The Buzz – Happenings Around the Industry Week of September 2nd
by Jason Giacchino
September is typically associated with shorter days and kids marching off to school, but in the realm of ATVing, it means sponsorship opportunities, race team announcements and a few companies hoping to make a splash in the aftermarket industry. Without further ado, this week’s ATV news:
Labor Day Weekend Yamaha Brimstone SXS and ATV Roundup
GBC Motorsports is teaming up with Yamaha for the 3rd Annual SXS & ATV Roundup at Brimstone Recreation in Huntsville, TN. Come celebrate Labor Day Weekend in style as riders from around the country will descend on Huntsville Friday, September 2nd through Sunday, September 4th.
Last year the SXS & ATV Roundup brought in the largest crowd on record to Brimstone Recreation and this year’s schedule of events promises to do the same. Join local trail masters on guided rides of varying skill levels all weekend long. GBC Motorsports will have all of their SXS and ATV tires on display and Yamaha and Can-Am will be in the vendors’ area, providing demo rides on their latest and greatest machines.
To check out the event calendar for the weekend’s festivities or to get directions, head over to the official site: http://brimstonerecreation.com/sxsroundup/
Bling Star Offers Camo UTV Graphic Kits
The Blingstar Camo Graphics Kit has been in high demand since it was revealed at the 2011 Indy Dealer Expo. This kit is crafted from the highest quality materials and is one of the least expensive kits on the market.
Features Include:
• 18 Mil Thickness
• UV Protectant
• Abrasion Resistant Material
• 4 different Color Options:Yellow, Red, Blue & Black
• Available Models: Can Am Commander, Polaris RZR, RZRS, RZRXP
Cost:
5.95 without door skin
0.95 with door skins included (compatible with Blingstar doors only)
To purchase visit www.blingstar.com or call 866-412-5464
CrownWear Introduces Under Helmet Liners
Great for wearing under all helmets or by itself, and especially useful for those of us who may be “hair follicle challenged” (bald), to protect the head from sun exposure. CrownWear Helmet Liners keep sweat out of your eyes and keep your gear clean. These motorcycle helmet liners are built to handle the toughest conditions. The advanced moisture transport system keeps you cool and dry, while the Filtration Technology keeps your gear newer longer. Guaranteed!
They also offer an Ultra Thin Comfort and Protection model for .95. To purchase visit www.crownwear.com or call 888-844-0978
Yamaha Plans to Finish Racing Season Strong
In this period of economic pessimism, it’s absolutely inspiring to hear word out of Yamaha’s camp that budget cuts and corporate downsizing aren’t going to keep “Team Blue” from giving its racing teams the love they deserve. With returning champions and strong challengers donning the blue, Yamaha riders have seen success in Grand National Cross Country (GNCC), QuadX and AMA ATV Motocross Championship racing all year.
Thomas Brown battled with some of the world’s top motocross racers in the AMA ATV Motocross Championship series finishing a personal best fourth place overall for the year. After a rough start, Brown rose in the ranks capturing three second-place podium finishes.
Dustin Nelson has been punishing all challengers in the re-vamped QuadX Motocross Series. The four-time series champ has all but swept the West Coast to date capturing the top spot at every stop and finishing second in only one moto this year (he won all of the others).
Nelson’s first-year teammate, Josh Row, has also seen success in the QuadX Series and is currently only a single point behind the third overall spot. The next stop is September 10th at Speedworld MX Park in Surprise, Ariz., and you can see action from each of the QuadX races on its designated You Tube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/quadXracing
In GNCC racing, Yamaha fields a championship team including Taylor Kiser (XC1 Pro) and Walker Fowler (XC2 Pro Am) led by nine-time series champion Bill Ballance. Ballance continues his management roll this year and is also racing at select events.
Kiser is chasing his first XC-1 Pro Class championship, currently holding third in the overall standings with four podium finishes. Outside of GNCC action, Kiser also recently led the Ballance Racing Team to a recent win at the Heartland Challenge endurance event. Fowler remains focused on keeping his perfect season in the Pro Am class intact through the remaining five races.
Traci Cecco, the seven-time GNCC Women’s champion, is leading her division after winning five rounds outright, plus finishing on the podium at each of the remaining events. The GNCC series has five more stops starting next at Unadilla Raceway in New Berlin, NY, September 11th.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Slick Offroad Wash
Slick Offroad Wash, a family owned and operated company providing quality products and methods that improve the cleaning experience for the off-road enthusiast, has launched its sponsorship program at www.hookit.com/brands/slickoffroadwash/ for athletes to apply for potential support. The program will be open to all motorsports athletes till December 2012.
Works Connection
Works Connection’s Rider Support Program is in its 21st year and is actively looking for riders to join the program. Become a part of the race support program that includes multi-time AMA Supercross and Motocross Champion Ryan Dungey. Support levels range from Beginner up through the National level. The program accepts riders of all disciplines including, but not limited to, Motocross, Supercross, Off-road, Flat Track, Hill Climb, Supermoto, Speedway, Endurocross, Trials, ATV and action sport athletes.
Apply for your sponsorship at http://www.hookit.com/members/works01/
Pant Saggin
Pant Saggin, a leading apparel brand, launched its sponsorship program for athletes to apply for potential support. The program will be open to all athletes from September 1st, 2011 to December 1, 2011. Details of the sponsorship program include everything from discounts to full rides on all apparel and custom painted helmets. Salary, contingency, bonus pay. Apply here: http://www.hookit.com/brands/psd1
ATV Motocross Championship Awards Banquet Reservations
After a stellar 2011 AMA ATV Motocross Championship season, the ATVPG is pleased to announce the Awards Banquet reservation form is now available on the series website. This year’s season celebration will take place Saturday, October 29, at the Grand Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
National Championship awards will be presented to the top ten positions in all thirty-seven amateur classes, with contingencies to the top five. Awards will also be given to the top three in the North and South Challenge.
Banquet attendees are invited to join the dinner celebration between 5 and 5:30 p.m., with the awards presentation immediately following at 6:30 p.m.
Banquet reservations must be received by Friday, October 21. To reserve a spot, visit www.atvmotocross.com and print the PDF form. For additional questions, please contact media@atvmotocross.com