TR Fastenings (TR) has become an official sponsor for Ryan Strafford, a Superbikes racer who has enjoyed huge success on the track since beginning his racing career six years ago.
Ryan Strafford established his relationship with TR via his role at Press-Form Machinery Ltd, the UK’s official agent and service partner for Haeger Insert Presses. TR, Press-Form and Haeger have a special three way relationship, giving sheet metal customers access to high quality parts, industry-leading machinery and consultancy.
The eponymous RS Racing team was started by Ryan Strafford and his father in 2011 and by 2014 he had won his first championship, 13 races back to back and holds 7 out of 9 records in his category. The RS team now consists of three racers who compete in the prestigious Golden Era Superbikes and 600 Supersport series at tracks across the UK including the iconic Brands Hatch and Donington Park. Since the partnership began, the RS team have competed at Snetterton and Cadwell Park, achieving two wins, five second places and a 4th place across these meets.
TR’s sponsorship of Ryan Strafford, who races a Honda RC-51 SP2 motorbike, ensures the company logo will feature prominently on both the bike and racing leathers, alongside those of his other sponsors which include tyre manufacturer Continental Tires. Strafford and his bike both played a starring role in TR’s stand at this year’s Automechanika Birmingham exhibition which took place 6-8 June at the NEC.
The partnership also means TR can treat its customers to race day hospitality, with trackside access and the chance to meet and chat with the Superbikes star and his team. Sean Cushen, Branded Products Business Development Manager at TR Fastenings, commented: “Having worked closely with Ryan professionally, we’ve been following his success in the superbikes circuit with great interest. His performance on the track is inspirational, and we are thrilled to be his new official sponsor.”
Ryan Strafford added: “Racing has been a life-long passion for me and I’m consistently amazed by what I’ve been able to achieve. The success we enjoy simply wouldn’t be possible without the support we receive from our sponsors and I’m both grateful and hugely excited to have TR on board. I look forward to the coming season and am confident I can make them proud with plenty of podium finishes!”
Mark Belton, CEO of Trifast Plc, TR Fastenings’ parent company, said: “Ryan’s tremendous achievements on the track are clearly testament not only to his individual skill, but also to the commitment and dedication of the entire RS Racing team. As a company, we strongly believe that teamwork and ambition are vital to success and optimum performance, and so sponsoring Ryan is an excellent fit for our business. We wish him all the best for the remainder of the season.”
TR Fastening’s Malaysian business recently won an award from Honda’s motorcycle division.