AMA Pro Racing, NPG Hire Next Level to Handle Media Relations for Nationals

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 11, 2006) -- AMA Pro Racing and the National Promoters Group (NPG) announced today that Next Level Sports Management will coordinate media relations efforts for the 2006 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF.

Next Level will be represented by Tony Gardea, who will manage efforts along with AMA Pro Racing and NPG to ensure a collaborative effort of promoting the series through various media platforms. A consistent stream of news, facts, stats and quotes will be readily available to the media covering the 12-race 2006 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship.

“We are pleased to bring Next Level and Tony into AMA Motocross,” said Kerry Graeber, AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Director of Communications. “Tony’s experience and reputation in the motorcycle business will be a major asset in our efforts to maximize AMA Pro Racing’s and NPG’s media outreach goals.”

NPG Officer Amy Richie understands the importance of media relations for what is being touted as one of the most competitive AMA Motocross seasons ever for not only the media but for its loyal sponsor contingent.

“Tony’s experience with the media and sponsors makes him the perfect candidate for not only AMA Pro Racing but the NPG,” said Richie. “Media relations is synonymous with giving back to the sponsors who support our championship. It’s crucial that a steady stream of news gets out to the fans of our sport, the sponsors, the media and the industry.”

Throughout the race season weekly pre- and post-race news releases will be distributed to keep media outlets interested in covering AMA Motocross.

Gardea, who has more than 15 years of experience in the motorcycle industry, will implement efforts to bring the series closer and more accessible to national, regional and endemic media. He will conduct weekly interview opportunities with the series top riders to establish a connection between the mainstream media and the riders competing in the series.

Credential requests for each round of the 2006 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship must be submitted via email to tgardea@amaproracing.com three weeks prior to the race. Media members interested in interviews with riders can contact Gardea at 949-365-5750 or via e-mail.

For more information on the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF, log on to www.amamotocross.com. In addition, www.amamotocross.com offers fans real-time timing and scoring, series results and point standings, exclusive rider interviews, and other series information.

For more information on the 12 rounds of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship, log on to www.mxnationals.com for event information, track descriptions, directions, ticket information, and more.