GEICO has partnered with Team Hammer Promotions to present the GEICO Motorcycle Superbike Shootout, a three-race series featuring the best motorcycle road racers in the United States.

The GEICO Motorcycle Superbike Shootout starts with the Yamaha SoCal Nationals at Auto Club Speedway on April 26-27 in Fontana, Calif., and continues with the Pacific Nationals at Sonoma Raceway on May 3-4 in Sonoma, Calif. The Shootout concludes with the Mountain Nationals at Miller Motorsports Park on May 24-25 in Tooele, Utah.

“When we started this, there were no national-level, professional motorcycle road races scheduled west of the Mississippi River for the 2014 season,” said Shootout organizer John Ulrich, publisher of Roadracing World and a motorcycle road-racing team owner. “We wanted to do something to make sure the fans in the western part of the United States had an opportunity to see their favorite racers in action.

“We decided to increase the number of national-level road races in the United States for the fans, for the teams, and for the riders.”

Each of the events will feature one Pro Superbike and one Pro Sportbike race on the final day of competition. In addition, MAVTV will broadcast two one-hour shows from each of the three events.

Ulrich’s Team Hammer Promotions partnered with regional organizations and sanctioning bodies for each event: Fastrack Riders/WERA Motorcycle Roadracing for Fontana, American Federation of Motorcyclists for Sonoma, and Utah Sport Bike Association for Salt Lake City.

“We couldn’t have done it without the help of GEICO Motorcycle,” Ulrich said. “GEICO is a big supporter of motorcycle racing in the United States, and we’re really grateful for its support of the series.”

Each of the events will include a full schedule of other motorcycle classes in addition to Pro Superbike and Pro Sportbike.

“We looked at the model of the successful British Superbike series,” Ulrich said. “They have a lot of classes and a lot of races on a typical weekend, with a few featured races on TV. I started looking for regional events at good racetracks that fit in the 11-week gap between Daytona and Road America and started making deals.”

Road racing teams from across the country have already expressed their support for the Shootout.

“I was walking through the garages in Daytona, and there were guys from different teams running out of the garages, running out of their haulers to shake my hand and thank me for doing this,” Ulrich said. “We’re just trying to make it better for everybody. This is what we do, this is our sport, and we’re doing the best we can do to help it in its time of need.”

Major League Baseball have extended their partnership with PepsiCo, Inc., building on an over 15-year relationship.

As part of the sponsorship, PepsiCo maintains exclusive rights within the non-alcoholic beverage, sports fuel and salty snack categories to use MLB marks and logos. PepsiCo brands, including Pepsi, Gatorade, Aquafina, Frito-Lay Seeds, Cracker Jack and Lay’s remain official MLB sponsors.

Through its brands, PepsiCo will continue to create local and national MLB fan marketing programs; integrate into the League’s TV assets; work with the League’s mobile and digital properties through its long-standing partnership with MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM); produce retail promotional opportunities with its customers; fuel the League’s athletes and activate at marquee MLB events, such as the All-Star Game and World Series.

“PepsiCo has been a tremendous supporter of Major League Baseball for nearly two decades. PepsiCo will enhance the fan experience at the ballpark and at retail with promotions across its food and beverage portfolio,” said Tim Brosnan, Executive Vice President, Business, Major League Baseball. “As one of baseball’s great rising stars, Bryce Harper is a perfect selection by Gatorade as a brand endorser.”

“MLB is a terrific PepsiCo partner and provides a strong platform to activate our food and beverage brands in ways that benefit the League, our retail customers and baseball fans across the country,” said Jennifer Storms, Senior Vice President, Global Sports Marketing, PepsiCo. “Opening Day marks the start of a busy selling season for many PepsiCo brands and we’re delighted to continue our relationship with one of the world’s most iconic sports properties.”

Later this month, Gatorade will debut a new ad supporting the launch of its Fierce subline starring All-Star Bryce Harper. Gatorade continues to provide fuel, fluid and nutrients to players on the field with products supported by the latest sports science and developed in collaboration with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.

Eyewear provider Oakley, doctor Inc. today announced it has entered into a partnership agreement with Little League International, making the company the Official Eyewear Sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball.

“We are honored to be Little League’s new partner and proud to bring our premium technologies to today’s young players,” said Oakley CEO Colin Baden. “With 2.4 million boys and girls playing in more than 80 countries, Little League is the world’s largest youth sports organization, and the partnership will further our efforts to promote awareness of eye safety for youth around the globe.”

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Little League, and part of its ongoing success can be attributed to assistance provided by sponsorships that offset the costs of programs on the local league level. Partnerships such as the new alliance with Oakley help maintain low team affiliation fees and provide valuable training, educational resources and expertise, aiding in projects such as the Coaches Resource Center video training and the new Tee Ball program.

Baden continued, “From Hall of Famers Tony Gwynn and Rickey Henderson to today’s superstars like Miguel Cabrera and Matt Kemp, some of the greatest players in the game consider Oakley eyewear to be essential gear for the sport. Tomorrow’s legends deserve the performance of our optical innovation. More importantly, players young and old need the protection of our technologies because injuries can happen in the blink of an eye.”

“Little League’s national partners play an important role in ensuring that millions of boys and girls have a wonderful Little League experience, and parents have a healthy, affordable recreational outlet for their children,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships. “We’re excited to welcome Oakley as the Official Eyewear Sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball and work with them to inform all our players, parents and volunteers on the role that Oakley products can play in enhancing the experience on the field.”

Nike have become Football Association of Finland’s (FAF) official apparel and equipment sponsor in a new partnership.

The partnership, which begins in April 2014 and will run until at least 2020, will see Nike produce and distribute all on-pitch and training product, as well as a range of off-pitch product, for the players at every level, the coaching teams and fans.

Bert Hoyt, Nike GM, Western Europe, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Football Association of Finland. We look forward to supporting the game at all levels in the country.”

FAF President Pertti Alaja added: “We are very excited to work together with Nike, the world’s leading sports brand. As a federation we are building towards a successful future on and off the pitch, and our national teams will wear the new Nike Finland kits with pride.”

Sports and entertainment collectibles company Panini America has announced today that it has signed former Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to an autograph trading card agreement that will include Bridgewater’s first NFL-licensed Rookie Cards and autographed trading cards.

Bridgewater, generic a projected high first-round pick in May’s 2014 NFL Draft, drugs is one of several key players expected to spearhead the most exciting NFL Draft classes in many years. Bridgewater’s first NFL Rookie Cards and autographed cards will arrive in the June release of Panini America’s 2014 Score Football.

In addition to the trading card agreement, drugs Bridgewater will be featured on select 2014 Panini America NFL trading card product packaging throughout the year and will also participate in Panini America marketing and social media related initiatives.

“Fans and collectors are eagerly anticipating the 2014 NFL Draft Class and Teddy Bridgewater is a big reason why,” said Panini America CEO Mark Warsop. “Rookie Cards drive the trading card industry every year and, as a result, 2014 is shaping up to be a spectacular season for sales of Panini America NFL trading cards. We’re excited about our relationship with Teddy and what that partnership will mean for our business.”

During a three-year career at Louisville, Bridgewater passed for more than 9,800 yards and 72 touchdowns. He was named the Big East Rookie of the Year in 2011 and the Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 2012. In the 2013 Sugar Bowl, Bridgewater earned game MVP honors by passing for 266 yards and two touchdowns en route to a 33-23 upset victory over Florida.

“As a kid growing up, having your own NFL Rookie Card is always something you dream about. Now, thanks to my relationship with Panini America, that dream is about to come true,” Bridgewater said. “I can’t wait to see them and have kids collect my cards.”

Gumout Performance Additives have announced the sponsorship of Formula Drift star and World Champion Drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR for 2014.

Gittin Jr., sale pills the 2010 Formula Drift Series Champion, will take on the top drifters this year with the brand that invented the performance additive category. For 70 years, Gumout has been helping drivers get the most out of every mile by delivering quality, effective products that have been proven in the lab, on the street, and on the track.

“I’m pumped to be teaming up with Gumout to keep my cars and trucks running at their best,” said Gittin Jr., team owner and driver of the over 800hp Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR. “Like all my partners, Gumout is the clear leader in their category. Gumout has been innovating ever since they started keeping military engines clean in World War II. Now I’m thrilled to put these time-tested products through the rigor of drifting.”

As one of the original pioneers in American drifting, Gittin Jr. has made a name for himself with his talents as a driver, an entrepreneur, and a self-proclaimed “professional fun-haver.” Gittin Jr. is a Champion in Formula Drift, as well as in the World Drift Series, with over 25 podiums in the top-tier of the sport. His incredible car control, his foot-to-the-floor driving style, and his ability to provide fans with unparalleled fresh, fun and exciting video and imagery content make him a perfect match for Gumout. Gittin is leading the charge in the modern muscle car scene and is shaping the way young car enthusiasts interact with motorsports.

“At Gumout, we love Formula Drift and have been involved in their events over the last two years, but we’ve decided it’s time to step up and dive in on the team side. After all, we are all about cars and engines,” said Rusty Waples, Global Group Brand Manager at ITW Global Brands. “Vaughn is such a great character; his style and attitude are legendary, and he’s one of the top driving talents. We’re going to have a lot of fun this year and show people how our products can improve performance no matter what they drive.”

Honda Performance Development (HPD) will expand its support to the Canadian Touring Car Championship with increased offerings in Super, allergy Touring and B-Spec Classes. 

Contingency monies will be paid to first through third place finishers who campaign a Honda or Acura in CTCC. HPD will also reward overall class-winning drivers at the end of the season.

“Last season saw Honda sweep all three classes in CTCC, allergy ” stated John Bondar, President of CTCC, “and this season we expect the competition to increase with the addition of several new Honda race cars.”

“Honda is proud of the outstanding results achieved by our teams in CTCC ,” said Lee Niffenegger, Program Senior Engineer in charge of production racing at HPD. “ The enthusiasm and dedication of the competitors in B-Spec all the way up to Super Class is readily apparent. Our Honda Racing Line parts and contingency programs are intended to support that passion. We welcome the competition in our defense of the sweep of the categories in 2014! It will make for some exciting racing this year.”