MIC Welcomes Inaugural Members of New Dealer Membership Class Advisory Council

Bob Althoff, Sandy Stroope to Help Support MIC’s New Dealer Members

IRVINE, CA – May 21, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -  The Motorcycle Industry Council continues to welcome dealers and retailers to its membership for the first time since 1974 and today welcomed the first two members of the new MIC Dealer Advisory Council. Bob Althoff, owner of A.D. Farrow Co. in Columbus, OH, and Sandy Stroope, owner of Boat World Honda Polaris in Harrison, AR, are the inaugural members of what will be an eight-member council.

“The MIC’s new Dealer Advisory Council is an integral part of the support system that we are providing to our members,” said MIC President and CEO Tim Buche. “Both Bob Althoff and Sandy Stroope have dedicated their lives and careers to the powersports industry. The value of the Dealer Advisory Council is in listening, discussing, discerning and acting on key issues that manufacturers, dealers and retailers alike can focus on to improve the rider experience. We believe a solid Dealer Advisory Council with members like Bob and Sandy will create better understanding between members and help us all improve.”

The Dealer Advisory Council is intended to represent the needs and interests of these new dealer members. The council will advise the Board and Aftermarket Committee, while the Board will direct Dealer/Retailer dues revenue to market expansion, training and education, public policy and government relations activities.

“It’s an honor to be asked to join the MIC’s Dealer Advisory Council,” said Althoff. “I was one of 25 dealers from 18 states to initially join the MIC and I’m proud to be one of the first two members to serve on the advisory council. I believe that it’s crucial for powersports dealers to come together and help support the MIC as they help support our industry as a whole. I look forward to being a contributing member of this united group and to assisting the new dealer members as they join our growing numbers.”

As owner of A.D. Farrow Co., Althoff runs the oldest Harley-Davidson dealership in the U.S. The venerable company, which has three Columbus, OH, locations, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Additionally, Althoff was recently awarded the Dealernews Don J. Brown Lifetime Achievement Award, given to representatives of the powersports retail community who have demonstrated a lifelong dedication to the business, the lifestyle, the community and the sport.

Stroope is the owner and operator of Boat World Honda Polaris in Harrison, AR, a multi-line dealership with a decidedly off-road clientele. He is also chairman of the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission and president of the Arkansas Motorcycle Dealer Association.

“I’m extremely proud to serve on the new MIC Dealer Advisory Council,” said Stroope. “As a dealer, I’ve always felt it’s important to be active in your local community. As new members of the MIC, we as dealers now have the opportunity to participate in, and help develop, the larger powersports community that we all have in common. I’m excited about the potential of this advisory committee, and I’m looking forward to working with the MIC and with dealers nationwide to help promote our sport.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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Steve Johnson Takes Over as Motorcycle Industry Council Aftermarket Committee Chair

Former Chair Frank Esposito to Remain Active on MIC Aftermarket Committee

IRVINE, CA – May 15, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Motorcycle Industry Council board member Steve Johnson assumes the position of MIC Aftermarket Chair. In his new role, Johnson takes over for former Chair Frank Esposito, who is stepping down after serving in this position since 2004. Esposito, who also sits on the MIC board, will continue to be an active member of the Aftermarket Committee.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead the Aftermarket Committee for the MIC,” said Johnson, president and COO of Tucker Rocky Distributing. “Our industry has survived the greatest recession in our lifetime. We are seeing signs of an economic turnaround and it is critical that all constituents in the powersports industry find ways to capitalize on this recovery. There are many pressures on our industry ­– from land closure to unfavorable laws from both the state and federal level – that will have negative consequences. MIC has recently created the opportunity for powersports dealers to become MIC members. It is important that all interested parties come together with a stronger, united voice to make sure the powersports industry is represented. The Aftermarket Committee will continue to play a key role in initiating and supporting these efforts.

“I want to thank Frank Esposito for his leadership of the Aftermarket Committee,” continued Johnson. “Frank has always been a passionate, creative and articulate voice in the Aftermarket Committee. I also want to thank MIC President Tim Buche for his outstanding leadership of the MIC.”

Added Esposito, president of Kendon Industries, Inc.: “I am very grateful to everyone who supported me during my time as chair of the MIC’s Aftermarket Committee. I’m pleased with and proud of the accomplishments and diligence shown by the committee and the membership task force over the last 10 years. But change is healthy; it keeps us fresh and challenges the status quo. Now is the right time for change and so the time has come to rotate from the chair. I believe that Steve is the ideal next candidate. His industry experience and commitment to the aftermarket will prove invaluable as he takes over as chair. I look forward to working with him in this new capacity and also to continuing to serve as an active member of the committee.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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Kawasaki Hires Former Auto Executive to Further Strengthen the Company’s Marketing and Sales

Richard N. Beattie becomes company’s Chief Marketing and Sales Officer.

IRVINE, CA – May 2, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) today announced the hiring of Richard N. Beattie, an experienced automotive industry executive, to the new position of Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, reporting directly to Tak Teranishi, KMC President.  Beattie will be responsible for marketing, sales, and product strategy for all of Kawasaki’s recreation and utility products in the United States, Central and South America. Team leaders Bill Jenkins, Chris Brull, and Shuji Yamazaki will report to him in his new role.

In addition to the hiring of Beattie, Jenkins was promoted from Vice President, Sales to Executive Vice President, Sales and Kris Carter, General Manager, Corporate Operations was promoted to Executive Vice President, Customer Services.

Beattie was responsible for marketing and sales at Jaguar Land Rover North America from 2002 to 2007, before taking over the position of Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Jaguar North America in 2009.  He also held the post of Chief Commercial Officer at Fisker Automotive, one of the first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle companies.

Prior to this, he was VP Marketing, Sales, and Service at Lincoln Mercury, having risen through the ranks at Ford both in Europe and the United States, including a posting as President and CEO of Mazda’s North American operations.  He brings a solid management record with premium and luxury automotive brands.

“Richard comes to our industry with credentials and experience that will build upon the strong progress KMC has made this year in growing our brand awareness and improving the quality of our market share,” said Teranishi.

Beattie owns and rides a touring motorcycle and also is an avid private pilot and a member of the Board of Directors of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He formerly served as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the University of California Irvine Business School.

About Kawasaki

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcyles, ATVs, Side x Sides, and personal watercraft through a network of more than 1,200 independent retailers. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with 300 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, Calif. headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.™”, is recognized worldwide. For five decades, the Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

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Kawasaki Selects Virtustream to Create a Scalable, Cloud-based Dealership Portal

Major powersports distributor uses the xStream cloud solution to better serve online customers

SAN FRANCISCO, CA  – March 14, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) - Virtustream, Inc., the leading enterprise class cloud software and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provider, today announced that Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC), the U.S. distributor for Kawasaki branded powersports vehicles, has deployed Virtustream’s enterprise cloud solution, xStream, to develop and test software applications for its dealership portal.

“xStream provides a highly effective combination of functionality and agility that will enable us to efficiently develop and test our software to keep up with the dynamic requirements of our portal solution,” said Victor Martinez, director of information technology, Kawasaki. “Virtustream has exceeded our expectations with their preparedness and responsiveness and, due to the success and immediate benefits that we have seen, we anticipate eventually moving other business applications to the cloud as well.”

KMC selected xStream for its ability to provide enterprise class stability, agility, ease of use and built-in disaster recovery at a cost-effective rate. Upon implementation, the Virtustream and Kawasaki teams were able to quickly bring up an xStream environment. With the Virtustream cloud solution, Kawasaki was able to install, test and deploy the new application (in multiple environments) and still meet business requirements and deadlines. Virtustream’s µVM^TM (micro-VM) technology provides a consumption-based pricing model that only charges customers for the resources actually used. With this utility-like resource deployment and pricing, Kawasaki now has the flexibility to rapidly add resources on demand whenever required by the business.

“Kawasaki’s decision to utilize our solution shows the versatility xStream offers,” said Scot Brenton, vice president of sales, West Coast U.S., Virtustream. “xStream greatly simplifies moving IT to the cloud and taking advantage of the increased efficiency of a cloud solution. We provide a secure and scalable environment with disaster recovery built in to ensure our users are protected both during and after their transition.”

Virtustream xStream delivers an innovative approach to hybrid clouds, enabling customers to deploy mission-critical applications in the cloud, backed by application SLAs. Powered by Virtustream µVM^TM (micro-VM) technology, xStream delivers enterprise-grade security/compliance, multi-tenant efficiency, application performance SLAs and consumption-based charging for both legacy and web-scale applications.

About Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, Side x Sides, and personal watercraft through a network of more than 1,200 independent retailers, with an additional 7,400 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with 300 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.™”, is recognized worldwide. For five decades, the Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

About Virtustream

Virtustream is a leading cloud innovator offering enterprise class cloud solutions to enterprises, governments and service providers. Virtustream enables businesses to move complex production applications to the cloud – whether private, public or hybrid – while delivering the full economic and business benefits of the cloud. Virtustream offers xStream, cloud management software for private/public/hybrid clouds and also offers the Virtustream Cloud which provides secure, high availability, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) to enterprises. Both xStream and the Virtustream Cloud deliver secure, cloud efficiency with performance SLAs for mission critical applications (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft and thousands more). Virtustream’s solutions are backed by professional services to design, migrate to, and manage clouds.

Virtustream offers these enterprise class cloud solutions worldwide; owns data centers in the U.S. and EMEA; operates an international Cloud Exchange, SpotCloud®; has offices in San Francisco, Atlanta, New York, Washington D.C., Toronto, London, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and has partners in Asia and China.

Contacts

Virtustream, Inc.
Lisa Desmond, 615-368-7325
lisa.desmond@virtustream.com

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Fifteen Lucky Winners Enjoying Revive Your Ride! Year-End Giveaway Prizes

Two Retailers Win, Grand Prize Customer Takes $2,500

IRVINE, CA – February 7, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Two dealerships won Revive Your Ride! Party Packs and 13 customers collected a total of $13,500 in the Revive Your Ride! Year-End Giveaway.

Lisa Horney of Horney’s Custom Cycles in Fort Meyers, Fla. will be celebrating with a Revive Your Ride! Party Pack because one of her customers became the grand prize winner after simply obtaining an entry code from the dealership.

“We’re very much looking forward to celebrating Brian Gibens’ win, and are inviting all our customers to join the party,” Lisa said. “We have been participating in Revive Your Ride! since the beginning and have had several winners over the past few years, but this is our first Grand Prize winner. We will most definitely continue participating in Revive Your Ride! when it comes back in the spring.”

Lisa Horney has long known Brian Gibens who recently inherited his father’s Harley and plans to lower it front and rear, add a new seat and change the handlebars with his prize money.

“At first, I thought the phone call about winning was a prank,” said first place winner Tim Dietrich of Ithaca, NY, who has never won a contest like this. “I contacted the Motorcycle Industry Council to verify it and got really excited about winning the $1,000 gift certificate to Country Rode Motowerks in Fairport.”

After being picked at random from a pool of all Revive Your Ride! participating dealers, David Preston of Ride West BMW in Seattle, Wa. won the second Revive Your Ride! Party Pack. “You made my day,” said Preston, manager of Team Ride West. “We can’t wait to get started thinking about ways to throw a good party.”

Although Preston didn’t have a winner in the Revive Your Ride! Year-End Giveaway, he has had several winners in past promotions. Preston said he feels that Revive Your Ride! brought new customers into his dealership. In preparation for the upcoming spring promotion, the team at Ride West BMW plans to promote Revive Your Ride! via social media, e-mail base, Facebook fans and of course the website.

Winners of the 2012 Revive Your Ride! Year-End Giveaway

Grand Prize Winner

• Brian Gibens, Cape Coral, FL, $2,500

First Place Prize Winners

• Jeff Huber, Concordia, KS, $1,000
• Greg Garrett, Hernando, MS, $1,000
• Kathryn Penno, Grand Rapids, MI, $1,000
• Matt Lamar, Coatesville, PA, $1,000
• Ron Hayden, Stapleton, AL, $1,000
• Ben Kempen, Lafayette, IN, $1,000
• Tony Ventrice, Plum, PA, $1,000
• Tim Dietrich, Ithaca, NY, $1,000
• Shanna Berry, Los Angeles, CA, $1,000
• John Osborne, West Farmington, OH, $1,000

Second Place Prize Winners

• Richard Beeson, Austin, TX, $500
• George Dewey, Hillsboro, OR, $500

“We’ve been excited to offer this promotion to powersports retailers, for no investment at all, to help them boost floor traffic,” said Cam Arnold, vice president aftermarket programs at the Motorcycle Industry Council.” And we’re working hard on the Revive Your Ride! Spring Promotion scheduled to run April 15 through June 30. Retailers can sign up now.”

Revive Your Ride! was created and is funded by the aftermarket members of the Motorcycle Industry Council specifically to build excitement for two-wheeling and to bring the riding community back to the many retailers of motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, service and aftermarket parts and accessories.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org. Visit the Revive your Ride! website at www.mic.org/reviveyourride.

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Schedule Announced for 2014 Model Year Sneak Peek Spring Tour

All Four Manufacturers Will Showcase New Models Beginning March 1st

MINNEAPOLIS (February 5, 2013) – See them, touch them, and even catch a whiff of that new sled smell as Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha unveil their 2014 models and showcase them from coast to coast as part of the 2014 Sneak Peek Tour. Touting all-new models, new technology, new colors, and the latest spring early order programs to go with them, the Sneak Peek tour is your best and often only chance to see the new 2014 models in person before next winter.

With all four manufacturers showcasing their latest offerings under one roof, there will be nearly 60-sleds on display, plus a sampling of other products from each manufacturers including ATVs, motorcycles, and side-by-sides. With so much to see, it’s the perfect opportunity for a night out with your family and riding friends.

Most shows are free to attend, and along with the new 2014 snowmobiles, you can talk directly with factory representatives to get the inside scoop on the new models along with details on exclusive spring programs. The complete tour schedule, hours of operation, and venue details and directions can be found at www.snowsneakpeek.com.

MIDWEST/EASTERN UNITED STATES TOUR

• March 1-2 Colebrook, New Hampshire
• March 5 Augusta, Maine
• March 8-9 Old Forge, New York
• March 12 Syracuse, New York
• March 15-17 Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
• March 19 Grand Rapids, Michigan
• March 23 Boxbrough, Massachusetts
• March 26 Novi, Michigan
• March 28 Buffalo/Hamburg, New York
• April 1 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• April 3 Wausau, Wisconsin
• April 5-6 Blaine, Minnesota

WESTERN UNITED STATES TOUR

• March 12 Denver, Colorado
• March 15-17 West Yellowstone, Montana
• March 21-24 Jackson, Wyoming
• March 27 Puyallup, Washington
• April 1 Spokane, Washington
• April 3 Boise, Idaho
• April 5 Layton, Utah
• April 8 Fargo, North Dakota

CANADIAN BIG FOUR TOUR

• March 22-23 Laval, Quebec
• March 25-26 Kanata, Ontario
• March 29-30 Quebec, Quebec
• April 5-6 Winnipeg, Manitoba
• April 9 Edmonton, Alberta
• April 13-14 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

About Polaris

Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2012 sales of $3.2 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER® and RZR® side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.

Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris and KLIM branded apparel and Polaris accessories and parts.

Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII”, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

 

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AMA Members Enjoy Exclusive Discount on Race Tech Suspension for the Track and the Street

PICKERINGTON, OH – December 10, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) –  The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to announce a new member discount with partner Race Tech — an exclusive 15 percent discount on Race Tech suspension components, including springs, Gold Valve kits, shocks and more for competition and street motorcycles of all kinds.

“Race Tech has long been known for quality suspension components and knowledgeable support in the racing and high-performance realms, and for many years now they’ve been a major player on the street side, as well — particularly with the touring and Harley-Davidson segments,” said Grant Parsons, the AMA’s director of marketing and communications. “Race Tech’s extensive product line offers something for all motorcyclists, and this discount is a great way for AMA members to save some real money when buying replacement parts or upgrading suspension.”

“Race Tech has a long history in the motorcycle industry, and we’ve built a business around helping riders enjoy life on two wheels,” said Race Tech’s Director of Marketing Chris Riesenberg. “We strongly support the AMA’s efforts fighting for the rights of motorcycle riders on the road and off. It is our pleasure to extend a discount to the members who support the AMA and the continued healthy growth of the motorcycle industry. While we focus on building products to make each ride smoother, safer and more enjoyable, we are happy to know the AMA is on our side lobbying for our right to ride.”

Race Tech, innovative leaders in motorcycle suspension since 1984, has an extensive line of springs, Gold Valve fork and shock kits, custom shocks, tools, and replacement parts for dirtbikes, streetbikes, Harley-Davidsons, ATVs and UTVs.

“This is just one more way for AMA members to save more than the cost of their membership by using valuable AMA discounts,” Parsons said. “The wide selection of proven quality products makes Race Tech a perfect fit for AMA members, who are some of the most diverse and committed riders on the planet.”

To access the discount, go online to www.racetech.com, then call Race Tech directly to order at (951) 279-6655 and provide your AMA number. Race Tech representatives will verify your membership instantly and apply the discount to your order.

For a complete list of AMA member benefits, go to www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/benefits.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

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Sudco OEM Style and Performance Brand Electrical Components for Motorcycles, ATVs, Personal Watercraft

COMPTON, CA – December 4, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Sudco International is your leading source for OEM quality Stock Replacement and Aftermarket High Performance Electrical Components for Current and Classic Japanese and British Motorcycles, ATVs and Personal Watercraft.

Sudco carries the industry’s leading brands including NGK Spark Plus and Ignition Cables, Nology Coils and Cables, Boyer-Branson Electronic Ignition Systems for Classic British Bikes, GS and Power Source Batteries, Dyna Performance Ignition Systems and Components, complete wiring harnesses and OEM Quality Ignition Stators, Starter Solenoids, Ignition Switches, Handlebar Switch Assemblies, Turn Signal Assemblies, Fuses and much more. Even it you don’t see it in Sudco’s Catalog, just give them a call, they’ve probably got it.

For additional information and to order, contact your local motorcycle parts dealer or Sudco direct. Dealers call Sudco for a copy of the Sudco Main Products Catalog featuring a compete line of stock replacement and high performance parts, including Keihin and Mikuni Carburetors, for dirt bikes, street bikes, ATVs and personal watercraft. The Catalog is also available digitally on their website. Sudco International, 2410 South Sequoia Drive, Compton CA 90220. Ph 1-310-637-8330 / www.Sudco.com.

 

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Honda Prepares for 50th Anniversary in Baja

TORRANCE, CA – November 16, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – It was 50 years ago that a Honda motorcycle first took on the challenge of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula—a fitting send-off for the JCR Honda racing team as it prepares to extend Honda’s unmatched record of success in this year’s Baja 1000.

In 1962, Dave Ekins and Bill Robertson set off from Tijuana, Mexico and established a record-time run to La Paz on the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Their epic run aboard two Honda CL72 Scramblers was aimed at demonstrating the tough character of these new production bikes. That run set the stage for what would become one of the most famous long-distance off-road races in the world, the Baja 1000.

Over the years, Honda motorcycles have won the Baja 1000 a record 22 times. Honda’s current win streak extends back 15 years, and this year the JCR Honda team of Johnny Campbell, Colton Udall, David Kamo and Timmy Weigand will attempt to make it 16 years in a row.

Many racers in a wide variety of classes have chosen to ride Honda motorcycles and ATVs in this year’s Baja 1000, but one of the most attention-grabbing entries this year has to be the 2x Honda CRF450X piloted by Chris Ridgway, Jim Wazny and Mario Panagiotopoulos from the HERO Racing Team. HERO is an acronym for “Helping Everyone Reach Out”—a charitable endeavor aimed at assisting amputees. And yes, all three riders are left-leg amputees, riding  with prosthetic legs. The team will be riding in the Open Pro Class 22, and by luck of the draw their number was chosen to lead off all motorcycle racers when the race kicks off on November 14.

All this and more promises to make this year’s SCORE Baja 1000 a memorable race indeed.

About American Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was established in 1959 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the U.S. The American Honda Motorcycle Division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

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Terra Cross Icon Daryl Rath Caps 2012 with Championship Win Number Eight

RIVERSIDE, CA – October 29, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – “I believe this is number eight,” commented Daryl Rath during an ESPN interview. “I’m blessed. I have raced all of my life and got to do things that most people just dream of. I seriously have nothing to complain about, I’m 44 years old and I saw people this weekend that I had not seen in 20 years and they could not believe that I am still doing it. And still doing it competitively!”

What Rath is “still doing” is TerraCross racing. If you’ve never heard of it you’re not alone. Terracross, as seen on ESPN, was formally branded as the Quad Terrain Challenge, and in September of last year it made its spectacular return to motorsports racing at the 2011 Haydays Extravaganza.

Fans immediately take to the sport as it pits ATV’s, UTV’s and Side-by-Side’s against the most excessive, extraterrestrial inspired terrain imaginable. Topography that includes lunar-like rock crossings, malevolent log sections, vehicle consuming mud and pretty much anything else a demented track ogre would need to claim victims. The idea is not only to survive the course and chaos, but to undergo it faster than everyone else. The series recently wrapped and it was none other than K&N racing veteran, Rath, claiming the overall ATV category title and complimenting that with the runner-up spot in Side-by-Side.

Rath is no stranger to TerraCross, as he’s been diligently working behind the scenes for two years helping the ESPN X Games Promoter to bring the sport back in a big way, by debuting it in front of 35,000-40,000 estimated spectators. “TerraCross was created for the ESPN Great Outdoors Games by Tes Sewell,” explained Joe Duncan, another key player in bringing the event together. “It evolved into the professional sport of Quad Terrain which played for two seasons on ESPN. With the original name TerraCross back and the help of Rath the large crowds at Haydays will see this thrilling action packed form of competition.”

Give us a few insights from your thrilling opening round win in Elk River?

“I had some experience with terrain racing in these conditions on a Utility, but was excited to see how the RZR would do. The biggest battle is with the track, and making sure you can race a good line, and to be quick to adapt to the track as the track changes. It was also great to be a part of a series that will be televised on CBS Sports Network giving this sport such great exposure. After talking to some of the people involved both the racers and the spectators, everyone is pretty excited about Terracross.”

How long have you been racing Side-by-Side’s, how’d you get started?

“I have been lucky to have such a great long standing relationship with Polaris, and that opened the door for me to try Side-by-Side racing. My first race in a Side-by-Side was a GNCC event , and I did some Ice Racing in it, and now I am doing the TerraCross.”

The Elk River race was back in June, and we know the 2012 season treated you very well overall, recap some of the highlights as you saw them?

“I am happy with what I was able to accomplish in 2012. I finished winning the Championship in the Utility Class and finished 2nd Place in the Championship for Side-by-Sides . Winning a Championship will follow you in your career, winning races is a lot of fun, but a championship is what every racer strives for.”

What’s up next and have you started thinking about the 2013 season yet?

“I am honored to be able to say I am racing another year. I have been blessed to be able to do it for so many years and to build some lifelong relationships with people in the Industry that I now consider friends. I am hoping to be able to fit more TT racing into my schedule for next year along with Terracross and a few other surprises. It’s that time of year and some things still need to be kept quiet!”

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

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