From circuit to sky - aviation and touring car legends carry out epic job swap with GS Yuasa

Date: Friday 30 September 2022

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World’s leading battery manufacturer GS Yuasa have bought together two titans of the aviation and motorsport worlds in an epic fashion. Former Red Arrows pilot and current Head of The Blades, Ben Murphy swaps machinery with triple British Touring Car champion Gordon Shedden, as they get a taste for each other’s equally incredible but very different lives.

To document this blockbusting job swap, GS Yuasa will be releasing a short two-part film across their social media channels, which encompasses how their brand ambassadors faired in each other’s adrenaline fuelled offices.

Part one of the film sees the pair meet for the first time at Gordon’s stomping ground at Knockhill Circuit in Scotland. The video then follows with Gordon giving Ben some tuition laps in a Honda Civic Type R before Ben takes to the picturesque track on his own in a single seater formula race car. Shedden then shows Murphy how he does it in touring cars, with some intense high-speed laps, drifting his way round the undulating Fife circuit, much to Ben’s dismay!

In part two, Ben challenges Gordon to fly his Extra 300 aircraft at Sywell Aerodrome, home of the Yuasa-sponsored Blades Aerobatic Team. Gordon attempts a full loop and aileron roll, before Ben gets his revenge and surprises him with an unexpected guest for a series of dramatic close formation aerobatics.

The impressive crossover comes months after the battery manufacturer took their sponsorship programme to new heights by teaming up with The Blades for 2022. The battery manufacturer also renewed their long-standing relationship with the Scottish ace Shedden, who has had the company’s backing since 2011.

Ben Murphy, Head of the Blades Aerobatic Team said:

“It was fantastic to experience the life of a racing driver, if it was only for a day. Gordon was phenomenal, I couldn’t believe some of the things he can do with a car around a track! When I’m up flying, I’ve got so much space around me, but on the track, you just feel so close to the tarmac and the barriers. Knockhill is such a beautiful setting too, an undoubtedly fun day!”

Gordon Shedden, triple BTCC champion added:

“Wow, words can’t describe the sensation of being up there in that aircraft. The Extra 300 was so agile, being upside down and completing a loop and a roll was a truly insane experience. Thanks to Ben and of course GS Yuasa for making this all happen, it will be something I remember forever.”

The two-part film will be coming soon on GS Yuasa’s social media channels. To watch, follow @GSYuasaUK on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. To stay up to date with GS Yuasa’s latest news and products visit www.gs-yuasa.eu 

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