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RACING BUSINESS (TORRANCE) - Toyota Goes Two-Wheel Racing with Joe Gibbs


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Toyota to be Presenting Sponsor of Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross Team

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 17 -- Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it will join forces with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) as the presenting sponsor of its new motocross team, which will field two riders in the 2008 Supercross and Motocross series.

As the presenting sponsor of the JGR team, Toyota expands its presence in the world of two-wheeled racing. Currently Toyota is the title sponsor of the AMA Motocross and Arenacross series and is the official truck of the AMA and GP Supercross series. Toyota also provides privateer support programs that support the riders in each of the series.

"The Gibbs Racing sponsorship is a natural progression of Toyota's motorcycle racing support," says Paul Czaplicki, Engagement Marketing Manager for Toyota. "Toyota's current involvement in the sport has been very successful and sponsoring a team was the next step in continuing our support of the sport, athletes and fans."

As part of the JGR sponsorship, Toyota logos will be prominently displayed on the team's bikes, riders' gear and transporter. The team and riders -- Josh Hansen and Josh Summey -- will be seen around the pits and town in Toyota Tundra trucks. In addition, fans will find a JGR replica bike in Toyota's International Motorcycle Show exhibit space starting in October 2007.

An added benefit of the sponsorship is the behind the scenes opportunities it offers to the fans. Toyota and JGR will be developing informational displays and videos with the JGR team mechanics and team manager, Jeremy Albrecht. These videos and interactive experiences will be found at Supercross, Motocross and Arenacross events across the country and will showcase bike set up tips and techniques as well as how set ups differ to match the terrain and series the rider is racing.

"Toyota's a great partner and we are looking forward to having them join us in our new racing effort," says Coy Gibbs, President, Joe Gibbs Racing MX.

Earlier this month, Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. announced JGR will run Toyota Camrys for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Joe Gibbs Racing presented by Toyota team will make their debut in Anaheim, Calif. On January 5, 2008 for the first Supercross race of the 2008 season.

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

Toyota established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants, including one under construction. There are more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in the U.S. which sell more than two million vehicles a year. Toyota directly employs more than 32,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $13 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design.