Toyota Adds Additional Excitement to Mix for Supercross Riders and Fans

January 7, 2006, 8:44am

Toyota Moves Forward Rider and Fan Experience with Awards and On Site Activities

Torrance, Calif. – (Jan. 6, 2006) – Toyota, the official vehicle of Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series, is adding a new element to the mix for riders and fans by awarding trucks to winners in three categories and bringing the interactive Toyota Zone to fans and riders throughout the 16-race series.

Toyota Tundra pickup trucks will go to the AMA Supercross Series champion’s mechanic, the top finishing privateer in AMA Supercross and to the winner of the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West AMA Supercross Lites Shootout in Las Vegas. The award trucks offer Toyota an opportunity to support the person most responsible for helping the Supercross champion win the crown, along with riders working their way up to the premier class and those without the support of a factory team to move forward in their racing careers.

“These awards allow Toyota to recognize the privateers, Lites Champion and the guy behind the AMA Supercross champion, all of whom are important to the future of the sport, but are seldom in the limelight,” says Doug Frisbie, manager of corporate events for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “It’s a great opportunity for us to give back to the riders and teams after a great season of racing.”

Located in the pits, The Toyota Zone features a DJ spinning tunes; a photo opportunity that allows fans to hop on a bike in front of a backdrop resulting in a photo jumping a Supercross finish line; “Inside Line” on-site programming offering interviews with riders and a behind-the-scenes look into the sport, broadcast exclusively on the Toyota Zone outdoor LED screen; vehicle displays and give away opportunities. Finally, fans will also have the opportunity to “upgrade” their seats and move into a VIP section for a portion of the race just by visiting the Toyota Zone.

The Toyota Zone will also feature the Rider’s Lounge; open exclusively to all riders, mechanics, and industry VIPs. This will be a welcome addition for local riders and privateers, who do not have the amenities of the factory teams. The Rider’s Lounge is a place to relax and refuel, and features a host of free offerings including food and beverage, laundry service, music, wireless internet, computer workstations, XBOX 360 and an exercise bike.

“The Toyota Zone really offers something for everyone,” adds Frisbie. “Riders, especially privateers, get a quiet place to relax and some of the amenities found in the factory semis. Fans get an exciting interactive experience. It’s a great way for Toyota to assist riders in need and to get fans that much closer to their favorite sport.”

For the 2006 Supercross season, and continuing through the 2006 Motocross season, fans have the opportunity to win Supercross-related merchandise instantly at the Toyota Zone. They can also enter a nightly drawing for a chance to win $100 in riding gear and a chance to win “Ride of Your Life” sweepstakes, where a lucky winner and a companion will have the chance to ride at the famed Castillo Ranch courtesy of Toyota. In addition to entering the “Ride of Your Life” sweepstakes on site, fans unable to attend races will have an opportunity to get in on the action by visiting www.toyotacross.com launching on Saturday, January 7.