Yamaha factory MX team unites with Monster Energy
By TMX Archives on 14th Mar 08
The Yamaha Monster Motocross Team will be hoping to strike extra fear into their FIM Motocross World Championship rivals in 2008 thanks to a new alliance with Monster Energy drinks. The factory-backed Grand Prix squad now entitled Yamaha Monster Motocross Team' thanks to the title sponsorship - will benefit from a high-profile three year joint programme with one of the new powerful movers in motorcycle racing for their attempt on the MX1-GP title.
Monster Energy, a product of California-based subsidiary Monster Beverage Co.part of the Hansen Beverage Company, have also lent their backing to the AMASupercross series (an FIM World Championship) and have now extended their reachinto the motocross Grand Prix paddock with the team responsible for winningthree of the four titles since the MX1 class was born in 2004.
It'sfantastic to have Monster Energy on board with us, said Yamaha Motor Europe'sRacing Division Manager Laurens Klein Koerkamp. Our results with the team overa long period have shown that we can offer Monster - as a partner - the toplevel successful image that they are looking for in Europe. During thediscussions it was clear we were speaking to a company dedicated to supportingus in getting the best results and above all passion for off-road sport. Monsteris a young and fresh brand, relatively new to Europe. It will be also excitingfrom a marketing point of view to work with them and raise their awareness onthis side of the world.
The works YZ450FMs of Joshua Coppins and DavidPhilippaerts will run a new design and livery for 2008 that will be unveiled ina special presentation on Friday evening prior to the first Grand Prix inHolland on April 6th.
The team rightfully fill a position of prominencein world championship motocross racing having won the MX1-GP crown three timesin succession with the potent YZ machinery from 2004 to 2006. Prior to theinauguration of the MX1-GP class they were also responsible for three 500cctitles in 1999, 2001 and 2002. They dominated races in the short-lived MXGPcompetition (a forerunner to MX1-GP) in the 2003 season when Stefan Everts alsomade history by winning three motos on a Yamaha in three different categories onthe same day at the Grand Prix of France. In 2006 they helped the Belgian torecord ten world championships and 101 career victories before his retirement.
The crew were desperately close to a fourth crown in 2007 until Coppinssustained an untimely injury deep into the second half of the campaign whileleading by a mammoth 107 points. With five overall triumphs and nine moto winsthe New Zealander was still an outstanding performer of last year's championshipwith more trophies than anyone else.
Monster Energy is emerging to becomeone of the premier energy drink brands on the planet. Popular in the UnitedStates, the drink first appeared on the market in 2002 and has expanded both interms of its distribution, profile and range of flavours and products on offer.They are currently birthing and evolving their network in Europe and theassociation with Yamaha as one of the most successful motorcycle brands inoff-road sport and one of the most prolific teams within the last ten years ofmotocross, is sure to assist in their blossoming project.
We view thepartnership between Monster Energy, Yamaha and the Rinaldi brothers as aEuropean version of Monster Energy's relationship with Mitch and Pro Circuit,said Monster Energy spokesman Scott Sepkovic. The Rinaldi Yamahas enjoy greatracing heritage on the GP circuit, dating back to championships won by DonnySchmit and Bobby Moore. Monster Energy is looking forward to teaming up withthis fine racing tradition as we continue to expand the Monster Energy brandglobally. Here's to a strong and healthy season for Josh Coppins and DavidPhilippaerts the best of luck to both racers at their quest for the MX1 classchampionship. We're pumped to have Yamaha Motor Europe and their team on boardwith Monster Energy.