Signs Express Shows Racing Spirit

Press release date: 29-May-2007

An exiting new initiative launched by the RAF captured the spirit of leading signs and graphics company, Signs Express (Wembley), when they were asked to provide striking vehicle wraps to two NASCAR racing cars.  The cars, along with a harrier jet, received a grand unveiling at the RAF Spirit of Adventure launch at the Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall.  

The two UK racing series NASCAR’s got off to a perfect start and qualified 1st & 2nd and then finished 1-2 in both their races at the first meeting of the SCSA V8 Trophy at Rockingham Motor Speedway.

In addition to their racing requirements, the cars will also be appearing at various RAF Spirit of Adventure air shows around the UK, throughout the summer. Each of the shows includes theatrical ground displays, breath-taking aircraft fly-pasts, role demonstrations and exhibitions; featuring state-of–the-art technology to express the key themes of life in the RAF, i.e. adventure, lifestyle, sport and technology.  The Spirit of Adventure events are to be used to promote the image, reputation and profile of the Royal Air Force.

Signs Express (Wembley & Harrow) provided a comprehensive design, manufacture and fitting service at their production centre based on The Hawthorn Centre in Harrow. Centre owner Gareth Doherty explains; “We were able to visit 3 squadron at RAF Coningsby, taking a selection of high resolution shots of fighter planes and then set about designing the graphics.  NASCAR’s are large racing cars and we needed to ensure that the design would fit appropriately within the contours of the car.”

“Each car has its own design – one with the striking Spirit of Adventure logo and flame graphics and one which depicts a Typhoon fighter jet, together with after burners at the rear!  We’ve been really excited about the project and were delighted to be given the opportunity.  The cars look really great!”

On the specification of the project, Gareth continued, “The cars were both completely wrapped, using ultra conformable cast film, which was printed on our in-house digital printer, the JV3; and then laminated for long lasting finish.  Each section is heated and then moulded into the contours to give a seamless graphic across the entire car.  Preparation of the surface was key as the fibreglass bodywork can cause difficulties during application.  It was a great challenge for us.”    

The NASCAR’s, which are hugely popular in America, now appear at regular race meetings in the UK at a purpose built track at Rockingham, Corby. NASCAR race-meets take place here once a month, with two races per meet. When the cars are not racing they will be used as part of the promotion for the Spirit of Adventure and other RAF shows and events.

Furthermore, the RAF were so delighted with impact of the RAF livery, they immediately commissioned Wembley to wrap a third rally car which is being run at a number of events up and down the country by Sergeant Chris Daykin of RAF Marham. Chris also got off to a flying start and finished 1st in his class on his first outing!

Signs Express (Wembley & Harrow) works with a variety of business both large and small, providing all forms of signage from interior and exterior signs to vehicle graphics, window graphics, banners and exhibition products.

 As with all Signs Express centres, Wembley has their own drive-in livery bay. This climate-controlled environment is essential for creating the optimum conditions for vehicle graphics application. This promotional vehicle livery job is a great example of what can be achieved with wraps. They can be used for short-term promotion or longer run projects. They are removable after their life, preserving the original paint-work underneath.