Brabham Racing, a BMW tuning outfit, has issued a statement claiming they are not related to Sir Jack Brabham, and have no intention of being associated with him. The statement comes as Sir Brabham, the first person ever knighted for motorsports and co-founder of Brabham/Motor Racing Development Ltd., has openly questioned the motives of the German tuner, implying that the company is trying to sell their cars and products by using the Brabham name without permission.
In their statement, Brabham Racing said, "It never was our intention to associate our brand with Sir Jack Brabham and his achievements as an engineer and racing driver nor with his legacy in motor racing history."
Regardless, the use of the Brabham name still seems questionable. The company openly implied a connection to Sir Brabham's company in a November press release. In that release, the company writes, "One of the most illustrious names of automotive history has returned. After numerous successes in Formula One and being dormant for nearly sixteen years, the legendary motor racing brand was relaunched."
Sir Brabham's firm went belly up in 1992; sixteen years ago.
The company also claims Sir Brabham has a "questionable" legal ground for a dispute, as one of company shareholder acquired rights to the name "Brabham Racing" several years ago.
Brabham Racing is currently showing off three BMW tuners at the Essen Motor Show.
See press release below for full statement.
ck314
December 3, 2008 6:49 PM
