THE sporting empire being diligently built by York City chairman John Batchelor gathered all its myriad strands together for the first time with the unveiling of the new Minstermen's new football strip.

And as the Evening Press shows today's players, trainers and automobiles of the new 'Team YorkCity' adventure, it is a far cry from the way City were portrayed just a year ago when a rather more traditional eve-of-season squad shot was produced.

Chairman Batchelor is overjoyed at the prospect. He enthused: "To see it all finally in one place after months of planning is fantastic. 'YorkCity' is a new sporting venture and there are many more things we can do, but because I think all the different elements can be successful, this will make it a very strong brand.

"We don't know about the motorcycle team as we have only just announced it, but the motor-racing team is third in the championship and I think we can win it, while the football club had its best finish for years and is going to go up this year."

TITLE CHASERS: After a strong finish to last season York City, re-branded York City Soccer Club, aim to be pushing for promotion from the Third Division this campaign with former England star Luther Blissett recruited to manager Terry Dolan's coaching staff.

DRIVING AMBITION: Speed merchants Jim Edwards junior and Hyla Breese, drivers for Team B&Q Jet York City Racing, who feature in the British Touring Car Championship production class. The team is currently in second in class. Clifton-based Renault Clio driver Jo Kraemer, 21, is also part of the York City motor-sport stable.

LADIES IN WAITING: York City Ladies football team will play their games at Bootham Crescent this season and have been integrated in to the City club. Plans are afoot for the team to eventually go professional and compete against the likes of Arsenal and Fulham.

BAT-MOBILE: The Vauxhall VX220 in which Batchelor hopes to tackle the famous Le Mans 24-hour race next year with drivers Jim Edwards junior and Hyla Breese

DRIVING FORCE: Flamboyant chairman John Batchelor who is putting the new-look sporting team together.

Enthused Batchelor: "To see it all finally in one place after months of planning is fantastic. 'YorkCity' is a new sporting venture and there are many more things we can do, but because I think all the different elements can be successful, this will make it a very strong brand.

"We don't know about the motorcycle ream as we have only just announced it, but the motor-racing team is third in the championship and I think we can win it, while the football club had its best finish for years and is going to go up this year."

LION'S PRIDE: Colourful mascot Yorkie, a one-lion media-savvy publicity machine who's a big hit with the kids.

FREE-WHEELER: Selby speeder Mark Webber is the first motorcyclist to join the City Racing Team. He currently leads the Rookie 400 Championship in the Auto 66 series.

Updated: 15:33 Tuesday, July 16, 2002