AMA Pro Racing Response to Honda Statement
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 22, 2006) -- AMA Pro Racing welcomes
American Honda Motor Corporation’s continued participation in the
Toyota AMA Motocross Championship and applauds Honda’s decision to
abide by the AMA Supercross/Motocross rulebook and display the required
title sponsor logo and sanctioning body logos on the front number plate.
In November of last year AMA Pro Racing announced that Toyota had
entered into a multi-year commitment as title sponsor of the AMA
Motocross Championship. Among other benefits, Toyota receives number
plate entitlement. This has been the convention in AMA Championship
Racing and is consistent with current and past practices. Chevy
Trucks/Chevrolet was a five year sponsor of AMA Motocross between the
2000 and 2004 racing seasons and the Chevy Trucks/Chevrolet logo was
displayed by all competitors. Similarly, Amp’d Mobile is the current
title sponsor of AMA Supercross and all competitors are required to
display that logo on their front number plate.
AMA Pro Racing was unaware of Honda’s concerns over this requirement
until approximately three weeks ago. Responding to an inquiry by a
Honda employee requesting clarification, AMA Pro Racing sent a letter
to American Honda Motor Corporation on 5/10/06.
The AMA Supercross/Motocross rulebook requires that all competitors
display the appropriate AMA Pro Racing and series sponsor logo on the
top edge of the front number plate (section T, subsection b, pages
16-17). Sponsors are vital and necessary to motorsports and the
opportunity to display their mark is an important part of their
investment in our sport. Recognizing that company and brand conflicts
can occasionally occur, AMA Pro Racing has kept the space for such
representation to a minimum. In this case, the required space for both
the AMA Pro Racing and sponsor logo is only 1” x 8”.
While AMA Pro Racing can empathize with the reluctance of some
companies to display the logo of competitive entities, this is a
traditional practice in motorsports and one that is necessary to
maintain commercial viability. In this case, Toyota’s sponsorship adds
tremendous value and benefits to riders, fans and promoters of AMA
Motocross including contribution to a championship bonus fund paid out
to top finishers. Additionally, Toyota’s proactive sponsorship
activation plans will generate broad benefits to all involved in the
sport. Honda’s reference to NASCAR practices in this matter is
completely irrelevant.
It is AMA Pro Racing’s intention to uphold the rulebook in this regard.
All competitors will be required to continue displaying the AMA Pro
Racing and series sponsor logo on their front number plate as has been
the norm for several years. Compliance will be confirmed during
technical inspection as a condition for competition.
AMA Pro Racing appreciates all that American Honda Motor Corporation
and the Honda brand have done for AMA Championship racing and welcomes
its continued involvement in our various series. We also trust that
Honda, and all competitors, will recognize the value that strong series
sponsorship brings to motorcycle racing overall.