Kawasaki’s Moto-Marathon for the Cure a Success

| February 19, 2010 | 0 Comments

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. wrapped up a successful 24-hour marathon of dirt bike training on Friday, February 12, with a grand total of 75 participants receiving instruction and donations reaching over $2,500 for the Susan G. Komen For The Cure® organization. The event was held on the eve of the Monster Energy® Supercross that also “went pink” for breast cancer. The five classes, which hosted 15 riders each, filled up within five hours of the announcement.

The success of the event wasn’t without the help of some friendly faces who stopped by to encourage the trainees. To kick off the event, breast cancer survivor, Shasta Johnson, greeted the first group with her story and emphasizing the importance of raising breast cancer awareness. Mid-morning brought out WMA Rookie of the Year Sara Price to sign autographs and ride a demonstration aboard her Kawasaki KX™250F. Monster Energy Kawasaki riders Ryan Villopoto, Nick Wey, and Jake Weimer also came out to cheer on the riders. As the first session wrapped up, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. President Tak Teranishi visited the event to express his gratitude for the donations made to the cause.

Although Chad Reed wasn’t racing at Anaheim 3, he came by during the second session to sign autographs and hang out with the brand new riders. During the night hours, Speed TV personality Greg White provided his energy and enthusiasm to get everyone through the final two classes that were hosted at 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Once the training was complete, the new riders attended round six of the 2010 Monster Energy Supercross Series at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, proudly wearing their new Kawasaki Thor motocross jersey as they toured the Kawasaki pits and walked the track.

“We wanted to do something special to support Shasta’s efforts and promote breast cancer awareness,” said Jan Plessner, Kawasaki’s Public Relations Manager. “What better way to show our support than to raise money and teach first-time riders how to enjoy our sport safely.”

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and recreation utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,475 independent retailers, with an additional 8,000 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,300 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.™”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.