Kawasaki and Monster Energy Join Forces in 2007

Partnership covers amateur and professional on and off road racing

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. is pleased to announce a significant motorcycle racing partnership with Monster Beverage Company. Over the past two years, Team Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki has scored five AMA Lites class titles, earning industry-wide respect for the Monster Energy branded energy drink producers. This new sponsorship agreement will give Kawasaki’s professional motocross, off-road, road race and Team Green™ amateur motocross programs additional resources in their ongoing quest for excellence. The agreement also provides Monster Energy the opportunity to expand their racing influence into several new championship series, in addition to continuing their successful partnership with the Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team.  

“It is obvious that Monster Energy’s management is passionate about motorcycle racing. We look at them as an engaged partner who really understands our racing program.” commented Bruce Stjernstrom, Director of Marketing for Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., adding: “Their customer demographics are a match for our target audience and it’s been a great fit for our Pro Circuit motocross team in AMA Supercross/Motocross.”

Kawasaki Racing Team’s supercross/motocross manager, Mike Fisher, says “The partnership with Monster Energy will help expose Kawasaki’s motocross team to a wider audience. Monster’s proven ability to attract a younger crowd places the team in front of the next generation of motorsports enthusiasts and that’s a good thing.” Only half-joking, Fisher went on to add: “The team has a proven ability to consume massive quantities of energy drink, so we can’t wait to get that next pallet of Monster.” 

This partnership marks the beginning of a new era for Kawasaki’s roadracing team. The new Monster Energy relationship, an all-new Ninja® ZX-6R racebike and the addition of reigning AMA Supersport and Superstock champion Jamie Hacking alongside ultra-quick teammate Roger Hayden, gives team manager Mike Preston even more reasons to be optimistic for their prospects in 2007. Preston is excited about the new partnership, saying: “Energy drinks are the happening thing and Monster’s support will help raise the visibility of our entire program.”

In addition to sponsoring all of Kawasaki’s professional motocross and roadracing teams, Monster Energy will also be stepping-up as the title sponsor for Kawasaki’s grass roots Team Green motocross program. Over the past 25 years, Team Green has helped guide rising stars such as Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart and Ryan Villopoto into the national spotlight. 

The President of Monster Beverage Company, Mark Hall, is enthusiastic about their expanded partnership with Kawasaki, saying: “This is a relationship that has been evolving over the past several years. From our association with the Pro Circuit/Kawasaki Team to our co-branded retail promotions, a full partnership was inevitable. Besides, both companies share an affinity for the color Green.”

Monster Energy was launched in 2002 and in just three short years became the number two brand in the exploding energy drink category. Monster Energy provides consumers seeking a boost of energy to fuel their active lifestyles with a proprietary blend of vitamins, herbs and amino acids that pack a vicious punch with a smooth flavor that’s easy to pound down.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft and utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,500 independent retailers, with an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 2,400 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at the Irvine, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.™”, is recognized worldwide and the brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.