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The Woody Woodpecker bikes
Teams, bikes, uniforms and events to be sponsored by feisty red-headed cartoon bird
by dean adams

As stated here an hour or so ago, Honda will be sponsored by Universal Studios in 2001. Here's the release from Honda:
(Note, my bold call-outs)

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS CONSUMER PRODUCTS GROUP TEAMS-UP WITH HONDA MOTORCYCLE RACING TEAMS FOR SPONSORSHIP AND REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT
Agreement will highlight Universal Studios' Woody Woodpecker as Honda's Official Team Mascot and also feature Jurassic Park 3 in 2001

Torrance, Calif. December 8, 2000 -- American Honda Motor Co. Inc.'s Motorcycle Division today announced a unique Honda Racing Team sponsorship and exclusive representation agreement with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group (USCPG).

The companies have formed an innovative motorsports relationship. The multi-year partnership creates a sponsorship that will feature Universal Studios' character Woody Woodpecker a as Team Mascot for both the Honda Motocross Racing Team and the Honda Road Racing Team. Universal Studios will become the primary racing team sponsor for two motocross and two road racing events in 2001 and 2002. Additionally, Universal Studios will represent the merchandising and promotional rights to Honda Racing Team's motocross riders, Sebastien Tortelli, Ezra Lusk, Ryan Hughes and roadrace riders, Nicky Hayden and Miguel Duhamel.

Feature-length Universal Studios films will be showcased with special designs on the bodywork and uniform of one Honda Racing Team bike and rider for each of the selected races. Although the specific races have not been determined, Jurassic Park III, the third chapter of one of the most successful film franchises in Universal Studios' history, scheduled for release on July 18, 2001, will be featured on the 2001 Honda Racing Teams. The development and implementation of the global merchandising program for The Jurassic Park franchise has to date resulted in over $2.5 billion in retail sales and over $250 million in promotional media support.

"We are very pleased to bring Universal Studios into the Honda racing family," said Ray Blank, vice president of Honda's Motorcycle Division. "As leaders in our respective industries, Honda Racing and Universal Studios will see 'Performance First' reach new heights in the coming years."

The selection of the feisty red-headed Woody Woodpecker as official Team Mascot is a perfect compliment to the Honda Racing Teams featuring the Red Riders. During the 2001 and 2002 racing seasons, Woody Woodpecker will be featured in AMA sanctioned (American Motorcyclist Association) Honda factory racing efforts in Supercrossa , national motocross, and national road racing competition. A special Woody Woodpecker / Honda Racing Team logo has been developed and will be featured on the CR250R, CBR600F4i and RC51 racing bikes, the racer's uniforms, the Racing Team trucks and promotional materials.

"Cross-licensing between entertainment and motorsports has been a very successful combination for Universal," said Elliot Lederman, vice president, licensing and sports, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. "Universal has had successful programs with NASCAR Champions Jeff Gordon and Bobby Labonte, NHRA Funny Car Champion, John Force and Formula One Champions, Williams' F1 . We are very proud to have the opportunity to sponsor and represent Honda, the winningest team in motorcycle history."

ENDS

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