PMM finds out how Ignition specialist, NGK Spark Plugs, has managed to remain at the forefront of motorsport for so long, supplying its racing plugs for many four- wheel teams and drivers, including Formula One.
NGK’s first F1 success was with the Honda’s victory in the Mexico Grand Prix in 1965 and the company’s F1 relationship continues to this day, with it having recorded numerous victories with many of the world’s leading teams.
However, its affiliation with motorsport is not just restricted to F1; it is also active in a variety of other racing arenas, running its own team in the German VLN endurance championship, and supporting teams in high profile motorsport disciplines, such as the World Rally Championship (WRC).
NGK is also the sponsor of the Cumbrian based M-Sport team which is enjoying great success in this year’s championship. At the time of writing, M-Sport heads the manufacturers’ championship, with its driver Sébastien Ogier out in front of the drivers’ standings as well.
Mark Hallam, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd Marketing Manager, said: “NGK has a long and illustrious pedigree in supplying racing plugs to a number of top drivers and teams competing at the highest levels of motorsport competition. Drivers and teams know that they can rely on our components to perform in the most arduous of racing conditions, such as the WRC championship, and we are delighted that our association with M-Sport is proving to be so successful this year.”
Four-time and reigning WRC champion Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia recently secured their second victory of the year at the Rally de Portugal – powering to the top step of the podium with a faultless drive behind the wheel of their Ecoboost- powered Ford Fiesta WRC.
Despite a brush with the Portuguese scenery, Ott Tänak and Elfyn Evans ensured that all three of M-Sport’s top-specification Fiestas finished inside the top-six. Ogier, Tänak and Evans all secured points in the Power Stage and the team has increased its lead at the head of both FIA World Rally Championships.
What is it?
BoxClever is an NGK promotion that rewards garages with gifts and prizes, with points accumulated for purchasing various NGK products.
What do you have to do?
All you have to do is put your empty NGK product boxes in the BoxClever bag that the company provides, and then stick it in the post. This won’t cost you a thing. Every box you send in adds points to your account. The more boxes you use, the more points you get to spend in the BoxClever store. Once you’ve accumulated some points, you can exchange them for any gift available in the store, but you’ll have to save up for some of the bigger gifts. Orders are delivered straight to your door for no additional charge.
BoxClever points breakdown
MAF/MAP SENSORS – 100points
NOx SENSORS – 100points
IGNITION COILS – 100points
EGT SENSORS – 100points
LAMBDA SENSORS – 100points
GLOW PLUGS – 40points
PRECIOUS METAL SPARK PLUGS – 10points
SPARK PLUGS – 5points
