Mazda to Sponsor AMA National Motocross Series
23 February 1998
R98013 February 19, 1998 For Immediate Release MAZDA PICKS UP AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS SERIES WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- Mazda North American Operations has made an extensive commitment to support the AMA National Motocross Series, American Motorcyclist Association Pro Racing announced today. Mazda has acquired title sponsorship rights for the series with an option for a two-year renewal. In recognition of the sponsorship, AMA Pro Racing today introduced the upcoming season as the 1998 Mazda Truck Motocross Nationals. Mazda's motocross sponsorship brings added momentum to a sport that has already shown steady growth and wide market appeal. Mazda has established a $100,000 rider championship bonus fund, and the company will aggressively promote the Mazda Truck Motocross Nationals to drive sales of the new Mazda B-Series trucks. Mazda Marketing Group Manager Jack Stavana sees great value in being associated with the sanctioning body of one of the world's most closely watched motocross series. An AMA member and amateur motocross rider himself, Stavana said, "Motocross exemplifies the youthful, tough, agile and athletic image we created in our new Mazda B-Series trucks." Stavana, who with his two sons has been involved in motocross for years, said, "I know through personal experience that this sport is a great way to promote the new Mazda B-Series truck line. The project combines three things I'm very passionate about; Mazda, trucks and motorcycles!" Further evidence of this commitment is Mazda's current sponsorship of Team Chapparal Yamaha riders Jeremy McGrath and Jimmy Button. Mazda expects to be very visible in the sport. "The AMA sponsorship also gives us the ability to directly reach the 220,000 AMA members across the country," said Stavana. Mazda will be very active in motocross race markets, with on-site truck displays and tie-ins to market- area dealerships. National print and electronic advertising campaigns will also highlight motocross and Mazda trucks. "Mazda's bonus fund is a great boost for the riders, and motocross as a whole will benefit from Mazda's cross-promotional advertising campaigns," said AMA Pro Racing Director of Competition Merrill Vanderslice. The 1998 Mazda Truck Motocross Nationals will kick-off May 10 at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, Calif. The Mazda rider championship bonuses will be presented in three segments over the course of the Mazda Truck Motocross Nationals season. The first payout of $30,000 will be awarded to top-ranked riders after round four at Motocross 338 in Southwick, Mass. Another $30,000 will be presented to top-ranked riders after round eight at Kenworthy's Motocross Park in Troy, Ohio. The final bonus pool of $40,000 be distributed at the season finale at Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Pa. Fans can watch the entire 1998 Mazda Truck Motocross Nationals season on ESPN2. -30-
