RAC plc
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RAC plc is a UK-based motoring organisation, originally formed by the Royal Automobile Club to assist members with roadside assistance and other motoring services. The RAC's traditional rival is the Automobile Association or AA.
Founded in 1897, the RAC introduced uniformed patrols in 1901 and added roadside telephones in 1912.
In September 1999, RAC Motoring Services was sold by the members of the Royal Automobile Club to Lex Service plc, and there is no longer any formal connection between the two organisations. Following the de-merger of the two parts of the RAC, and the sale of the motoring services arm, the RAC Foundation, previously a part of the RAC, was made independent and took on the motoring advocacy role of the RAC.
Lex Service plc, which renamed itself RAC plc in 2002, also owns BSM (previously The British School of Motoring), Lex Vehicle Leasing, AutoWindscreens and BSG (Birmingham Safety Glass).
In 2005, RAC plc was acquired by the Norwich Union Insurance division of Aviva plc.
In 2006, RAC teamed up with WSR (West Surrey Racing) to form Team RAC and to race in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) with two MG ZSs. The racing cars are liveried in RAC's coporate orange and have achieved a number of wins so far this season.
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