Stone Brothers Racing have announced the loss of long time sponsor JELD-WEN for the 2009 season. In a press release issued earlier today JELD-WEN Australia spokesperson Bruce Tosello said “We’ve enjoyed a great relationship with Australian motor sport through our partnership with SBR, first with Marcos Ambrose taking the championship twice and in the last three years with James Courtney.” 

Mr Tosello said that the company’s  decision to sponsor a whole car in 2005 was part of a branding exercise to introduce Australian homeowners to the JELD-WEN name. “With that job now complete, we’re headed in a different direction for 2009 so we remain fresh and competitive in the eyes of our customers.”

SBR Team Owner and Principal Ross Stone said that it is always hard to see valued sponsors leave the fold but he is optimistic about 2009 and beyond.

“In the business of professional sport it is inevitable that commercial partnerships go through change,” said Stone.

“V8 Supercars is (sic)  more dynamic and competitive than ever before. The increase in profile and professionalism in the sport in recent years has been ten-fold and makes a V8 Supercar sponsorship a very attractive option. For commercial entities that are looking for new ways to develop their image and increase their exposure, V8 Supercars can provide a great vehicle for the right company so we are optimistic heading into 2009.” he said.

SBR will be one of the two Ford supported teams for 2009 following that company’s decision to consolidate their sponsorship on only two main teams. 

There has been much speculation that SBR lead driver James Courtney may leave the team in 2009 and move to FPR, without a major sponsor, the decision for Courtney may become a whole lot easier.

The loss of JELD-WEN follows the departure of long time sponsor Caltex in 2007 and with falling crowd numbers and television ratings the golden days of the V8 Supercar circus may be about to seriously cloud over.