Ups & Downs
Ups & Downs
ROUNDUP
UP: To MBNA, for believing in bikes. Not only does the Delaware-based bank sponsor the AMA Superbike series, but it recently donated prime NASCAR advertising space to the AMA free of charge. During last October’s Winston Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, spectators were treated to a giant AMA logo on the hood of Ward Burton’s No. 22 Pontiac Grand Prix. What’s more, 40 AMA members received VIP packages that included tickets to the MBNA suite, catered meals, preferred parking and pit tours. Those who rode their motorcycles to the event also enjoyed a lap of the track prior to the race.
DOWN: To the Los Angeles Times, for goofing big-time. The caption accompanying a color photograph of Mick Doohan practicing for the Australian Grand Prix identified the five-time 500cc world champion as “Michael Hoohand.” The paper corrected the error the following day, but jeez...
UP: To PACE Motor Sports, for catering to kids. This season, fans who attend the AMA Supercross series will have the option of sitting in special family-seating sections at no extra cost. “Supercross has proven to be one of the most fan-friendly entertainment values on the market,” said PACE Marketing VP Ken Hudgens. “We intend to do our best to make our live events fun and safe for everyone in attendance.”
UP: To Harley-Davidson, for continuing its charitable ways. Last year, The Motor Company contributed a record $3.5 million to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). More than a quarter of that amount was raised during the blockbuster 95th Anniversary Reunion in June. Since 1980, when Harley joined MDA as a national corporate sponsor, the company has raised more than $28 million.
