Rapidly expanding internet and telecommunications retailer Dodo has joined forces with Tasman Motorsport to complete preparations for the team’s most exciting season yet.

To be known as Dodo Racing, the team will this year roll out two Holden Commodore VZ racing cars following significant changes during the V8 Supercar off-season.

The signing of Dodo to sponsor the cars of Jason Richards – who finished 14th in last year’s championship – and new driver Jamie Whincup is the latest in a number of exciting initiatives designed to place the team squarely in the sport’s upper echelon.

Late last year, respected race engineer Ron Harrop took an equity share in the team which will result in his company, Harrop Engineering, exclusively supplying all of Tasman Motorsport’s engine requirements as well as numerous other components.

The team also moved from its former home in Sydneyto a new, purpose built workshop adjoining Harrop’s factory in the Melbournesuburb of Preston, and added a second car for 2005 to be driven by Whincup.

“With Dodo on board as our major sponsor, we see ourselves competing alongside the big guns this year,” team principal Kevin Murphy said this week.

“They came to us because they have been highly impressed that we have a strong, locally based engineering and manufacturing operation. Larry (Kestelman, Dodo CEO) seems to be impressed by Harrop Engineering’s ability to manufacture quality engineering solutions for export as well as local consumption.

“He shares our confidence that this team can step up another level or two this year from being a consistent Top 10 finisher to a regular podium contender.”

Murphy said the association with Dodo also offered potential access to other sponsors. “Dodo are expanding rapidly and are already in business with a lot of very high-profile clients,” he said. “There is plenty of potential for this team to be exposed to those clients and to further build its sponsorship base.”

Larry Kestelman said he believed Dodo Racing would enjoy the same success on track that Dodo Australia has in winning a substantial share of the telecommunications market. 

“As one of Australia's most recognised brands, Dodo has naturally chosen V8 Supercars to promote its exciting range of new products being launched this year,” he said.

“This is part of Dodo's plan to expand its brand in new areas of the Australian market.”