PremiAir Replaces Mr Umami as PremiAir Racing Sponsor | Speedcafe
PremiAir Racing is sporting a revised livery for the upcoming Modern Zealand Supercars doubleheader at Taupo and Ruapuna, following the removal of primary sponsor Mr Umami. The change, confirmed via the team’s social media channels on , sees PremiAir Hire – the business of team owner Peter Xiberras – take prominent placement on both Camaros driven by Jayden Ojeda and Declan Fraser.
Mr Umami, a mushroom-based pre-prepared meals brand, had featured on the PremiAir Camaros for the opening two rounds of the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship, in Sydney and Melbourne. While the sponsorship was initially not slated to continue for the New Zealand rounds due to the company’s limited operations in the country, its removal from the cars and the team’s website suggests a more complex situation.
Sources indicate a dispute over payments is likely behind the abrupt end to the partnership. Speedcafe reports that Mr Umami has been pulled from the team’s website, further signaling a breakdown in the relationship. While the team has not definitively ruled out a potential return after the New Zealand events, it appears unlikely the distinctive mushroom logo will reappear on the Camaros.
This isn’t the first time Mr Umami has been involved in Supercars sponsorship. Last year, the brand backed Bryce Fullwood’s #14 entry at Brad Jones Racing for selected events before transitioning to PremiAir Racing, replacing Isuzu Trucks as a major sponsor. The move to PremiAir was seen as a step up in visibility for the brand, but that partnership has now been short-lived.
The change in sponsorship comes as PremiAir Racing prepares for the ITM Taupō Super440 on . The team announced the updated livery on social media, stating their excitement for the New Zealand rounds and a “fresh look.”
The timing of the sponsorship split is notable. V8 Sleuth reports that PremiAir Hire’s presence on the cars is currently an interim measure, suggesting the team is actively seeking external sponsors to fill the space vacated by Mr Umami. This presents an opportunity for other businesses to gain exposure within the Supercars Championship.
The livery change also sees Fill’er App signage replacing PremiAir on the rear quarter of the car, with PremiAir branding moving to the doors in place of Mr Umami, as reported by Supercars.com. This adjustment reflects the shifting sponsorship landscape and the team’s efforts to maximize visibility for its partners.
Ojeda and Fraser are currently 16th and 18th in the overall championship standings, respectively, after the opening two rounds. While the sponsorship change won’t directly impact their on-track performance, a stable and well-funded team is crucial for long-term success in the highly competitive Supercars series. The team will be hoping to attract new sponsors to ensure continued investment in the program.
The situation highlights the financial complexities of motorsport and the importance of strong sponsor relationships. The sudden departure of a major sponsor like Mr Umami underscores the risks involved and the need for teams to diversify their revenue streams. PremiAir Racing’s swift response in securing PremiAir Hire as an interim sponsor demonstrates their proactive approach to navigating these challenges.
The New Zealand rounds will be a key opportunity for PremiAir Racing to showcase its revised livery and attract potential sponsors. The team will be looking to build on the momentum from Albert Park, where Ojeda and Fraser recorded their best results of the season and continue to improve their championship positions.