnership with Brad Keselowski Racing and Team Penske was a natural evolution,” Duncan said.
“Everyone at Pirtek was excited about our first foray into NASCAR and we're looking forward to continuing our relationship with Austin.
“Our partnership with Brad Keselowski Racing and Team Penske is certainly the right avenue for us.”
Pirtek's parent company in Australia has enjoyed an established relationship with DJR Team Penske in the Supercars Championship since the American-Australian alliance was formed two years ago.
“We're pleased that Pirtek is expanding their NASCAR involvement with Brad Keselowski Racing,” said team owner Brad Keselowski.
“I'm confident that Austin and our team will deliver a quality performance as they compete full time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2017.”
Cindric, who is the son of Team Penske president Tim Cindric, is excited about his full-time ride in 2017.
“I'm honoured to continue to represent Pirtek because I've seen first-hand that it's an iconic brand in motorsports across the globe,” Cindric said.
“It's awesome to see their NASCAR program growing and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.”
Pirtek is a foundation Platinum Partner of Speecafe.com which was established in 2009.
The first round of the 2017 NASCAR Truck Series will be at Daytona on February 24.