Republic Bank Unveils Fastest “Blue Machine” for Rally Barbados

Motorsport fans and competitors have been taking note of Republic Bank’s newest and fastest “Blue Machine” since the race-prepared BMW E46 M3 rally car was unveiled under lights at the Hilton Barbados ahead of the 2016 Flow King of the Hill and Sol Rally Barbados events.

There was spontaneous applause at first sight of the strikingly attractive blue BMW M3 which is being piloted by the youthful team of driver Justin Campbell and co-driver Juan Watts. The car will be campaigning under the sponsored banner of Republic Bank/Five Star Fast Track/Hilton Barbados/Dream Solutions/Castrol/Campbell Racing Team.

Republic Bank Managing Director and CEO, Ian De Souza said the Bank’s entry into motor racing was a fulfilment of a long held desire, adding that the Bank was committed to supporting motorsport and youth for the long haul.

“We at Republic Bank are strong believers in supporting communities, and Motor racing is a community event. Justin came to us highly recommended, both his father and brother worked previously with Republic Bank. We are extremely proud to partner with Justin and Juan on this journey. Welcome to the Republic Bank family where you are starting with 518 Republic Bank staff members on your team,” De Souza stated.

Following its “test run” at the Flow King of the Hill event at Vaucluse Raceway, Driver Justin Campbell gave notice to fellow group SM3 competitors, that all systems would be online for the Blue Machine in the main event, Sol Rally Barbados 2016

“King of the Hill provided a good test run for us and that really was the intention as it’s a newly rebuilt car. We’re actually happy that it (drivetrain issues) happened when it did, as we really want to do well in Rally Barbados. We were 32nd overall and 4th in our group with only our first officially timed run taken into account at King of the Hill,” said Campbell.

The Blue Machine was reported to have been in second place in group SM3 at King of the Hill before retiring. During the car’s unveiling ceremony, Campbell thanked sponsors and fans for their support and said he would do his best to justify the confidence placed in him.

“This has been a very long and challenging journey and one which we never saw coming. Special thanks to Republic Bank and all of our sponsors; and thanks to our entire team who worked on the car,” he said.