MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (April 6, 2011) – MX Sports Pro Racing has announced that Oakley, one of the most iconic brands in the sports world, has made a multi-year commitment to become a major series sponsor of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, which is produced by MX Sports Pro Racing and its strategic partner Alli Sports. The announcement comes as the series celebrates its 40th year as the most prestigious motocross championship in the world.
“Oakley’s roots originated in motocross more than 35 years ago and to this day, the brand is still committed to sponsoring the best athletes in the business,” said Anthony Paggio, Oakley Two-Wheel Motorsports manager. “It’s only fitting for Oakley to partner with the sport’s most prestigious race series in order to take the brand’s relationship with motocross to the next level. The AMA Pro Motocross Championship provides Oakley the platform to reach out and interact with the dedicated fans of this great sport and showcase the brand’s superior technology in the industry. Oakley is excited to see this new relationship with MX Sports Pro Racing grow.”
The story of how Oakley came to be is one of the all-time great American success stories. The Southern California-based company was founded by Jim Jannard in the late 1970s when the future entrepreneur began selling motocross parts from the back an old van while traveling to the races. Through tireless hard work and innovation, Jannard was able to build the Oakley brand into a multi-billion dollar global business.
“Having Oakley come on board as a key partner in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship is a big win for this series,” added Mark Carter, General Manager of Strategic Alliances for Alli Sports. “Oakley has played a major role supporting some of the best motocross riders in history, and this three-year series partnership will now enable the Oakley brand to formulate a well-rounded platform, touching the hearts and minds of all motocross fans.”
“Oakley has always supported American Motocross, and their history is lined with many of the biggest heroes our sport has ever known,” said Davey Coombs, Vice-President of MX Sports Pro Racing. “Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Ryan Villopoto, Johnny O’Mara, Jeff Ward, Mark Barnett, Ricky Johnson, Mike Bell, the list goes on and on. Even today’s reigning AMA Pro Motocross champion-Ryan Dungey-is an Oakley athlete. We’re all proud to now have Oakley as a major series partner in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.”
The 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship kicks off on Saturday, May 21 with the Rockstar Energy Hangtown Classic in Rancho Cordova, Calif.
For more information on the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, please log on to www.allisports.com/motocross.
