Napster, Rockford Fosgate team with SoBe/Samsung Mobile Honda
Los Angeles, CA. December 06, 2005-- - Building on their success as
team sponsors of the 2005 supercross and motocross seasons, Napster®,
the biggest brand in digital music, and Rockford Fosgate announced
today that the two companies have entered into renewed marketing
partnerships with the Sobe/Samsung Mobile/Honda Racing
Supercross/Motocross team. Through the new deals, both Rockford Fosgate
and Napster will create unique programs that integrate their brands
into the design of the team’s race bikes, gear and team transporters
and provide direct access to the companies’ products and services for
fans of the team’s riders.
Napster joined the race team as a sponsor in 2005 as part of their
marketing efforts to reach the coveted action sports audience.
Moving forward with the sponsorship Napster will continue to seed
extended-term trial accounts for their award-winning digital music
service with fans at events where the team is competing.
”Music is a core element of the action sports lifestyle,” said Brad
Duea, president of Napster. “Through our sponsorship of riders
like Kevin Windham and Mike LaRocco, Napster has a great opportunity to
reach their fans in a way that underscores the affinity of our brand
with the personalities of the top riders who embody the bold,
innovative nature of Supercross and Motocross.”
Rockford Fosgate joined as a sponsor after the 2005 season began, and
the sponsorship was such a success that they opted to renew as an
associate sponsor. As part of their program with the team, Rockford
Fosgate will participate in track hospitality, and will custom design a
Honda Ridgeline show truck that will be parked as the official team
vehicle in the teams pits at all races. The truck will showcase
Rockford Fosgate’s custom car audio components and highlight the ease
with which Napster To Go compatible portable media devices can be
integrated into vehicles by playing personalized playlists from team
riders directly from MP3 players.
Rockford Fosgate’s Director of Marketing, Zach Luke stated, "After
getting a taste of the SX scene last season, Rockford Fosgate's first
season, it only made sense for the brand to step up for a second!
Supercross as a sport is phenomenal, from the branding opportunities
with the fans to the business to business partnerships...as a whole
it's a great way for the Rockford Fosgate brand to connect with one of
its core market segments, a segment that fits the brands aggressive
loud lifestyle. Staying true to that approach the SoBe Samsung Honda
team links trend setting brands together that share the same passion
for success and innovation… whether it's SX championships or car audio,
RF's positioned to raise the volume this season."
The sponsorship was negotiated by Wasserman Media Group Marketing which
represents the Sobe/Samsung Mobile/Honda team. Wasserman Media Group,
LLC is a leading sports and entertainment management, marketing and
content company.
The team’s riders Billy Laninovich and Jake Weimer made their season
debut on Saturday, December 3 in Toronto, Canada at Round 1 of the
“Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP.” Laninovich consistently
posted the fastest lap times of the evening as he placed third. Weimer
made his Supercross debut and performed well as he finished in fourth
place.