Motul Extends MotoGP Partnership

Motul, a worldwide specialist in the field of motorcycle lubricants and lubrication has extended its partnership with MotoGP.

The global series provides the perfect technical showcase for the marque, and allows the company to develop the products of tomorrow such as the new motorcycling range which was introduced in 2013. The 18-race series enjoys a worldwide TV audience that reaches 207 countries and this is the core audience which is so crucial to Motul’s marketing and sales strategies. 

Motul’s President of the Management Board, Hervé Amelot, commented on the renewal: “We are proud to be side by side with Dorna in the expansion of the ever so popular MotoGP. If, thanks to Motul’s live research and development in the very demanding MotoGP field, the performance of the best and most modern bikes participating in the MotoGP can be enhanced, we will have fulfilled our mission.”

Following on from the increase in 2013 of the company’s commercial support of the Championship, Motul is continuing its successful partnership with MotoGP’s organiser Dorna. This year corner signage will be increased yet further and visible at 17 of the 18 tracks visited, starting with the Qatar race on 23rd March. 

Motul also renewed its partnership with the Monster Energy Grand Prix de France for the 19th consecutive year at Le Mans. The race on May 18th is considered to be one of France’s major international sporting events.

Pau Serracanta, Managing Director, Commercial Area at Dorna Sports added: “I am very pleased about the renewal of the agreement with Motul. It is a brand with a significant history in the MotoGP World Championship, providing advanced technology to different top-flight teams in the over the years, demonstrating not only its quality, but also its proven reliability.”

Pittsburgh Pirates Retains Highmark Blue as Exclusive Health Insurance Provider

Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Pittsburgh Pirates have renewed their partnership with Pittsburgh-based Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, to be the “Exclusive Health Insurance Provider” of the team.

The multi-year contract extension ensures a continued relationship with the health insurance provider that has been a major partner of the team for more than a decade.

As part of the agreement, Highmark will have a significant visible presence at PNC Park during games and will receive fixed and camera-friendly signage spots to promote its brand.

“Highmark is a wonderful supporter of Pirates baseball and has been through the years,” Pirates President Frank Coonelly said. “Like the Pirates, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is committed to the people and traditions that make Pittsburgh unique and special. We are honored to be a part of Highmark’s longstanding commitment to the Pittsburgh community.”

The health insurance provider also will serve as the presenting sponsor of many family-friendly promotional events throughout the season as the agreement focuses on health and wellness initiatives geared toward children and families.

“Pirates baseball remains a cornerstone of our community. It is one of those long standing traditions that draw the Pittsburgh community together,” said Deborah Rice-Johnson, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. “We are proud of our partnership with the Pirates because we both share a legacy of commitment to the Pittsburgh region.”

New for 2014, Highmark is now the presenting partner of two unique areas of PNC Park, including the Right Field Bleachers and the Kids Play Land area. Throughout the 2014 season, each time the Pirates hit a home run into the Right Field Bleachers, Highmark will make a $100 donation to a local non-profit organization.

Highmark will also serve as the presenting partner of the kids’ area, located inside the Right Field Gate to PNC Park, which features a miniature PNC Park configuration as well as a multi-purpose play set.

Bubel to Supply Towels for 2014 World Superbike Championship

Towel brand Bubel have signed an agreement with Dorna WSBK to become an Official Supplier of the eni FIM Superbike World Championship for the 2014 season.

Superbike riders will be provided with a Bubel towel, ailment with dedicated Championship designs, immediately after the qualifying and the races.

Sergio Ortiz, Bubel Marketing Manager, believes that the brand fits perfectly with the WSBK spirit: “Superbike means technology, sport, excitement, performance. We share lots of values, and we felt that we had to be part of this Championship. Not only those riders making it to the podium will have their Bubel towel; as soon all Superbike’s fans will have the chance to buy their own Bubel with unique designs”.

“For its specific features, Bubel is the best towel choice, not only for surfers, but for bikers, as well” said Marc Saurina, WSBK Commercial and Marketing Director. “We’ve already seen some Bubel towels on the podium with the Kawasaki Racing Team line up last year, and for 2014 old-style towels will be replaced by Bubels at each WSBK round. From the parc fermé to the race podium and at the post-race press conferences, Bubel will accompany our riders around the world. We’re pretty sure this item will be loved by motorcycle fans.”

Ice Hockey’s Hilary Knight Endorses Bite Tech

Mouthwear supplier Bite Tech has announced today that Olympic women’s hockey player, Hilary Knight, will be the latest addition to their team group of athletes who use their products.

The 2-time Olympian used a custom Bite Tech Performance Mouthpiece as she competed for the gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

“This product is incredible”, said Knight. “While I am competing, I am able to experience the full benefits of the mouthpiece from its ergonomic design. I have a better sense of balance without sacrificing my ability to communicate”.

Knight’s impressive resume includes 2 Olympic appearances where she earned 2 silver medals with Team USA, four World Championships, two NCAA National Championships, an MVP title in the 2011 National Championship game and three All-American titles in women’s hockey. 

“We are pleased to have Hilary join our roster of elite athletes that experience improved athletic performance as a result of wearing our Bite Tech Performance Mouthpiece”, said Jeff Padovan, CEO of Bite Tech. “Our multi-patented technologies deliver a range of physical benefits, enabling all athletes to perform better and ultimately achieve their personal best.”

Fortune 500 Company Mutual of Omaha Sign Seven New Ambassadors

Financial services and Fortune 500 company Mutual of Omaha have announced seven professional swimmers, sale currently training for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, as their new ambassadors.

The line-up of athletes includes Matt Mclean, Anthony Ervin, Allison Schmitt, Caitlin Leverenz, Jimmy Feigen, Conor Dwyer and Michael Andrew. 

All athletes except 14-year-old Andrew competed at the London 2012 Olympics.

These seven athletes join Josh Davis, Matt Grevers, Misty Hyman, Ian Crocker, Jason Lezak and Dana Vollmer on Mutual’s Gold Medal Team, a select group of active and retired swimmers, sponsored by Mutual of Omaha, who make personal appearances and conduct swim clinics for young swimmers across the country.

The Gold Medal Team is a key component of Mutual of Omaha’s sponsorship of USA Swimming, the national governing body of amateur swimming that fields the U.S. National Team.

“Mutual of Omaha enthusiastically welcomes these seven athletes to our team,” said John Hildenbiddle, senior vice president of Brand Management and Public Relations at Mutual of Omaha. “We look forward to cheering them on in their successes and reaching out to the swim community through our sponsorship.”

LA Dodgers Chris Perez Inks 3N2 Endorsement Deal

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Chris Perez has signed an endorsement deal with sporting goods company 3N2.

Perez, who previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Indians, will wear 3N2 footwear and apparel as a Dodger during the 2014 Major League Baseball (MLB) season.

Perez joins a roster of 3N2 athletes that includes the Philadelphia Phillies’ AJ Burnett, Milwaukee Brewer and former National League MVP Ryan Braun, and two-time Olympic Softball medalist Natasha Watley.

“Chris is a passionate guy – about life and about baseball. Los Angeles is a great fit for him. He leaves it all on the diamond, and the LA fans will love him,” says 3N2 CEO Sean Murphy. “He’s also a great fit for 3N2 – we look forward to a long relationship.”

Perez said, “I’m really excited to join the 3N2 brand. They’ve been great to me so far and I’m looking forward to the partnership that lies ahead.”

JCB Renews Sponsorship of Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham Racecourse

JCB, a construction and agricultural machinery manufacturer has extended its sponsorship of the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham Racecourse for a further six years.

JCB, who has sponsored the race since 2002, will also continue with its sponsorship of the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trials as part of ‘The Road to Cheltenham’ series at The Open, International and Festival Trials Day meetings for another six years.

JCB Worldwide Marketing Director Matt McClurg said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Triumph Hurdle for the next six years.

“As one of the premier events in the horse racing calendar, The Cheltenham Festival offers us an excellent venue at which to host key customers in addition to providing a fantastic opportunity to promote the JCB brand and our products to a global audience.”

Ian Renton, Regional Director of the South West region of Jockey Club Racecourses, added: “To have JCB extend its contract of the sponsorship of the Triumph Hurdle for a further six years is great news.

“JCB is one of the most recognisable brands in its industry worldwide and the partnership with an event like The Festival is a great brand fit for both Cheltenham Racecourse and JCB.

“I look forward to working with JCB over the next six years.”

Reigning WNBA Champions Minnesota Lynx Announces Jersey Sponsor

Reigning Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) champions Minnesota Lynx have announced a multi-year partnership with Mayo Clinic that includes marquee placement on the team’s home and away jerseys.

The new agreement also designates Mayo Clinic as the exclusive presenting partner for 2014 Lynx season, which tips off on May 16 at Washington. 

This agreement between the Lynx and Mayo Clinic is part of a previously announced strategic collaboration that includes the development of a new state-of-the-art training facility and sports medicine center in Mayo Clinic Square, formerly known as Block E in downtown Minneapolis. 

“This new collaboration with Mayo Clinic will help elevate our organization to even greater heights in terms of both recognition and brand association,” said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. “The jersey marquee is one element in a wide-ranging partnership with Mayo Clinic. In addition to winning two championships in the last three seasons, we continue to look to the future for ways to improve our business both on and off the court. Our relationship with Mayo Clinic accomplishes that.” 

“The WNBA is thrilled to have the Mayo Clinic as a partner, and so excited to see their name on the jersey of one of our most successful teams,” said WNBA President Laurel Richie. “They are a perfect fit with the Minnesota Lynx — both on and off the court – and we are so proud to be associated with one of the most well-respected, internationally recognized brands in health care.” 

The Lynx are currently one of six WNBA teams (Indiana, Phoenix, Tulsa, San Antonio, Washington) with a marquee jersey sponsor. 

“This is an exciting and historic partnership of two incredible trend setting brands,” said Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve. “The synergy of two organizations at the pinnacle of their respective fields will have a profound impact on our team both on and off the court. Not only will we add the prestigious Mayo Clinic brand to our jerseys and floor, but we’ll be able to tout an unprecedented practice facility in the WNBA.” 

The jerseys will receive prominent visibility as the two-time WNBA Champion Lynx have six nationally televised games during the 2014 regular season, a franchise record. In addition to jersey rights, Mayo Clinic receives in-arena and court signage, as well as a presence on lynxbasketball.com. Mayo Clinic will also become the medical provider for the Lynx for the 2015 season. 

“We are thrilled to be the presenting sponsor for the world champion Minnesota Lynx,” said John T. Wald, M.D., medical director for marketing and public affairs, Mayo Clinic. “We are also pleased that work has already begun at Mayo Clinic Square, and we look forward to providing sports medicine care in downtown Minneapolis not only for the elite athletes of the Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves, but also for all athletes looking for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance solutions.”

Datatag Retains British Superbike Partnership for Third Consecutive Year

Security company Datatag has extended their partnership with MCE British Superbikes for the third consecutive year.

Datatag, the market leader in Motorcycle and Scooter security marking and registration systems, will continue to use the association with the UK’s premier motorsport series to help raise awareness of the unwanted problem of vehicle, property and machinery theft in the UK, Europe and Worldwide, particularly amongst Supersport machines as well as promoting Datatag’s cutting edge, innovative and highly effective security marking systems.

Research undertaken by the Motorcycle Industry showed that a bike unprotected by systems such as Datatag, were up to four times more likely to be stolen* and six times less likely to be recovered. The all new Datatag Motorcycle and Scooter security identification system now includes “stealth” UV etching and even a unique forensic DNA solution.

This year’s partnership will see Datatag continue with the naming rights to the three stage knockout qualifying session to decide the starting grid for the first MCE BSB race at each round. Viewers can expect to witness the fastest laps of the weekend during the pole position shootout as all of the Datatag Extreme Qualifying sessions will be broadcast live on British Eurosport this year.

Datatag will also continue to provide a high level of security protection for all competing teams and their race bikes. Utilising the unique identification technology found within the Official MASTER Security Scheme which is supported by many leading motorcycle manufacturers including; Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Triumph, BMW, Ducati, KTM, Victory and Indian Motorcycles as well as being promoted by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) and supported by the UK Police and the Home Office.

Datatag’s Managing Director, Kevin Howells said: “We are extremely proud to be associated with and to continue our sponsorship of the 2014 MCE British Superbike Championship. We look forward to this year’s Championship and especially, the Datatag Extreme Qualifying.”

MCE British Superbike Championship Series Director Stuart Higgs added: “I’m delighted that we have extended our partnership with Datatag, and in particular will be giving much greater exposure to the thrilling Datatag Extreme Qualifying element of the race weekend thanks to new extended live television coverage as well as helping to protect the team’s most valuable equipment.”

Tibet Spring Revealed as Central Coast Mariners Shirt Sponsor for 2014 ACL Campaign

Central Coast Mariners have announced that the A-League has announced Tibet Spring 5100 Water as front of shirt partner for the remainder of their 2014 AFC Champions League Group Stage campaign.

Tibet Spring 5100 Water’s association with the Mariners extends to last season’s AFC Champions League knockout phase, prostate when the Hong Kong Stock Exchange listed company partnered with the Club for its two-leg tie against eventual continental winners, cough Guangzhou Evergrande.

With Phil Moss’s men set to face Chinese Super League heavyweights Beijing Guoan on Wednesday before hosting the popular capital city side again on Tuesday 1 April in Gosford, Tibet Spring 5100 Water has pledged its support to the Mariners’ Asian aspirations once again.

Mr Fu, Chief Executive Officer of Tibet Spring 5100 Water, said that his company is pleased to throw its backing behind the Mariners’ fourth AFC Champions League assault.

“It is our pleasure to support one of the best football clubs in Asia,” Mr Fu said. “We wish Central Coast Mariners the best of luck and great success in the 2014 AFC Champions League.”

“As the founding member of Samaranch Foundation, Tibet Spring 5100 will always support the development of sports,” he said.

Central Coast Mariners Commercial Manager, Mr Grant Cremer, explained that television audiences of the AFC Champions League are particularly strong in China, with match viewership measured in millions.

“Beijing Guoan are one of the most popular teams in China and regularly attract crowds of over 30,000 to their home matches,” Mr Cremer said. “But it is on television where the figures truly astound, with previous Beijing Guoan AFC Champions League matches averaging over 7 million viewers throughout Asia.”

“This partnership for our Group Stage campaign has been in the works for some time, and we are ecstatic that a company the size of Tibet Spring 5100 Water has now recommitted to our Club.”

“The management team from Tibet Spring 5100 Water understand the interest and importance of the AFC Champions League to Chinese football fans, and through our matches against Beijing Guoan specifically we will help them achieve brand exposure to millions of their current and potential customers and clients,” he said.

As part of the deal, Tibet Spring 5100 Water will have first option to retain the property should the Mariners advance to the knockout rounds of the 2014 AFC Champions League for a second successive year.