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
Return
to News
PRIVACY
POLICY | HOME | RETURN
TO TOP
©
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 Hardscrabble Media
|