08 Kawasaki, a Monster?

[tha_jackal]

KAWASAKI ANNOUNCE MONSTER PARTNERSHIP
The Kawasaki Racing Team is excited to announce that it will be joining forces with the meanest energy drink on the planet, Monster Energy, for its assault on the 2008 and 2009 MotoGP World Championships.

One of the two leading energy drink brands in the United States, Monster Energy has an undoubted passion for racing, with involvement in many motorsport activities worldwide. The partnership with Kawasaki in MotoGP, the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsport, is a natural progression for Monster Energy, as they look to expand into the European market following their successful collaboration with Kawasaki's factory road racing and motocross teams in America.

It's an exciting start to a new era for the Kawasaki Racing Team. The two-year partnership with Monster Energy marks the first time that a major consumer brand has appeared on the side of Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-RR MotoGP machines since the Japanese engineering powerhouse returned to the premier class six years ago, after an absence of more than two decades.

The Kawasaki Racing Team's new livery, complete with Monster Energy branding, will be unveiled for the first time during pre-season testing in Phillip Island, Australia on 29 January, when riders, John Hopkins and Anthony West, continue their build up to the 2008 MotoGP season.

Yoshio Kawamura: Managing Director, Kawasaki Motors Racing B.V.
"The partnership with Monster Energy is another important indicator that Kawasaki are now regarded as a real contender in the MotoGP World Championship, and not just in the racing paddock. The fact that we've been able to attract a leading, non-industry consumer brand to the team, and that Monster Energy will use their association with Kawasaki to spearhead their move into the European market, shows just how much progress we've made as a manufacturer since returning to the premier class in 2002. Monster Energy have had an incredibly successful partnership with Kawasaki in the United States, and we are looking forward to equal success as we take the same collaboration onto the world stage over the next two years."

Michael Bartholemy: Competition Manager, Kawasaki Motors Racing B.V.
"If we've learnt one thing about Monster Energy since we started talking to them about this partnership it is that they share the same passion for racing that is endemic in Kawasaki. And, of course, they have the same affinity for lime green; I guess you could say it's a perfect match. This is a major departure for the Kawasaki Racing Team, as the partnership with Monster Energy over the next two seasons will mean for the first time Kawasaki will feature an outside industry sponsor on the side of our Ninja ZX-RR machines. We have made big steps forward over the past 12 months, which is what attracted Monster Energy to Kawasaki in the first place, and I hope that if we can continue this forward momentum through the 2008 season then we will be able to persuade them to make the step up to title sponsor for 2009."

John Lee: Director of Sports Marketing, Monster Beverage Company
“Monster Energy enjoyed its first foray into the world of MotoGP this past season with John Hopkins and we were very pleased with the feedback we received – especially on an international basis. We view MotoGP as the two-wheel equivalent to Formula One and Monster Energy’s action sports marketing philosophy was built on a motorcycle racing foundation, particularly in American motocross and Monster Energy AMA Supercross. As we move forward with our international marketing efforts, involvement with MotoGP was a logical decision for us and we’re looking forward to following Hopper’s spectacular rides aboard the Monster Energy branded Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR machines.”

Scott Sepkovic: Monster Beverage Company
“Monster Energy views MotoGP as the pinnacle of two-wheel motorsports. That said, it’s a highly important platform for building the Monster Energy brand. Monster Energy is poised to take on the global energy drink market and what better way to place ourselves than with the Kawasaki Racing Team in MotoGP.”

[leopard]

Aren't they the same company with Red Bull, I think they want to introduce monster if they don't want to use Red Bull while they are basically same.

[jim mcglinchey]

Good to see more American money coming into MotoGP.

[ArmchairBikeFan]

It's not the same company as Red Bull, it's a competitor. Good news that a small factory like Kawasaki have found a decent sponsor.

[ChrisS]

It's not the same company as Red Bull, it's a competitor. Good news that a small factory like Kawasaki have found a decent sponsor.

I dont think the sponsorship is that big, Monster will just be on the bike but wont be the title sponsor

Also IIRC one of the big Kawasaki bosses from Japan said that Kawasaki was in MotoGP to promote Kawasaki and didn't have sponsors was because they weren't looking for sponsors.

KHI is a huge company they can afford to spent as much Honda and Yamaha they just dont

[SEAN-B.]

I believe it is because of the huge success they've(Monster) had with the partnership and two championship wins,Roger Lee Hayden and James "Bubba" Stewart, this last season that has prompted this move overseas.Why not?The partnership will bring more money, attention and ease to the team.Besides,I'm partial to Kawasaki.Always have been since I rode my first one at the age of 7.

[osg]

Can't wait to see the livery..... should be impressive.

[NinjaMaster]

It's great to see a non-industry sponsor enter into MotoGP after a few years of them all leaving. Hopefully this can be a vote of confidence in the series that can see others, like Red Bull, see MotoGP as a viable place to spend their advertising dollars, especially after MotoGP's major drawcard in Rossi has announced he plans on racing for at least another 5 years.

[Mach24]

KHI is a huge company they can afford to spent as much Honda and Yamaha they just dont

Kawasaki is a poor cousin in comparison to the big H and the tuning forks.

Yes they are a 'huge' company in relative terms, but it is a little like my local hamburger shop vs McDonalds.

PS: Welcome aboard to our friends at Monster!

[tha_jackal]

Here here! If you look closely at the Kwaka pics from the recent Sepang test, you can see a conveniant black space located nicely above the 'Kawasaki' logo, just about the right size for a certain "Monster" logo maybe? :P