LOCAL businesses are being urged to throw their weight behind Swindon Robins in 2017, with the unique chance of becoming the team’s brand new title sponsors up for grabs.

In a break from tradition, the Robins have this year have decided to select the club’s chief sponsors through an open draw, which will see the winners have their company name prefixed in the team title.

Plenty of sponsors both old and new have already jumped at the chance to get involved and there is still time for prospective sponsors to join them, with the draw scheduled to take place on Wednesday.

This year promises to be an exciting one for Alun Rossiter’s side both on and off the track as they will compete in the inaugural season of the newly-formed SGB Premiership, while the club are also scheduled to move from their current home at the Abbey Stadium to their new arena later in the year.

The draw costs £5,000 to enter and new Robins commercial manager Lee Kilby believes that there is no better time than now to get involved with the club.

“We just thought we would do something a little bit different this year,” said Kilby.

“We have got a list of sponsors, some are current, some are new, and they have all committed about the same of money, so we thought we would give them all the opportunity to become the team title sponsor by putting their names into a hat.

“Whatever package people have got with us, whether that be hospitality, advertising and marketing and so on, that is still there as we have a season-long relationship, but one of them will be elevated slightly to become that team title sponsor.

“Having only just taken on the role as commercial manager, I am really keen to go to companies and ask what we can do for them. ‘What is it that we can offer you that would benefit your business to promote you to a different level?’ “We can tailor different packages to suit different needs and it’s already been so well received by the business that have come on board and got involved.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the headline sponsor of a professional sports club for just £5,000.

“It’s going to be a really good year and the team on track is really exciting because we have got some great riders.

“We also have the carrot of the fact that this season is going to see big change at Swindon speedway because of the new stadium.”

Any prospective sponsor wishing to get involved with the Robins can contact Kilby on 07947 321308 or leekilby@swindonrobins.co.

Meanwhile, Coventry Bees will not be riding in this year’s SGB Premiership after the trouble club had their licence put on ice by the the British Speedway Promoters’ Association.