Victoria Racing Club And Lexus Extend Melbourne Cup Partnership
Organisers of the Melbourne Cup, Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and car company, Lexus have signed a two-year extension that sees them retain the naming rights for the race.
VRC chairman, Neil Wilson said the extension of the partnership with Lexus shows the underlining support VRC and the car manufacturing company have gained in the community.
“As custodians of Australia’s greatest sporting and cultural icon,” Wilson said.
“We’re very pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with Lexus,” he said.
Commenting on the partnership, Lexus Australia chief executive officer, John Pappas, said: “We are thrilled to continue as principal partner of the VRC through to the end of 2024 with naming rights to the Lexus Melbourne Cup and prominent lead-up races that provide direct entry to the Flemington classic,” Pappas said.
“It is a wonderful partnership that has brought premium experiences, innovation and flair on the track, while activations such as the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour have enabled the excitement of the event to be enjoyed by communities throughout Australia and beyond.
“We all know the Lexus Melbourne Cup is the race that stops a nation, but now, more than ever, it’s also the race that’s shared with the people,” he said.
“We commenced our partnership with the VRC in 2003 and this year marks the 20th year of our involvement, and the fifth with naming rights to the Lexus Melbourne Cup,” Pappas said.
“It is also an honour to be only the fourth principal sponsor of this prestigious race in more than 160 years.
“We can’t wait to see capacity crowds returning to Flemington and having the opportunity to bring to life luxury experiences through the Lexus brand elements of anticipation, hospitality and sustainability,” he said.
This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the race with Lexus celebrating the fifth year of the partnership.
