What Is The New Partnership Between Bradford City AFC And Zac Meakin Racing?

Ever wondered what happens when the worlds of football and high-speed motorsport collide? It’s not something you see every day, but that’s exactly what’s happening over at Valley Parade. Bradford City AFC, the club known affectionately as the Bantams, has just announced a really interesting new partnership. They’re teaming up with Zac Meakin Racing, a name that’s making some serious noise in the world of motorsport. This isn’t just about putting a sticker on a car; it’s a proper collaboration that promises some exciting things for supporters. The club is revving its engines for a new kind of adventure, bringing the roar of the racetrack to the roar of the football crowd. This partnership feels fresh and looks set to take the Bantams' brand to places it has never been before.

Who is Zac Meakin?

So, who is the person at the centre of this new deal? Zac Meakin isn't just any driver; he's a serious talent. As a McLaren driver, he’s part of a legendary name in racing. Think of McLaren, and you think of speed, innovation, and winning. That’s the world Zac lives in. In fact, he’s the 2024 British GT4 Champion, which is a massive achievement. Being a British GT4 Champion means you’re one of the best in your class at handling seriously powerful cars in wheel-to-wheel racing. It takes incredible skill, focus, and bravery. Now, this champion of the track is teaming up with Bradford City AFC. This partnership with Zac Meakin Racing is a sign that the club is thinking outside the box, looking to connect with a whole new audience. For Zac, it's a chance to connect with a passionate fanbase from a different sport, showing that the dedication needed to be a top athlete is the same whether you're on a pitch or a racetrack.

What's this new partnership all about?

This is where it gets really cool. As part of this new partnership, Zac Meakin will be representing the Bantams on some of the most famous race circuits in the world. His incredible car, a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, will feature the official Bradford City AFC crest. A 720S GT3 Evo is basically a supercar that's been stripped out and beefed up purely for racing – it’s a monster on the track. Imagine seeing the club’s crest flashing past at over 150 miles per hour. Zac is set to race at legendary tracks like Paul Ricard in France and Monza in Italy. Monza is nicknamed the 'Temple of Speed' for a reason; it's one of the fastest and most historic circuits anywhere. This collaboration means the Bantams will be seen by a huge global audience, people who might never have heard of the club before. It’s a clever way to grow the brand beyond football and connect with the thrilling world of motorsport.

Max v Zac: a football and motorsport crossover

Perhaps the most exciting part of this announcement for supporters is the promise of some brilliant entertainment. The club has planned a 'Max v Zac' series, which will be a type of social-first content. This means it’s designed to be shared and enjoyed on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The series will feature City’s captain, Max Power, going head-to-head with the McLaren driver, Zac Meakin. It sounds like a fantastic idea. Max Power will get a taste of what it’s like to be a racing driver, probably getting strapped into a simulator and trying to handle the G-force. And in return, the racing champion will be put through his paces by the skipper. Can Zac Meakin take a penalty? Can Max Power hit an apex? This is the kind of fun, behind-the-scenes content that fans love, and it’s a brilliant way to bring this motorsport collaboration to life. This unique project shows the depth of the partnership between Bradford City AFC and Zac Meakin Racing.

What the bosses are saying

The people in charge are clearly pleased about this new venture. Davide Longo, City’s general manager, is buzzing about the potential. He said:

“Our partnership with Zac Meakin Racing opens up exciting doors for our football club, having visible branding on iconic cars being driven by one of the brightest talents in the sport.”

“This is a forward-thinking partnership, which will offer supporters engaging content with a ‘Max v Zac’ series while bringing our brand to a global audience at iconic race circuits across Europe.”

Zac Meakin himself is equally excited about the whole thing. He said:

“I am absolutely thrilled to announce my partnership with Bradford City AFC. Having the backing of such a passionate club is an incredible feeling for me and my team.”

“I cannot wait to represent the Bantams on the international stage and deliver an industry-first collaboration, bringing the worlds of football and motorsport together through a bold, social-first content series, along with some exciting activations supporters will not want to miss." It’s clear both sides see this as much more than just a sponsorship deal.

More than just a logo on a car

Zac Meakin’s comments hint at more to come. He mentioned “some exciting activations supporters will not want to miss.” What could these activations be? While nothing specific has been announced, one can imagine some great possibilities. Maybe supporters will get the chance to meet the McLaren driver at a home game, or perhaps there will be competitions to win merchandise from both Zac Meakin Racing and the Bantams. There could even be an opportunity for a few lucky fans to see the 720S GT3 Evo up close. These kinds of activities are what turn a good partnership into a great one. It’s all about getting the supporters involved and making them feel part of this unique journey. This collaboration aims to create a real connection between the football club and the fast-paced world of professional racing, and it will be interesting to see what other surprises are in store. To keep up with everything Zac is doing, you can follow him on Instagram.