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Justin Campbell’s Blue Machine which is expected is expected to do well in Group SM3.

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Justin Campbell (right) explaining the finer points of the mechanics under his hood to Republic Bank Barbados CEO Ian De Souza.

Republic Bank unveils new ‘Blue Machine’

When the engines start up today for the FLOW King of the Hill event which runs Hangman’s Hill to Lion Castle, a ‘new’ player will be in the field. Several persons were on hand at Hilton Barbados this past Friday evening when Justin Campbell’s new ‘Blue Machine’ was unveiled.

Republic Bank, which is better known for their Blue Machines which dispense cash and facilitate several other financial transactions, have come onboard as a major sponsor for Campbell’s 2016 campaign in the FLOW King of the Hill and SOL Rally Barbados events over the next two weekends. During Friday’s ceremony which saw the recently-remodeled 2003 BMW E46 M3 being revealed, Chief Executive Officer of Republic Bank Barbados, Ian De Souza explained that the move came out of a commitment to society. 
 
“Because Republic Bank believes so strongly in community, and recognising therefore that in the community of Barbados motor racing is an extremely [anticipated] event, we knew that it was only a matter of time before we got involved. Over the last couple of years we have been trying to find the best way to enter. We looked at the different forms of motorsport in Barbados and in deciding we went to Red Advertising, our trusted advisors, along with our internal marketing department. The advice coming to us, based on the passion of Barbadians in general, was that rallying was the way to go,” he said.
 
Campbell will be partnering with his co-driver Juan Watts in Group SM3 and along with the support of Hilton Barbados and Five Star Fast Track, De Souza said that his company’s commitment to the venture was one that was expected to continue and grow with the team’s progress. 
 
“We are extremely proud to partner with Justin and Juan on this journey that has begun. We don’t start things and stop. When we enter something, we go for the long haul. This is a partnership and we hope it is one that will go for a long while. Please do make us proud. You are starting with 518 Republic Bank staff members in your support team, you have that to go with. Make this brand look good and we will make you look good.”
 
Campbell, who got his start in motorsport through go-karting, said that he never saw the assistance coming but was able to get the vehicle ready for the events in 20 days after some long nights. 
 
“To be honest, this year was never in the plans for us to rally until I got a phone call from Juan saying that Republic wanted a meeting with us and that is when the ball started,” Campbell said. (MP)

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