Citizen makes time for Stone Brothers.

Citizen Watches Australia has inked a multi-year sponsorship deal with three-time V8 Supercar championship winners Stone Brothers Racing after enjoying a successful debut with the outfit at Bathurst.

The timepiece brand made its first appearance on both SBR's Ford Falcons, including the Jeld-Wen entry that took a thrilling third place in the hands of James Courtney and David Besnard. The deal is part of a joint marketing initiative between Citizen Watches Australia and Citizen Watches New Zealand to promote the Citizen Promaster 'Super Chronograph' watch with Eco-Drive technology. The Australasian marketing programme will be similar to the Unstoppable media campaign run in the United States with NASCAR star Michael Waltrip.

Chief executive officer Naoto Hosogaya was on hand to witness the excitement at Bathurst, attending his first V8 Supercar event to meet the team and SP Tools driver Shane van Gisbergen, and Citizen signage will now remain on the Jeld-Wen entry at this weekend's Nikon Indy 300 and for the rest of 2008, before the partnership steps up a notch in 2009. The team's Jeld-Wen deal will end at the culmination of the 2008 season.

"We have seen watch companies sign up with F1 and other high-profile sports so it is great that Citizen has identified V8 Supercars and Stone Brothers Racing as a suitable vehicle to promote their brand," team principal Ross Stone said, "As an internationally-recognised brand, Citizen is a great fit with V8 Supercars as the sport branches out with overseas rounds and greater international coverage. SBR is looking forward to working together with Citizen to achieve their desired goals and outcomes."

The relationship is an even better fit following the recent news that Citizen will sponsor next year's Hamilton 400 in New Zealand, coincidentally the birthplace of team owners Ross and Jimmy Stone and current 'young gun' van Gisbergen.

"This is a great opportunity for Citizen Watches to partner with Stone Brothers Racing," sales and marketing manager Rod Willment commented, "It was exciting to be at Bathurst and spend time with the drivers and the team. The SBR team will showcase our new Citizen Promaster 'Super Chronograph' watch, which is available from October 2008 - a watch that every car enthusiast would want to own. We are very excited about the remainder of the 2008 series and being part of the team for 2009."