Press Release –

Eighty-Nine disabled veterans and active duty military participate in shooting event

Honored American Veterans Afield (H.A.V.A.) hosted the organization’s 2nd Annual National Family Day on November 14, 2008 at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, Texas.

The event was attended by 89 disabled veterans and active duty military personnel from various military facilities in the San Antonio area. These Wounded Heroes also brought another 57 family members to the fun-filled day for a total of 146 participants.

Activities included shooting demonstrations, range time, food, prizes and musical entertainment. Veterans and active duty military from across Texas and as far away as Washington state, participated in the event, which drew both national and local support.

Twenty-three companies and organizations from within the shooting sports industry supported the event along with representatives from the Texas National Guard, V.F.W., Wounded Warriors Project, Brothers of Fallen Heroes, Texas Paralyzed Veterans Association and the USA Shooting Team. In all, more than 100 volunteers helped assure these heroes and their families had a great day.

Attendees participated in range activities that featured eight stages of fire including everything from pistols, shotguns and rifles to a cowboy stage hosted by S.A.S.S. (Single Action Shooters Society).

Children of the Wounded Warriors were able to shoot an air soft action course as well. The day also featured a shooting exhibition by professionals Jerry Miculek and Max Michel. Several participants shot with Miculek and Michel in a “fun” pro-am event.

The event was capped off with a mini concert by platinum country recording artist Mark Wills and a barbeque hosted by several area VFW units. The evening festivities also featured a raffle for the participants, where winners walked away with various door prizes including firearms from Smith & Wesson, Remington and a USA Shooting Ruger 10-22 (which was autographed by the entire USA Shooting Team).

“Our mission to serve these American Heroes was accomplished on all fronts,” said Tom Taylor, H.A.V.A. Chairman. “In our second year to host this event, we more than doubled the number of participants and had a tremendous outpouring of volunteer support from the industry and other organizations in order to make the day a tremendous success. We were asked many times if we plan to host a 3rd Annual Event and we have committed to do so on November 13, 2010.”

LtCol David Barnes of the U.S. Marine Corps Patient Affairs Team added, “We appreciated the hard work and dedication that the volunteers put into this event. The chow was great and every Marine got to shoot various events and ask lots of questions. What a great time! This was a top notch event and I would recommend it to any service member. You can count on my Marines to attend next year!”

With the goal of reconnecting wounded men and women from the armed services with their love of the outdoors, the H.A.V.A. organization was developed to raise awareness and further assist disabled veterans with their healing process through guided hunts, shooting competitions and other outdoor activities. Those who would like to continue on HAVA’s mission, learn more about the organization and how to contribute or see photos from past events can visit www.honoredveterans.org

Press Release –

The grounds of the historic Biltmore Estate served as a grand setting for KYMCO USA’s introduction of its 2010 two-wheel and four-wheel product lines. More than two dozen motorsports industry journalists attended the September 22-25 events.

Selected for its excellent combination of scenery and riding opportunities, the 8,000-acre estate in the North Carolina mountains is the historic home of George W. Vanderbilt with Biltmore House, the largest privately owned home in the country, as its centerpiece. Overnight accommodations and hospitality were provided by KYMCO USA at the nearby Grand Bohemian luxury hotel.

The journalists had access to nearly the company’s entire U.S. product line – and KYMCO USA will be offering 17 two-wheel models and 11 four-wheel models for 2010.

Completely new for the U.S. market are the Like 50, a scooter with vintage Euro styling, and the Maxxer 375 4×4, which blurs the line between sport and utility ATVs. KYMCO is also introducing new versions of existing models, including Limited Editions of the UXV 500 4×4, MXU 375 4×4 IRS and MXU 500 4×4 IRS.

For the Biltmore Estate event, KYMCO created separate schedules for journalists based on whether they review for two-wheel or four-wheel enthusiasts.

Activities held September 22-23 for the two-wheel journalists included scooter rides and photo/video opportunities on the Biltmore Estate grounds, as well as an afternoon ride along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. Larger and mid-size models were used for the Parkway ride, while several of KYMCO’s popular 50cc scooter models were available for side-by-side comparison rides over a closed course on the grounds.

During their own two days in Asheville, September 24-25, editors reviewing KYMCO USA’s four-wheel lineup had access to 70+ miles of trails that make up the Biltmore’s own Land Rover Experience Driving School course. Winding through a largely agricultural part of the estate not typically open to guests, the course passes through vineyards, fords streams and provides steep descents, side-hill traverses and uphill climbs that offer views of nothing but sky.

In addition to the magazine reviewers, representatives of leading industry-insider and dealer publications also attended.

The complete KYMCO USA executive team was on hand to meet with the journalists, organize in test rides, and answer questions on the spot. KYMCO USA president and CEO Eric Bondy was available for one-on-one interviews, and at the introductory press conference, he introduced a special guest from the parent company KYMCO in Taiwan, Senior Vice President Mr. Kou-Chang Su, for his perspective.

KYMCO’s Expanding Four-Wheel Product Line

On the four-wheel side, the big news for 2010 is the Maxxer 375 IRS 4×4. A true cross-over sport-utility with independent rear suspension, the Maxxer is powered by an air-cooled 366.9cc SOHC engine delivering 26hp. Weighing in at 452 pounds, the Maxxer 375 is outfitted with KYMCO’s proven automatic CVT transmission, maintenance free sealed shaft final drive, shift on the fly 2WD and 4WD, independent dual A-arm suspension front and back, hydraulic dual discs in front with a single disc in back, and 12-inch alloy wheels helping achieve 10 inches of ground clearance.

The Maxxer 375 will be available in black, red, blue and white with special graphics package options designed to appeal mainly to female riders.

In a first, KYMCO USA has introduced 2010 LE (Limited Edition) models of the UXV 500 4×4, MXU 375 4×4 IRS and MXU 500 4×4 IRS. The MXU 500 and MXU 375 LE models come standard with a 2,500lb winch, KYMCO 12-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and KYMCO by KOLPIN rear contoured cargo box, gear grips and side-view mirror hand guards. The UXV 500 LE comes with a 3,000lb. winch, KYMCO 12-inch alloy wheels, KYMCO by Seizmik soft enclosure with full windshield, and KYMCO by KOLPIN gear rail package and gas pack. All three LE models feature a distinctive black-on-black color scheme.

About KYMCO USA – KYMCO’s roots in the motorsports industry go back to its founding in 1963 as the Kwang Yang Motor Company, Ltd., with headquarters in Taiwan. Long a leader in quality, fuel economy, and versatility, today KYMCO manufactures motor scooters, motorcycles, and ATVs at five plants in Asia, including the main facility in the city of Kaohsiung.

The company’s partner in the United States is KYMCO USA with headquarters, marketing and distribution centered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. KYMCO USA is dedicated to building the brand’s reputation and market share through superior value, frequent new product introductions, strategic industry partnerships, and excellence in dealer network support. KYMCO USA has a reputation and expertise gained through over 30 years in the U.S. motorsports industry.

Press Release –

Richard Letissier from Dallas is Awarded New 2009 Yamaha Grizzly 550 FI EPS

Yamaha Outdoors continues to support National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) and is pleased to announce the winner of the 2009 Yamaha-NHF Day sweepstakes.

Determined by random drawing, Yamaha congratulates Richard Letissier from Dallas who has won a new 2009 Yamaha Grizzly 550 FI ATV with Electric Power Steering (EPS).

Yamaha, through its relationships with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club International, Buckmasters, National Wild Turkey Federation and NHF Day, is a continued supporter of conservation efforts for outdoor recreational enthusiasts.

During its second year partnering with NHF Day, Yamaha was able to help make the 2009 celebration a great success – with registered events taking place across more than 40 states.

“Conservation efforts for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities are very important to Yamaha, and through our partnerships with awareness programs such as NHF Day we can expand our own efforts to support safe, responsible enjoyment of these activities,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group. “Congratulations to Mr. Letissier, and we hope he enjoys his new Yamaha Grizzly 550 ATV with electric power steering and the most off-road capability in its class – a perfect ATV for outdoorsmen.”

Scheduled annually on the fourth Saturday of September, this year’s celebration of hunting, fishing and conservation took place on September 26, 2009.

NHF Day was formalized by Congress as a public reminder that hunters, anglers and shooters are America’s premier conservation supporters who generate $100,000 every 30 minutes for fish, wildlife and habitat programs.

The annual events provide an opportunity to share that message and introduce new participants to outdoor recreational activities while showing the nation what a positive impact these activities have on conservation efforts.

In addition to sponsoring outdoors conservation groups, Yamaha launched its OHV Access Initiative in January of 2008, and has since approved more than $1 million in GRANTs across the country supporting its mission of safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable trails.

Through its partnership with Outdoor Life’s Save a Stream program, Yamaha is helping promote this responsible message to all outdoorsmen and women.

Press Release –

Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 Racer Jeremie Warnia Wins Quadcross Open Pro Title

Team Motoworks / Can-Am is celebrating another Can-Am DS 450 championship after Jeremie Warnia raced to the ITP Quadcross Open Pro championship last weekend at Glen Helen Raceway near San Bernardino, CA.

By winning the second moto of the Open Pro class, Warnia secured the overall for the weekend and his class championship.

His teammate, Dillion Zimmerman, clinched the 450 Production Expert class championship, too. This is Zimmerman’s second championship for Team Motoworks / Can-Am on his DS 450.

“Jeremie Warnia showed how tough of a racer he was by battling the rough conditions to win the Open Pro championship at Glen Helen,” says Jimmie O’Dell, Racing Manager for Can-Am ATVs at BRP. “We are excited he will be racing the AMA Pro ATV Nationals next year for Motoworks and look forward to seeing him build upon his success in the ITP Quadcross series this season.”

Warnia was close to making it a sweep of both Quadcross Pro-class championships this season as he led the points race in the Pro 450 Production class heading into the final race.

In the first Pro 450 moto, a bad start forced him to work through traffic where he finished fourth. In the second moto, however, he didn’t get the finish he needed to hold onto the points lead and finished second in the championship by only a handful of points.

Chad Wienen raced in the Pro 450 Production class and went 3-1 in the two motos to finish second overall on his Motoworks-prepped DS 450.

Teammate, Josh Fredericks finished sixth overall in the Pro 450 Production class for the weekend on his DS 450. Local rider, Lance Hancock rode his DS 450 to convincing overall wins in both the Open Production Beginner class and the 450 Production Beginner classes.

For more information on Can-Am racing, our 2009 contingency program and amateur DS 450 support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.