For the week of January 30th, 2022.
Here are a couple of stories that came across my desk that I think are relevant and interesting to the powersports business community.
1.ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING APPOINTS NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM IN NORTH AMERICA
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing is pleased to announce that Nathan Ramsey will step into the role of Team Manager for its U.S. SX/MX squad beginning this weekend at Round 4 of the AMA Supercross Championship in Anaheim, California. Team Coordinator, Sean Murphy, will remain on-board as a vital part of the North American leadership team, along with newly-appointed Crew Chief, Tony Hall, who joins the team with years of experience as Crew Chief of a world-class offroad racing program.
Ramsey was a multi-time race-winner in the 125 cc and 250 cc divisions during his 16-year career in professional racing. The 47-year-old oversaw the JDR/J Star Supercross team for four years before taking on a management role with amateur motocross program, where he has become a driving force in developing the next generation of supercross/motocross talent over the last eight years and now he will complete the circle as he returns to the pro ranks once again.
“I am super excited to be working with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team and this great leadership crew with Sean and Tony,” Ramsey said. “I have all the confidence in this race team and I look forward to many great years ahead.”
As a vital role in the team’s organization and structure from inception, Sean Murphy will continue his role as the Team Coordinator for U.S. SX/MX. Murphy started with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing in 2015 and his hard work and dedication have aided in the team’s ongoing success over the last six seasons.
With 15 years of experience inside the company’s offroad racing department, Tony Hall began as a race team mechanic for five years before taking on the role of building offroad team engines in 2014. Since then, Hall has contributed to 91 National and World Championships during his time with offroad racing.
Stephen Westfall will continue to support the team during the transition into new leadership, where he will remain on-board through Round 7 of the AMA Supercross Championship when the team heads into east coast racing. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team would like to thank Westfall for his many years of dedication to the racing program and wish him the best of luck in future endeavors.
2. The 2022 UTV World Championship to be held during The California 300
From Motorsports Newswire https://motorsportsnewswire.com/2022/01/28/the-2022-utv-world-championship-to-be-held-during-the-california-300/
SAN DIEGO, CA – January 28, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The Martelli Brothers announced today that the 8th annual UTV World Championship presented by Polaris will be held October 12th-16th in Barstow, CA as part of their brand new major off-road desert race this fall called The California 300. The announcement comes after more than a decade of promoting and producing two of the most popular and visible off-road desert races in the sport, The Mint 400 and The UTV World Championship.
The UTV World Championship at The California 300 will be held near the historic off-road riding and testing area of Barstow, California, a mere two hours from over 24 million people and the birthplace of some of the sport’s greatest UTV racers, builders, and fabricators. The new event will feature 40+ classes, pre-running and a public poker run, as well as professional media coverage by Mad Media. The UTV World Championship racers will compete in their normal UTV-only races on Friday, October 14th.
READ MORE AT MOTORSPORTS NEWSWIRE – https://motorsportsnewswire.com/2022/01/28/the-2022-utv-world-championship-to-be-held-during-the-california-300/
3. Vance & Hines, Suzuki Motor USA, and Mission Foods Partner to Create Powerhouse NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Team
From Motorsports Newswire – FOLLOW LINK FOR COMPLETE STORY- https://motorsportsnewswire.com/2022/02/01/vance-hines-suzuki-motor-usa-and-mission-foods-partner-to-create-powerhouse-nhra-pro-stock-motorcycle-team/
SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA – February 1, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Vance & Hines today announced a partnership that brings three legendary brands together in a quest for the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle (PSM) Championship. This triumvirate of performance-focused, industry-leading companies make the Vance & Hines/Mission Foods/Suzuki Factory Pro Stock Motorcycle Team an early favorite for the top spot.
4. Volcon, Inc. Closes $20.0 Million Underwritten Public Offering of Common Stock
AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ –Volcon Inc. (NASDAQ: VLCN), the first all-electric, off-road powersports company, today announced the closing of an underwritten public offering (the “Offering”) of 6,666,667 shares of common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (“Common Stock”), issued by the Company, at a price to the public of $3.00 per Share. The gross proceeds from the Offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated Offering expenses, is approximately $20.0 million.
In addition, the Company granted Aegis Capital Corp., the underwriter, a 45-day option to purchase up to 1,000,000 additional shares of Common Stock, solely to cover over-allotments, if any, which would increase the total gross proceeds of the Offering to approximately $23 million, if the over-allotment option is exercised in full.
Aegis Capital Corp. acted as sole book-running manager for the Offering.
The securities described above have been offered by Volcon, Inc. pursuant to an effective registration statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-262343) previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and declared effective by the SEC on January 28, 2022. A final prospectus (the “Prospectus”) describing the terms of the proposed Offering has been filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the Prospectus may be obtained, when available, by contacting Aegis Capital Corp., Attention: Syndicate Department, 810 7th Avenue, 18th floor, New York, NY 10019, by email at [email protected], or by telephone at (212) 813-1010. Before investing in this Offering, interested parties should read in their entirety the Prospectus, which provides more information about the Company and such Offering.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sales of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
About Volcon
Volcon Inc. is the first all-electric, powersports company producing high quality off-road vehicles. Based in Round Rock, Texas, Volcon joins many major electric vehicle manufacturers near Austin, Texas, an area that is poised to become the electric vehicle capital of the world.
Volcon was founded with the mission to amplify the powersports experience for all by building industry-leading products that connect people to outdoor experiences through the intentional blending of leading technology and design. Volcon produces all-electric, zero emission, off-road vehicles that are designed to elevate the outdoor experience whether at work or on the home front.
Volcon’s first product, the innovative Grunt combines a fat tire physique with high-torque electric power and a near-silent drive train which started shipping in September of 2021. Future models include the Runt, which is a youth-sized version of the groundbreaking Grunt. The Stag and Beast will be Volcon’s venture into the rapidly expanding world of UTVs and coming in future years as the company continues to expand.
Volcon Contacts
For Media: [email protected]
For Dealers: [email protected]
For Investors: [email protected]
For Marketing: [email protected]
For more information on Volcon or to learn more about its complete motorcycle and side-by-side line-up, visit: www.volcon.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, expectations may prove to have been materially different from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company has attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including ”believes,” ”estimates,” ”anticipates,” ”expects,” ”plans,” ”projects,” ”intends,” ”potential,” ”may,” ”could,” ”might,” ”will,” ”should,” ”approximately” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Any forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of its date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after its date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. More detailed information about the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company is contained under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC, which is available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/volcon-inc-closes-20-0-million-underwritten-public-offering-of-common-stock-301472761.html
SOURCE Volcon Inc.
5. AXELL ‘SLAY’ HODGES JOINS TEAM EVS SPORTS
Team EVS is thrilled to announce the formation of a new alliance with legendary motocross freerider and viral video sensation Axell “Slay” Hodges to wear, endorse, and develop EVS products. Known as one of the most talented, gifted, and creative riders to throw a leg over a dirt bike, Hodges continues to push the limits of possibility on a dirt bike, incorporating elements of surfing, snowboarding, and skating into his riding style—much to the delight of his millions of social media followers worldwide.
Having worn EVS products in an “unofficial” capacity for some time—after being gifted a pair of TP199 Knee Pads by freestyle motocross legend Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg—Hodges now joins #TeamEVS in an official capacity, where he’ll be working together with the EVS design team to develop a signature line of EVS products, similar to how fellow Freestyle legend (and new EVS teammate), Travis Pastrana worked with the design team to create his signature EVS TP199 line.
Like many, Hodges started racing motocross at a young age, chasing the amateur national motocross circuit where he even won a title in 2012 at the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National. Not long after, Hodges changed course and focused his attention on X Games in 2016, participating in the Best Whip, Step Up, and Quarter Pipe High Air disciplines. He’s since accumulated seven X Games medals and even hosted the X Games Moto X disciplines at his riding compound in Southern California in 2021.
Photo: Chris Tedesco
When not competing, Hodges enjoys one-off events like the Red Bull Imagination and Day in the Dirt events, experiencing new racing disciplines like GNCC, riding pit bikes, snowboarding, and filming segments for his YouTube series Slayground, which has accumulated over 12 million views on the Monster Energy YouTube channel. What started as simple videos of himself riding in his backyard and neighborhood on a pit bike has since morphed into one of the most popular dirt bike video series in the action sports segment and made Hodges one of the most popular and influential people in the Powersports industry and mainstream media alike.
To put Hodges’ fanbase and following into perspective, his 1.3 million+ followers on Instagram put him in the same company as many of today’s biggest names in motorcycle racing. With a unique style on the motorcycle and a genuine, likable personality off the bike, it’s no surprise Hodges has become one of the most sought-after action sports athletes in the world.
“Having Axell Hodges onboard #TeamEVS opens so many doors and opportunities for both EVS and Slay,” explains Jackson Halsmer, Professional Athlete Manager at EVS Sports. “We’ve informally worked with Slay for a couple of years now, and it’s exciting how we [EVS] have gotten to where we’re at now, with our relationship becoming more official. Axell’s presence in the Powersports industry is second to none, and both he and EVS have some exciting short-term and long-term goals and projects that we intend to work towards together. Axell and his team are a pleasure to work with, and we’re excited to be an official part of Axell’s program for 2022 and beyond!”
EVS Sports’ Global Brand Director, Taz Sobotka, echoed Halsmer’s thoughts on the new partnership with Hodges: “EVS and Axell teaming up is exciting news! We’ve had legendary partnerships with athletes that push the envelope like him for decades. It only makes sense to have him on board with the brand, and we’re happy to add him to our roster of elite riders who wear the EVS brand. With some cool ideas already in the works, working with him over the coming years will be something to keep an eye on for sure. The future is looking bright!”
“I’m really excited to officially be a part of #TeamEVS!” shared Hodges. “I’ve been wearing their stuff for years and have always been a fan, but to make it official is awesome. We’ve got some big stuff in the works and can’t wait for you all to see it!”
As previously mentioned, as part of his new partnership with EVS Sports, Hodges will work with the EVS Sports design team on a signature line of products, with direct input from Axell throughout the design process, which will be revealed in the coming months. In the meantime, hit the video play button below and listen to some of our early design idea discussions with Axell about creating his signature knee pad and why he chooses EVS.
6. Wössner Pistons Strengthens U.S. Team with Powersports Industry Specialists Dave Sulecki and Bob DiFranco
As Wössner North America (N.A.) continues to increase its presence in the North American piston market, the company has chosen to add two Powersports industry specialists to its U.S.-based team to help lead the way. As Germany’s finest aftermarket forged piston and rod manufacturer, Wössner has over 40 years of experience in the high-performance racing industry. Used and endorsed by top U.S. teams like Star Racing Yamaha, the Wössner name stands for high-quality products. And as one of the fastest-growing brands in the motorsports market today, Wössner N.A. brings German quality to the North American market.
Joining Wössner N.A. in April 2021, Dave Sulecki brings over 35 years of product engineering experience as Head of Engineering and Technology. Before joining Wössner, Sulecki spent 31 years at Wiseco Performance Products, with a combined total of over 40 years in the industry. Sulecki will oversee the Engineering, Technology, and Product Design strategies at Wössner N.A. to further create an elite dealer and customer experience in the North American market.
Bob DiFranco brought 10+ years of Sales and Business Development experience to his role as Manager of Market and Business Development when he joined Wössner N.A. in September 2019. After a tenure with Race Winning Brands and Advanced Sleeve, DiFranco now puts his sales and management leadership experience to work for Wössner N.A., as he helps the company achieve its short and long-term customer service and dealer partner objectives.
With over 50 years of combined experience between Sulecki and DiFranco and the visionary leadership of V.P. of Operations Ralph Johnston, look for Wössner products more often in 2022 (and beyond) as the company expands its footprint in the North American Powersports market.
Get to Know Wössner’s Dave Sulecki and Bob DiFranco
Wössner: You both grew up on two wheels, raced motocross, and went on to careers on the business side of the industry. Would you say Powersports is something that runs through your veins?
Dave Sulecki (Dave): For sure, my immersion into the Powersports business began in 1981—other than one short side trip outside the business for two years, and I’ve been here since. This has been my passion for 40 years! It’s true how the saying goes, work at something you love, and you won’t have to work a day in your life. Passion and a love of the Powersports world are what drive this industry. We sell fun, and I never lose sight of this aspect of our business.
Bob DiFranco (Bob): Absolutely. Like many in our industry, my love of all things Powersports began at a very early age. It started with a 3-hp minibike in the mid-1970s and my constant desire to understand how mechanical things work. I raced motocross as long as I could afford to while working and attending school. After working for several large global companies and experiencing all aspects of different businesses, I’m glad to work for a family-owned company. I never thought I’d have a career in the Powersports industry, but I’m so grateful to have a small part in this great industry. Our jobs are very complex, but lots of fun.
Wössner: What are you excited to bring to the Wössner USA Team as part of its plan to further expand into the North American Powersports market?
Dave: First and foremost, I was looking for a home with a business structure that matches my own sensibilities. Wössner GMBH is a family-owned company that focuses on the customer first and has the desire to bring what is missing to the industry. I believe Ralph has done a great job building Wössner N.A. from the ground up, we have unmatched experience in the market, and I look forward to being a part of this.
My focus is providing the right technical and engineering perspective that the U.S. market requires, which can mean complete product design, to helping to structure the data needed to service the market. Some days I’m designing pistons, connecting rods, or other products, working directly with key partners in the industry, race teams, engine builders, or building out data to support our resellers and channel partners. From product to pricing, and even helping construct trade show display engines, it’s been fun being involved at all levels. The U.S. market is something all of us know very well, and we can leverage our collective knowledge and experience to divide and conquer.
Bob: An understanding of our customers and the Powersports market. Furthermore, the Wössner family has a passion for racing and for our customers that aligns with my own values of respect, teamwork, and winning by selling quality products and solutions.
Wössner: What is something you’re excited to share about Wössner products that Powersports dealers and customers in the North American market may not know?
Dave: Wössner is a highly capable company with a vast product offering in pistons and connecting rods. The quality is an impressive level that is race developed and proven in competition. Our abilities in engineering and design are highly experienced, further supported by (growing!) state-of-the-art manufacturing and in-house forging capability. We are also expanding our product offering, and we look forward to sharing this with the market and meeting their needs.
Bob: Wössner has an excellent breadth of product offerings and has great resources worldwide. We’re proud to offer multiple solutions for each model we service and flexibility to our customers in each market and geographic location. Wössner’s expansion into key geographic locations and hiring experts in each location adds value for our customers. We listen to our customers and to the market.
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About Wössner Pistons
Wössner is Germany’s finest aftermarket forged piston and rod manufacturer with over 40 years of experience in the high-performance racing industry. Wössner is part of the Wössner Group, which includes FGM (Forging Group Monale SRL), the Italian forging house for which Wössner supplies parts for notable companies such as Fiat, Ducati, and Triumph, as well as Wössner NA, the North American distribution facility located in Willoughby, Ohio. | wossnerpistons.com
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9. HARLEY-DAVIDSON APPOINTS ERICA BULLARD AS SVP APPAREL & LICENSING AND LOUISE GOLDIN AS CREATIVE DIRECTOR
02/02/2022
MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (“Harley-Davidson”) (NYSE:HOG) today announces the appointment of Erica Bullard as SVP of Apparel & Licensing and Louise Goldin as Creative Director.
“As one of the most iconic brands in the world, the potential to grow our overall Apparel and Licensing business is significant and is one of the core pillars of our Hardwire strategy. We’re excited to have Erica and Louise join the team as we increase our focus on growing Harley-Davidson’s business, drawing from our 119-year heritage as one of the most desirable lifestyle brands that defines moto-culture in America and around the world,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson.
Today’s announcement sees the strategic renaming of Harley-Davidson’s General Merchandise (GM) function to Apparel & Licensing (A&L). This newly created function will leverage Harley-Davidson’s recently opened creative studio in Tribeca, NYC, in addition to Harley-Davidson’s established design studio and archive in Milwaukee.
Erica Bullard, SVP Apparel and Licensing:
“Erica brings decades of experience from within the apparel industry, with a demonstrable track record of leading and growing businesses and strategic regions” said Zeitz.
In this newly created role, reporting into Jochen Zeitz, CEO, Bullard will lead the global apparel and licensing business for the Harley-Davidson brand. Erica joins Harley-Davidson from global sportswear brand NIKE, Inc., having worked for over 20 years in various senior roles and business units across the company.
“There are few brands as iconic as Harley-Davidson, a brand built on a unique combination of authenticity, adventure and self-expression. I am excited to extend the brand through apparel and invite new and existing consumers around the globe to the Harley-Davidson community,” said Bullard.
Louise Goldin, Creative Director:
“Louise is a true creative with a proven track record in designing and building some of the world’s most desirable brands. I’m excited to see Louise’s creative interpretation of Harley-Davidson’s apparel heritage” said Zeitz.
Goldin will head the new studio and design teams in New York and Milwaukee, bringing her expertise in applying advanced technology and functionality to the intersection of modern lifestyle design and fit-for-purpose apparel at Harley-Davidson.
“I feel a deep connection between Harley-Davidson’s design language and my own DNA as a designer,” said Goldin. “I’m inspired by the unique combination of engineering, functionality, craftsmanship and soul that lies at the heart of Harley’s iconic heritage and brand aesthetic. My goal is to work that spirit and purpose into new pieces that will carry the brand forward into the future.”
About Harley-Davidson:
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Our ambition is to maintain our place as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture by delivering a motorcycle lifestyle with distinctive and customizable motorcycles, experiences, motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get riders on the road. www.harley-davidson.com.
About Erica Bullard:
An experienced leader known for the ability to effect change and encourage new paths of thinking, Erica Bullard has held various executive positions at NIKE, Inc. for more than 23 years. Bullard most recently served as the Vice President and General Manager of NIKE NYC and the East, where she was responsible for driving accelerated growth and a connected retail marketplace in New York City with impacts across the East territory, North America and the globe.
About Louise Goldin:
Louise Goldin is a British-born fashion industry professional who has played roles in shaping influential global lifestyle brands in the United States and Europe over a decade. Having graduated from the elite Central Saint Martins MA course in Fashion Design with knitwear, she made her reputation for driving innovation into the future with her acclaimed eponymous collection on runways in London and New York.
### (HOG-F)
10. HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES H PARTNERS REPRESENTATIVE TO JOIN BOARD
02/03/2022
MILWAUKEE, Feb. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (“Harley-Davidson”) (NYSE: HOG), the world’s most desirable motorcycle company, today announced that it has entered into a cooperation agreement with one of its major shareholders, H Partners. As part of the agreement, Jared Dourdeville, a Partner at H Partners, has joined the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors. Mr Dourdeville has also been appointed to the Human Resources Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
“We believe this agreement is in the best interest of Harley-Davidson shareholders, as we look to deliver long-term, profitable growth, as the most desirable motorcycle company in the world,” said Tom Linebarger, Lead Director, Harley-Davidson. “We look forward to welcoming Mr. Dourdeville to the Board.”
“Under the leadership of Jochen Zeitz, we believe Harley-Davidson’s best days are ahead, and we look forward to partnering with the Board, leadership team, and employees to reinvigorate this iconic American company,” said Dourdeville.
The complete agreement between Harley-Davidson and H Partners will be included in a Form 8-K to be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Company Background
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Our ambition is to maintain our place as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture by delivering a motorcycle lifestyle with distinctive and customizable motorcycles, experiences, motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get riders on the road. www.harley-davidson.com.
### (HOG-F)
11. Parts Unlimited signs three-year sponsorship with MotoAmerica
From Powersports Business – https://powersportsbusiness.com/top-stories/2022/02/03/parts-unlimited-signs-three-year-sponsorship-with-motoamerica/
12. Martinez promoted to president of Motorsports at Yamaha USA
Mike Martinez, formerly the vice president of the Motorsports division, has been promoted to President of Motorsports at Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Martinez will be supported in the role by Kaz Abe, vice president of Motorsports Operations; Chas Caraway, vice president of Business Planning & Strategy; and Mike Doughty, general manager of Sales.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AT = https://powersportsbusiness.com/top-stories/2022/02/02/martinez-promoted-to-president-of-motorsports-at-yamaha-usa/
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