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Mazda Inks Title Sponsorship Deal With Jeremy McGrath To Form Team Mazda Yamaha

16 November 2000

Mazda Inks Title Sponsorship Deal With Jeremy McGrath To Form Team Mazda Yamaha

                   Mazda and McGrath Join Forces to Create
                     Motocross' Most Dominating Race Team

    IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 16 In a move to support its "Zoom
Zoom" brand positioning, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has inked a
title sponsorship deal with Jeremy McGrath's new independently owned
Supercross team.  Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
    As title sponsor of Team Mazda Yamaha, the company figures prominently in
McGrath's newly formed team as they support the reigning champion in his quest
for an unprecedented eighth Supercross championship.  As part of the deal,
Mazda will utilize McGrath to help support the launch and the marketing of
Mazda's restyled and more powerful 2001 B-Series truck lineup.
    "Jeremy McGrath is clearly the most recognized figure in Supercross and
motocross racing," said Kristen Simmons director of marketing for Mazda.  "His
character on and off the track embodies Mazda's brand positioning."
    If there is one characteristic that has typified Mazda in its 30-plus
years in the U.S. market, it is the company's spirit of creativity and
imagination.  To remind consumers of this unique Mazda sense of fun and
uninhibited joy, Mazda unveiled its new brand campaign, "Zoom Zoom," in June.
    McGrath, 28, is considered by many to be the greatest motocross rider of
all time.  His dominance of the sport has produced seven Supercross
championships at the 250cc class, four more than any other rider in history.
During his eight-year career racing in the 250cc class, McGrath has won an
unprecedented 59% of the races he has entered.  Since Mazda began its
relationship with McGrath, he has retained his championship status, winning
Supercross titles in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
    "I am excited that Mazda has partnered with me in this new endeavor," said
McGrath.  "For a number of years they have proven not only their commitment to
me, but to both Supercross and motocross as well.  As we enter our first year
as an independent team, I plan to wear the Mazda logo with pride and clearly
represent the strongest and most successful automotive-motocross sponsorship
alive today."
    In addition to Mazda's title sponsorship, McGrath announced his continued
partnership with Yamaha and will once again be riding the YZ 250.  Mazda and
Yamaha have shared the winner's circle with the King of Supercross since 1998.
    Through their association with Jeremy McGrath and motocross, Mazda has
learned that Gen-X compact truck owners place high demands on their vehicles,
and Mazda's 2001 B-Series truck line-up is up to the task.  Boasting increased
engine performance for all three engine choices, the new B-Series line-up is
prepared for the active lifestyle of today's truck owners.  In addition to
increased engine performance, the freshened front-end design, five-point
grille, and the addition of new raised-suspension 4x2 Dual Sport models, the
B-Series do it all in style.
    The 2001 Mazda truck offers new Dual Sport trim, including a monochromatic
paint scheme on the grille, front and rear bumpers and fender flares.  The
B-Series comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels on all 4x4 models, raised
suspension, fog lights and four-wheel ABS (standard on all models).  There are
three engine choices with the 2001 B-Series line.  The top-of-the-line B4000
is one of the most powerful compact trucks on the market, thanks to a new
207-horsepower, 4.0-liter SOHC V6, which delivers 7 more horsepower than the
previous engine.  With 238 lb-ft of torque, a standard limited-slip
differential, Class III trailer hitch and the only available five-speed
automatic transmission in the import-brand compact class, the B4000 boasts a
towing capacity of nearly 5,900 lbs -- more than enough to handle a trailer
full of motocross bikes or a camper.

    Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and
marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United
States.  Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has over 750 dealerships
nationwide.