Introducing the 2008 Honda Red Bull Racing Team

American Honda is extremely proud to announce that Red Bull Energy Drink has signed on as the primary sponsor of the Honda motocross team. The partnership of Honda and Red Bull is a perfect match. Both companies are pioneers, both are truly global brands and both share a passion and commitment to powersports. The synergistic pairing of Honda and Red Bull will bring added excitement and exposure to the team, and to motorcycle racing as a whole.

“We enthusiastically welcome Red Bull as a partner in the AMA Supercross and Motocross paddocks,” said American Honda Motorcycle Sports Manager Chuck Miller. “Red Bull has contributed a tremendous amount of excitement to motorcycle racing, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with them and collectively elevate the profile of motorcycle racing to a new, higher level.”

“Being a Red Bull athlete is really cool,” said Honda Red Rider Andrew Short. “It’s a great partnership between Honda and Red Bull; they’re two great companies. With them focusing on us as professional athletes, it’s going to be an extreme opportunity for me as a racer. I can’t wait to see the opportunities that we have next season.”

Short’s teammates echoed his excitement.

“I’ve been a Red Bull athlete before,” said Ben Townley, “so it’s great to be back with them and be involved with them again. The opportunities are great for the athletes and it’s an awesome company to be involved with. I’m looking forward to my future with Red Bull and Honda.”

“Red Bull is so big, it’s everywhere in the world, and it brings out a lot of opportunities for us to do other things with the brand,” said Davi Millsaps. “The Millsap Training Facilities has been with Red Bull for three years now, but I’ve never personally been a Red Bull rider, so it’s a good opportunity for me.”

“Being a part of the Honda Red Bull Racing Team will be a good experience for me,” said Ivan Tedesco. “I have all new partners this year, a whole new package, and I’m excited coming into the season. I’ll hopefully be up front. Being a Red Bull athlete is top notch and it means you’re one of the best. Red Bull teamed up with the Honda team because Honda is the best and it’s great for me to be a part of it.”

Over the 36-year history of AMA National Motocross and Supercross, Honda has won more races and championships than any other manufacturer. Since our first championship in 1973, American Honda motocross teams have won a record 55 AMA Motocross and Supercross championships. Beyond that, Honda riders have won 15 of the last 26 AMA Supercross championships, including nine consecutive Supercross titles and two Motocross perfect seasons—all unprecedented accomplishments.

For 2008, expect to see the Honda Red Bull Racing Team leading the pack once again. Returning to the team is Andrew Short, who battled back from injury to nearly capture the Motocross title in 2007. Short will ride a CRF450R in both the Supercross and Motocross series, and joining him in both classes again will be 20-year-old Davi Millsaps, the 2006 Supercross Lites East Champion.

New to Team Honda are two young but already-accomplished riders, Ivan Tedesco and Ben Townley. At 26 years of age, Tedesco has three titles in Lites classes to his credit. He will also ride the CRF450R in the Supercross and Motocross divisions in 2008. Townley, a 23-year-old New Zealander, is an accomplished champion with an MX2 Motocross World Championship and the 2007 AMA Supercross Lites East crown. He will compete in Supercross Lites aboard a Honda Red Bull Racing CRF250R and switch to the potent CRF450R for the Motocross season.

For more information on American Honda’s racing teams, go to www.hondaredriders.com.
For more information on Red Bull, go to www.redbullusa.com