Red Bull X-Fighters

The inaugural Red Bull X-Fighters event held in Valencia in 2001 was the first example of an all-new and innovative event concept mixing the extreme sport of freestyle motocross with the region’s local bullfighting tradition. One year later, in 2002, the event was taken to Madrid and later to Mexico City, where it has remained a fixture in the calendar since its debut in 2005. In 2007, the Red Bull X-Fighters went on tour for the first time with three stops in Mexico, Ireland and Spain. The following season, in 2008, the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour was born, featuring events in the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and Germany before ending with a grand finale in Poland. Last year, in 2009, the X-Fighters once again stepped it up a level with another mega World Tour including new locations, new riders and a whole bag of brand new tricks – among them the first ever Double Backflip performed during a freestyle competition - as the international FMX elite continued to push the sport forward.
The 2009 season will go down in history as the closest ever in Red Bull X-Fighters history. After wildcard rookie Levi “Rubber Kid” Sherwood (NZL) had stunned the world by winning the opening event in Mexico City, multiple-world record holder Robbie Maddison (AUS) struck back at the World Tour’s first ever stop in Canada as he flipped and spun his way to victory in Calgary. Just a few weeks later it was his close friend, rival and next-door neighbour Nate Adams (USA) who kept cool in the baking Texas heat to win the third stop of the Tour after an injury-plagued 2008. The penultimate event of the World Tour 2009 was the classic two-day event in Madrid (ESP), where hometown FMX wunderkind Dany Torres finally found the form he had been looking for all season to dominate the world elite and send the crowd into raptures by taking the win.



Four events, four different winners – one stop to go. The season finale 2009 took place in London’s Battersea Power Station, a huge factory on the banks of the Thames once responsible for providing the British capital with electricity. Going into the event, four different riders – defending champion Mat Rebeaud (SUI), Eigo Sato (JPN), Robbie Maddison (AUS) and overall leader Nate Adams (USA) – were in with a chance of crowning themselves Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour Champion 2010. After a fascinating duel with his close friend Robbie Maddison, Nate “The Destroyer” Adams kept his nerves to win the final stop of the Tour and claim victory in the overall standings in the closest battle ever for the title!
After such a spectacular conclusion to 2009, the organisers of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour wanted to push the event into the next dimension in 2010 with a brand-new concept – and that is exactly what they have done! The Red Bull X-Fighters are set to debt in three new cities across the globe, with a brand new rider selection format replacing the traditional invitational system used up until now. The top six riders from last year’s World Tour – Nate Adams, Robbie Maddison, Eigo Sato, Mat Rebeaud, Dany Torres, Levi Sherwood – are qualified for the season opener. A further six riders, selected by the international Red Bull X-Fighter Jury after an application process, will battle it out for the remaining four spots in Mexico City, with two wildcards completing the starting field.
While the international elite pushes the boundaries of modern freestyle motocross in some of the most spectacular locations on the planet at the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour, local riders are hard at work bringing FMX to brand new countries with a series of Red Bull X-Fighters Jams. These events already have cult status in the cities they have visited, with top riders from the region joining some of the finest shooting stars from the international scene to put on an insane show in front of tens of thousands of people.

In 2009, the Red Bull X-Fighters Exhibition Tour rocked its way through Eastern Europe with the stops in Maribor (SLO), Tbilisi (GEO), Sarajevo (BIH), Belgrade (SCG) and Zagreb (CRO) bringing whole city centres to a complete standstill as people clambered onto roofs and into trees to get a perfect view of the spectacular action. Local matador Primoz Pavsic (SLO) was stoked after jumping in front of 15,000 fans in Maribor: “It was my first time hitting such a kicker and I was really pumped with adrenaline before the first jump. After that, I relaxed and it was pure enjoyment. I absolutely love being in the air! It was so cool! Never in my life have I given so many interviews or autographs!”

This year will also see a series of Red Bull X-Fighters Jams take place. Indeed, in the past the Jams have often proved a stepping stone on the way to receiving a golden ticket to the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour and the chance to compete against international stars such as Nate Adams, Robbie Maddison and Mat Rebeaud. Keep your eyes out for a Jam near you!

Official Rules

Red Bull X-Fighters is a Professional Freestyle Motocross (FMX) tour, which can comprise all disciplines of FMX. These disciplines include, but are not limited to: Freestyle, Speed and Style, Step up, Quarterpipe, Parallel Freestyle. Unless outlined in competition documents, the typical Red Bull X-Fighters competition will be Freestyle only. Tour stops and their disciplines involved will be outlined on the X-Fighters web page http://www.redbullxfighters.com/.

Participation in a Red Bull X-Fighters competition is by invitation only, based on past year’s results, selection by Ranking Committee and Wild Card. The official invitations with all of the relevant information (date and type of competition, venue address, deadlines, preliminary schedule) will be sent out within 6 weeks of the event date.

 TRANSPARENCY THE NAME OF THE GAME FOR 2010 WORLD TOUR JUDGING

Following the closest ever season finale in 2009, the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour returns in 2010 to rock new locations with some brand new tricks. Tour Director Tes Sewell announced ahead of the coming season that one of the Tour’s main aims for this year would be to make the judging as transparent and understandable as possible so that every rider can understand why he received the score he did. Let us take you through the Red Bull X-Fighters Rules and Regulations 2010.

 Section 1 – Tour

1.1 Field Sizes
The Field limit for an X-Fighters competition is 12 riders. At certain Tour stops riders may be invited to a pre-qualifier where the ‘open’ spots in the field of 12 will be filled. Red Bull X-Fighters rules apply for all pre-qualifier events.
Should one or more riders be injured during training or qualifying sessions and are unable to compete, the organization reserves the right to invite replacement riders into the competition.
1.2: Point System
The following points are awarded for the finishing positions at the termination of an X-Fighters event, regardless of the discipline(s) held:

1st place100 pts
2nd place 80 pts
3rd place 65 pts
4th place 55 pts
5th place 45 pts
6th place 35 pts
7th place 30 pts
8th place 25 pts
9th place 20 pts
10th place 15 pts
11th place 10 pts
12th place 5 pts

An updated Tour ranking list will be distributed at the completion of each Red Bull X-Fighters competition and will be posted online at www.redbullxfighters.com

1.3: Rider Selection

Beginning in Mexico City and continuing throughout the 2010 Red Bull X-Fighters Tour, riders will be selected to compete in the following categories:
Permanent
Top 6 from 2009 – Riders finishing 1 through 6 in the 2009 Red Bull X-Fighters Tour will be awarded a permanent spot on the Tour. These 6 riders will be invited to compete in all 2010 Tour events
Open
The Open category will be divided into 2 sub categories:

1.Wild Cards
2.Tour Selections

Wild Cards – 2 Wild Cards will be selected, by the organizing committee, for each Tour stop
Tour Selections – 4 or more other riders will be selected by the 2010 Tour Rider Selection Committee to compete in each Tour stop. The Mexico City selections will be based on the list from the 2010 Ranking Selection Committee.
Open rider guarantees
Beginning in Mexico City there will be up to 4 spots for Open riders to gain a guaranteed spot in the following Tour event. If an Open rider is ranked in the 2010 Tour Top 6 at the end of any Tour stop, they will be automatically invited to the next Red Bull X-Fighters event*
*Note: There are a maximum of four (4) spots available for Open rider guarantees in the Tour Top 6.
1.4: Throw Out
The Throw Out rule applies to all riders who compete in all Tour competitions prior to the Final stop. The lowest single Tour stop score will be thrown out and the remaining stops will be totaled to give an adjusted points score prior to the start of the Final competition. This rule shall only apply if the Tour numbers more than 3 total stops. If a rider misses one stop (other than the Final), then that one stop will count as the Throw Out
Example: 2010 Tour is 6 stops. If a rider competes in all 5 stops before the Final then the best 4 results will count and that points total will be ‘reset’ before the Final. Points awarded from the Final competition are added to the points total from the best 4 results and that will be the rider’s Tour points total.
1.5: Prize Money
A schedule for prize money will be distributed no less than 8 weeks prior to the start of each event.

 Section 2 – Events

2.1: Event Format
Red Bull X-Fighters events will typically be held over a 3-day period:
Day 1 – Rider Briefing and Training
Day 2 – Training and Qualifying
Day 3 – Training and Competition
*Red Bull X-Fighters events in Mexico City, Cairo and Madrid will be held over 2 days. In certain circumstances a Red Bull X-Fighters event could be compacted into one single day comprising all elements of training, qualifying and competition.

2.2: Qualifying

Qualifying
The start list for qualifying sessions will be organized by reverse order of Tour ranking (highest ranked rider will ride last). In the event that more than one rider does not have a tour rank, then those riders will be assessed a start order by random draw, where the first rider drawn will be the first to ride and each successive un-ranked rider will start in order until all un-ranked riders have started. At this point the Tour ranked riders will begin their reverse-order starts. Should 2 riders have the same amount of Tour Points then the higher rank will be given to the rider with the higher finish in the most recent competition.

*At the first Tour stop the rankings from the previous year will be utilized.
There will be 2 qualifying runs of 90 seconds each. All 12 riders will ride Run 1 and then all 12 riders will ride Run 2 in their start order. Start order will be the same for both runs.
Any rider who misses a qualifying session will be scored in the last place position. Should more than one rider miss the qualifying session then Tour rank will determine placing, with the lowest ranked rider being scored as the last place. Should no Tour rank exist, then a draw will take place to establish rank for the purpose of qualifying.

Any rider who for legitimate mechanical or medical reasons misses his start time in a qualifying session may be placed into the field before the end of each qualifying run. If all first runs are complete then the rider will only be given one run of qualifying. If the last rider in the field has completed his second qualifying run and more than 2 minutes have elapsed, then this will be considered as a missed qualifying session.
A qualifying session can be considered complete when at least 1 full run is completed by all riders (except where a rider is unable to start for medical or mechanical reasons). If a qualifying session is halted for any reason (e.g. weather), runs can be restarted, at a later time, where qualifying was postponed. If qualifying is cancelled and one full run has not been completed, then all results will be voided and qualifying positions will revert to Tour ranking plus ranking awarded by Competition Committee (where required). If a rider does not have a prior Tour ranking then the Committee will perform a random draw in which case the first drawn rider will be assessed the highest non-ranked position and the second drawn rider the next highest non-ranked position. This process will continue until all non-ranked riders have been drawn.
Qualifying Results
The results of each qualifying run will be displayed in the riders’ area at the completion of each round. Official results will be distributed after completion of Qualifying Session. Qualifying is ranked according to the riders best run score, where the highest rider’s score will be ranked as #1.

Time Out rule (Qualifying)
If a rider has a legitimate mechanical or medical issue after given clearance to enter course to begin a run or after clock has started in run, the rider must claim a Time Out by forming a “T” with both hands. At this point, a countdown clock will be started and the rider will have 2 minutes to return to the course to start or complete the run. If the clock has already started, then the time will be reset to the moment when the Time Out was claimed and the rider will be given the remaining time in his run (Clock starts when the rider takes his first hit, or when the 2 minute Time Out clock expires).
Time Out can only be used once for each Qualifying Session and once for each Competition
If, in the opinion of the Head Judge, the reason for claiming Time Out is not legitimate, the rider will be disqualified and scored a zero for that run by all judges.
Number Plates (Qualifying)
Before a rider enters the course with his bike, the Red Bull X-Fighters number plate must be affixed to the bike. Specific rules pertaining to the position and look of the number plate must be observed. These rules will be outlined in each rider contract.
2.3: Competition
Competition Format
Round 1
The top 6 ranked riders will sit out Round 1 and all other riders will compete in reverse ranking order. Each rider will take one run on the course with a predetermined time limit (typically 90 seconds). At the completion of each riders run, the judges will award a score. When all riders in this round have completed a scored run, the top 2 scored riders will be advanced through to Round 2 where the highest scored Round 1 rider will be awarded the #7 seed and the second highest scored Round 1 rider will be awarded the #8 seed.
Remaining Round 1 riders will be eliminated from competition. All eliminated riders will be ranked according to Round 1 scores.
Round 2
Head to Head competition
Note: In all head-to-head competition, eliminated riders for each round will be ranked according to their qualifying position.
Start order
Heat 1. # 5 vs #4
Heat 2. #6 vs #3
Heat 3. #7 vs #2
Heat 4. #8 vs #1
The 2nd round is an elimination round for the top 8 seeded riders. Each rider takes his own run (90 sec time per rider), one after the other, not at the same time. The lower seeded rider in each pair will ride first. Time will start when the rider takes his first jump. After each run, the rider goes a pre-designated position to watch his replays on the big screen. The second rider in the pair, who is not riding, will wait at the Hot Spot, remove his helmet and watch the other rider’s run. After the second rider’s run, both wait at a pre-designated position for the judges’ decision of whom of the two is in the Semi Final round.

Semi Finals – 4 Riders
4 riders are qualified in pairs for the semi Final. Winner of Heat 1 faces winner of Heat 4, winner of Heat 2 faces winner of Heat 3. Each rider takes his own run (90 sec. time per rider). The lower seeded rider in each pair will ride first. Time will start when the rider takes his first jump. After each run, the rider goes a pre-designated position to watch his replays on the big screen. The second rider in the pair, who is not riding, will wait at the Hot Spot, remove his helmet and watch the other rider’s run. After the second rider’s run, both wait at a pre-designated position for the judges’ decision of whom of the two is in the Final round.

Third Place run-off
The 2 losers of Semi Final competition will meet in a Head to Head Third Place run-off. Each rider takes his own run (90 sec. time per rider). The lower seeded rider in the pair will ride first. Time will start when the rider takes his first jump. After each run, the rider goes a pre-designated position to watch his replays on the big screen. The second rider in the pair, who is not riding, will wait at the Hot Spot, remove his helmet and watch the other rider’s run. After the second rider’s run, both wait at a pre-designated position for the judges’ decision of whom of the two will be awarded Third place.
Note: In the event that a Third Place run-off can not be held due to time constraints, Third place will be awarded to the highest qualified loser from the Semi Finals.

Final
The 2 winners of Semi Final competition will meet in a Head to Head run-off. Each rider takes his own run (90 sec. time per rider). The lower seeded rider in the pair will ride first. Time will start when the rider takes his first jump. After each run, the rider goes a pre-designated position to watch his replays on the big screen. The second rider in the pair, who is not riding, will wait at the Hot Spot, remove his helmet and watch the other rider’s run. After the second rider’s run, both wait at a pre-designated position for the judges’ decision of whom of the two will be celebrated as the winner of Red Bull X-Fighters competition.
Time Out Rule (Competition)
If a rider has a legitimate mechanical or medical issue after given clearance to enter course to begin a run or after clock has started in run, the rider must claim a Time Out by forming a “T” with both hands. At this point, a countdown clock will be started and the rider will have 2 minutes to return to the course to start or complete the run. If the clock has already started, then the time will be reset to the moment when the Time Out was claimed and the rider will be given the remaining time in his run (Clock starts when the rider takes his first hit, or when the 2 minute Time Out clock expires).
Time Out can only be used once for each Qualifying Session and Competition
If, in the opinion of the Head Judge, the reason for claiming Time Out is not legitimate, the rider will be disqualified and scored a zero for that run by all judges.
Number Plates (Competition)
Before a rider enters the course with his bike, the Red Bull X-Fighters number plate must be affixed to the bike. Specific rules pertaining to the position and look of the number plate must be observed. These rules will be outlined in each rider contract.



 Section 3 – Judging

3.1: Judges
There will be 2 separate judging systems for X-Fighters competition:
Judging in all rounds will consist of 5 judges, each one judging different criteria.

Judge 1:    Variety
Judge 2:     Challenge and Execution
Judge 3:     Style
Judge 4:    Use of Course
Judge 5:    Show and Spectator Reaction

Qualifying and Round 1

Qualifying judging panel comprises 5 judges, plus one Head Judge. These judges will award each rider a score from 1-100 points. Final score will be from a total of 500 points.

Round 1 to Final – Head to Head competition

Each judge will award each of the paired riders a score on a scale of 1-100 points. The rider in the pair with the highest score from a single judge will win that judge’s vote. The rider who gets 3 or more judges’ votes out of 5 will win the match-up.

The Head Judge is solely responsible for indicating when time expires on a run. If, in the mind of the Head Judge, a rider is considered to be ‘on approach’ to a jump when the time clock reaches zero, then that jump (or series of jumps in a double-double or 6-pack) will count in the rider’s final score.
The Head Judge will also have the ability to change any single score or group of scores and makes the final decision in any tie-breaker situations.

 Section 4 – Event notes

4.1: Time Limit
A time limit may be imposed at the start of each competition run, where a run-down timer will be started when the rider is released to enter the course. This limit will be shown on the run-down clocks. At the expiration of this time the official run time will start, unless the rider has already hit the first take off and started the clock.
The time limit (if required) will be set and announced at the Rider Briefing, prior to qualification.
4.2: Flags
In each run of Qualifying and Competition flags will be used to indicate key timing. At 15 seconds left in the run, a yellow flag will be waved. At the expiration of time a second flag (typically Red or Chequered) will be waved. These flags are to be used as guidelines only and do not supercede the official timing on the run-down clock.
Red Flag
When a red flag is displayed in practice sessions a rider must safely come to a stop then cautiously return to the course entry, where he will be advised by officials to continue the run or exit the course. Failure to obey a red flag may result in a penalty, including, but not limited to: Loss off training time, loss of qualifying position or disqualification.
4.3: Event Cancellation
In the event that a competition is cancelled, the results from the last complete round (including qualification) will be considered the Final results from that Tour stop. Points and prize money will be awarded according to this result. If no rounds were completed and therefore there were no results, the points and prize money will not be awarded for this stop.
4.4: Competition Committee
At each stop of the Tour a Competition Committee will be formed, comprising (but not limited to) the Sport Director, Chief of Course, Head Judge and Head of Medical. This committee will be responsible for all rules reviews, course changes and decisions on medical clearances.

4.5: Rider Representative
At each stop of the Tour a Rider Representative will be appointed as a liaison between the riders and the Competition Committee. This rider will be selected by ballot at the rider briefing. A rider may not serve as rider representative for 2 consecutive events, but may serve more than once per season.
4.6: Tour Ties
In the event of a Tour points tie(s), The highest number of first place finishes during the season will break the tie. In the event a tie still exists, the highest number of second place finishes will break the tie. This process will continue until all finish places have been exhausted. Should a tie still exist, the highest finishing position at the event at which the tie(s) was created, or, if the former does not apply, the highest finishing position at the last Red Bull X-Fighters event the concerned riders attended, will break the tie(s).
4.7 Format Changes
At certain Tour stops adjustments to competition formats and judging criteria may be instituted. In this case a Rule Addendum will be issued for this Tour stop.

About It

2010 Final Standings

#	Rider	Nat	Overall
01	Nate Adams	USA	370
02	Andre Villa	NOR	365
03	Dany Torres	ESP	310
04	Levi Sherwood	NZL	290
05	Adam Jones	USA	290
06	Robbie Maddison	AUS	265
07	Mat Rebeaud	SUI	175
08	Eigo Sato	JAP	130
09	Mike Mason	USA	105
10	Jim McNeil	USA	95

Crusty Demons of Dirt

  ‘The General’ of freestyle motocross, Brian Deegan, will report for duty at the Crusty Demons Thirst 4 Destruction tour show in Brisbane next month.

A pro Supercross racer turned FMX superstar, Deegan has been at the forefront of the emerging action sports movement for many years and has the silverware, and scars, to prove it.

With his X Games medal tally well into double digits, Deegan has recently turned his attention to another passion of his, four wheels, and competitively races off-road trucks, rally cars and NASCAR Late Model Stock Cars when his hectic schedule allows.

Deegan is also the founder of cult moto brand, the Metal Mulisha, which is an active supporter and sponsor of riders across the globe, including current Crusty tour talents Jackson Strong and Taka Higashino.

Deegan’s name is synonymous with FMX but has expanded well beyond the sport, with toy stores stocking his own action figures and banks offering branded Deegan Mastercard credit cards.

Jetting in for the Brisbane show on November 13, Deegan said he was looking forward to getting back to his roots and joining a number of long-time friends on the Thirst 4 Destruction Tour.

"I can't wait to come back to Australia and ride the Crusty show. Ever since the first show in 99' I've put this tour and the fans at the top of the list. Its time for Mulisha to come back and take over!” Deegan said.

The addition of the Metal Mulisha ‘General’ further bolsters the international lineup on the current Crusty Demons live tour.

Deegan joins Nate Adams, Mike Mason, Adam Jones, Beau Bamburg, Seth Enslow, Mike Metzger, Taka Higashino and many more renowned FMX icons.

The Aussie contingent is just as solid, with Robbie Maddison, Jackson Strong, Kain Saul, Emma McFerran, Steve Mini, Matt Schubring, Joel Balchin and more taking part in the national five-stop tour.

Tickets to the Brisbane (Brisbane Entertainment Centre) show are available at ticketek.com.au or by phoning 132 849. The final stop of the 2010 tour will be held in Sydney on November 27 at Acer Arena.

Nearly 12,000 people packed Perth’s Burswood Dome last night to witness the most extreme Crusty Demons show yet – Thirst 4 Destruction.


The West Australian crowd marvelled at the antics of global FMX stars Mike Metzger, Nate Adams, Taka Higashino, Mike Mason and Adam Jones, but were bought to their feet by the death defying feats of Australia’s own Jackson Strong and Kain Saul.


Australia’s first-ever female FMX rider Emma McFerran, who made her public debut, was a clear crowd favourite along with 6-year old Perth schoolboy Jasyn Roney, who demonstrated his phenomenal bike handling skills in race against Crusty Demons legend Bubba.


World FMX Trials Champion Jack Field entered the arena via the grandstand stairwell and nailed the worlds lowest ever backflip off a 30cm kicker.


The two-hour show, which was enhanced with over 2500 blasts of fireworks, flames and special effects saw 15 of the best FMX riders from around the globe showcase their skills through a range of cross-over jumps, trains and even a five-aside back-flip.


Whilst unable to jump due his injured wrist not quite healing in time,  Robbie Maddison took on the role of co-MC joining Jerry Bernado in the Woodstock bar to call the show.


The Crusty Demons Thirst 4 Destruction Tour, presented by Woodstock Bourbon now heads to Adelaide's Entertainment Centre for the second stop of the tour.  

Text from www.crusty.com

Winner of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The winner of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Was Sebastion Vettel.

Formula-1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

A  driver will be the 2010 King of Formula One. If it is Fernando Alonso, then it is a good day for both Abu Dhabi and Italy. Ferrari World could have no better launch. If it is Mark Webber or Sebastian Vettel, then Red Bull has done the double with both F1 2010 Constructors and Driver World Championships. If it is Lewis Hamilton and McLaren, then the other drivers will have had a bad day at the office.
For Ferrari, losing today would mean a disappointing season and cost millions of euros in bonuses and future sponsorship. It will have an impact on its brand gloss and corporate morale. Cars are its business, and F1 is the core of its marketing. For Red Bull, losing will be demoralising, but the partying around F1 will not stop and its main revenue streams are only rising. Red Bull may lose the battle but it is winning the war. Particularly the brand sponsorship war.
Look at it this way: Ferrari has more than 80 years of heritage as a company, while Red Bull has fewer than 25. Both understand passion and sponsorship better than their peers. Ferrari is the establishment in terms of an F1 brand and rights-holder. Red Bull is the young, upstart challenger breaking all the rules.
Red Bull is an incredible story. Its marketing and ingredient origins are a Thai energy drink called Krating Daeng. Dietrich Mateschitz, the Austrian entrepreneur behind Red Bull, developed the energy drink brand when, as the international marketing director for a toothpaste company, he visited Thailand in 1982 and discovered a cure for his jet lag.


Between 1984 and 1987, Mr Mateschitz worked on adapting the recipe, then invested US$500,000 (Dh1.8 million) in a joint venture with Chaleo Yoovidhya, his Thai business partner, and his son, Chalerm. The Red Bull product and brand was launched in 1987. Today it is one of the world's best-selling soft drinks. Forbes estimated in 2008 that both men are worth $4 billion.
Red Bull's journey in terms of sponsorship is equally remarkable. Mr Mateschitz and his team understood that to align yourself to fans, content and passion through sponsorship was key. If you launch a business with a brand today, follow this approach. Place your brand in the heart of the right sponsorship content, and if your business has the right core product and fundamentals, you can grow very quickly.
Perhaps the key to Red Bull's success is that it has done everything its own way. It sponsored individuals and events - particularly in extreme youth sports. If the right opportunities did not exist, then it invented them. Today when you look at Red Bull's website - a YouTube-style channel in its own right and no doubt a future media channel modelled on Virgin's brand diversification model - the most impressive part is that Red Bull owns most of what you watch.


In a rare interview with The Times of London in 2006, Mr Mateschitz commented on his €400m (Dh2 billion) marketing strategy of the time: "It's quite normal that you spend millions of dollars on marketing on TV, but here it's marketing investment in assets." Best of all, he owns the assets. From its impressive F1 team to its New York soccer franchise, from the Red Bull Air Race to Flugtage, Red Bull owns, markets and delivers its own content. It is also now generating major revenue streams from these assets, which considerably reduce its sponsorship outlay.
Ferrari does have one advantage in this regard. Red Bull is so good at what it does that other brands drown or fade in comparison. Destinations, alcoholic drinks, individuals and content can benefit from a Red Bull sponsorship asset association. But consumer brands will often have issues.
At present, Ferrari sponsorship gloss is far wider in terms of commercial impact. The Red Bull-du partnership announced last week has great potential because of the content that du will get. Expect downloads, ticket promotions, special access to drivers, F1 races and even Red Bull parties to come through your du subscriptions. 

Abu Dhabi Formula-1 Grand Prix

By 7 o'clock tonight one driver will be the 2010 King of Formula One. If it is Fernando Alonso, then it is a good day for both Abu Dhabi and Italy. Ferrari World could have no better launch. If it is Mark Webber or Sebastian Vettel, then Red Bull has done the double with both F1 2010 Constructors and Driver World Championships. If it is Lewis Hamilton and McLaren, then the other drivers will have had a bad day at the office.
For Ferrari, losing today would mean a disappointing season and cost millions of euros in bonuses and future sponsorship. It will have an impact on its brand gloss and corporate morale. Cars are its business, and F1 is the core of its marketing. For Red Bull, losing will be demoralising, but the partying around F1 will not stop and its main revenue streams are only rising. Red Bull may lose the battle but it is winning the war. Particularly the brand sponsorship war.
Look at it this way: Ferrari has more than 80 years of heritage as a company, while Red Bull has fewer than 25. Both understand passion and sponsorship better than their peers. Ferrari is the establishment in terms of an F1 brand and rights-holder. Red Bull is the young, upstart challenger breaking all the rules.
Red Bull is an incredible story. Its marketing and ingredient origins are a Thai energy drink called Krating Daeng. Dietrich Mateschitz, the Austrian entrepreneur behind Red Bull, developed the energy drink brand when, as the international marketing director for a toothpaste company, he visited Thailand in 1982 and discovered a cure for his jet lag.

Between 1984 and 1987, Mr Mateschitz worked on adapting the recipe, then invested US$500,000 (Dh1.8 million) in a joint venture with Chaleo Yoovidhya, his Thai business partner, and his son, Chalerm. The Red Bull product and brand was launched in 1987. Today it is one of the world's best-selling soft drinks. Forbes estimated in 2008 that both men are worth $4 billion.
Red Bull's journey in terms of sponsorship is equally remarkable. Mr Mateschitz and his team understood that to align yourself to fans, content and passion through sponsorship was key. If you launch a business with a brand today, follow this approach. Place your brand in the heart of the right sponsorship content, and if your business has the right core product and fundamentals, you can grow very quickly.
Perhaps the key to Red Bull's success is that it has done everything its own way. It sponsored individuals and events - particularly in extreme youth sports. If the right opportunities did not exist, then it invented them. Today when you look at Red Bull's website - a YouTube-style channel in its own right and no doubt a future media channel modelled on Virgin's brand diversification model - the most impressive part is that Red Bull owns most of what you watch.


In a rare interview with The Times of London in 2006, Mr Mateschitz commented on his €400m (Dh2 billion) marketing strategy of the time: "It's quite normal that you spend millions of dollars on marketing on TV, but here it's marketing investment in assets." Best of all, he owns the assets. From its impressive F1 team to its New York soccer franchise, from the Red Bull Air Race to Flugtage, Red Bull owns, markets and delivers its own content. It is also now generating major revenue streams from these assets, which considerably reduce its sponsorship outlay.
Ferrari does have one advantage in this regard. Red Bull is so good at what it does that other brands drown or fade in comparison. Destinations, alcoholic drinks, individuals and content can benefit from a Red Bull sponsorship asset association. But consumer brands will often have issues.
At present, Ferrari sponsorship gloss is far wider in terms of commercial impact. The Red Bull-du partnership announced last week has great potential because of the content that du will get. Expect downloads, ticket promotions, special access to drivers, F1 races and even Red Bull parties to come through your du subscriptions.

Motocross Tips

Follow these motocross racing tips to make your race day as pain free as possible.

1. Accomodation.
If you're racing in some small town somewhere, a well attended motocross meeting can nearly double the population overnight. Don't expect to just turn up the day before and get somewhere to stay. Book ahead and save yourself the hassle, this is also handy when you're on a budget and the last place with a vacancy is also the most expensive place in town.

2. Walk the track.
Regardless of whether you've arrived the day before or race day morning, one of the more crucial motocross racing tips is to walk the track. Take notice of any wet sections which will rut up quickly and any other obstacles which may be a problem for you.

A really good idea is to walk the track with a faster, more experienced rider. They've probably ridden a lot of different tracks and you can pick up some good motocross racing tips by listening to them as they look around.

3. Scrutineering.
Scrutineers have to check your bike (and quite often your helmet as well)to make sure it's safe and passes certain inspections. These rules and regulations vary so make sure you're up to date on what's allowed and what's not for your bike.

They will check things like wheel bearings, spoke tightness, functioning brakes and that handlebar ends are plugged etc. Some scrutineers can be quite pedantic so follow these motocross racing tips and give your bike another quick check over before you get it scrutineered. I once had my bike refused just because it didn't have a valve cap on the back wheel.

4. Rider's Briefing.
If the race meeting has a rider's briefing then go to it! They have them for a reason and will explain the starting procedure and quite often will inform the riders of a last minute change to the race order or something similar. You'll feel like a real stooge if after all your preparation and studying these motocross racing tips you go and do something stupid like miss your race!

5. Practice.
Practice sessions vary in length so find out how long your practice will be beforehand (remember our motocross racing tips about riders' briefings!). Too many riders go out and just ride at race pace, remember no-one ever wins practice.

Wait for everyone else to start and practice a couple of starts yourself. Work out what gear to start in and which gates look to have the best line into the first corner. Ride the first lap at a moderate pace and have a good look at the track, it will look a lot different on your bike than from when you walked it so pay attention to different entry and exit lines in corners. On your second lap pick up the pace and try to put together a smooth sequence of corners and jumps etc.

Take notice of any sections you struggle with and on the next lap try to get it just right, also ride alternate lines on corners, this will be the only chance you get without it being a high pressure race situation.

6. Starts.
Get yourself to the start line with a bit of time to spare, a lot of meetings will have a random draw to decide who gets first choice for a start gate at the first race.

Pick the best gate available to give you a good entry line into the first corner. Stamp down any loose dirt on your start pad and in front of your gate, if the rider before you left a wheel track that's not straight your rear wheel will follow it.

Once you're in position make sure you've got your goggles and you're ready to go. A technique I use is to close your eyes for a few seconds and visualise your start, I know it sounds likesomething only the guns do but it even helps gumby riders like me! Take a few deep breaths and try to relax, nearly everyone gets nervous on the start line, it won't just be you.

When the five second board is up have your goggles on and your bike in gear, once the gate drops accelerate smoothly off the line.

Click here for more motocross racing tips on how to pull great starts.

7. Race Plan.
Your first priority after the start will be to get through the first corner unscathed. Hopefully you've pulled a good start and you're heading into the corner in a decent position. There couldn't possibly be a worse time to throw it away than right nowwhen most of the field is right behind you.

Hold your line through the corner keeping an eye out for the occasional kamikaze pilot who goes screaming into the corner without any idea how he's going to get through it.

Ride smart, if a couple of riders pass you don't stress. So many times there are tangles in the pack in the first corner and you can pick up a handful of positions just by staying out of trouble.

If you're super fit then your race plan is pretty simple, just go as hard as you can for the entire race. However, if you're like the rest of us then you need to ride smart so you can get through the length of the race in reasonable shape. A lot of crashes are caused by rider fatigue some good motocross racing tips are to look for smooth and flowing lines that will allow you to conserve energy.

Use your legs to grip the bike, your leg muscles are the largest muscle group in your body and will take some of the strain off your arms and shoulders.

Try to put some space between you and the rider behind you early in the race, that way he'll be thinking less about catching you and more about the rider that's behind him. Resist the temptation to ride above yourself, especially when you're under pressure from someone behind you. Stay smooth and concentrate on your braking into corners, you'll expend a heap of energy unnecessarily trying to correct your line if you run wide in a turn.

Click here for tips and techniques on braking.

8. Between Races.
After you've finished your race, gotten your breath back and once all your friends have finished patting you on the back for your stellar performance, get your bike and your gear organised for your next race.

Give the bike a once over, lube and adjust the chain and check whether the air filter needs cleaning or replacing. Clean your goggles and fit new tear offs if you need them. Refuel if necessary and if it's muddy clean your number plates so the lap scorers know who you are. It's a good idea if you don't have access to a bike wash between races to just scrape as much mud as you can off your bike, it's amazing just how much weight mud can add.

Get yourself a drink and a bit of fruit if you feel like eating. One of the more important motocross racing tips is to go and have a look at how the fast guys are riding the track. Track conditions can change dramatically from race to race and you may see some lines that you didn't see when you were racing. Remember, the line only has to be a tyres width wide.

Watch how more experienced riders tackle difficult sections of the track. Talk to other riders as they come in after their race, ask them how they went and how the track is, everyone loves talking about themselves and you may pick up a couple of handy motocross racing tips from the fast guys.

If you're particularly keen and want to get onto the infield, explain to a corner marshall that you threw your goggles away and can you please go and find them. It doesn't alwayswork but sometimes it does.

Text from an unidentified source

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USA conquers 21st Chamberlain Trophy on home soil

Another thrilling Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations took place in Thunder Valley and Team USA obtained an eventual win at their home track in front of a passionate crowd of 32000 weekend spectators. Second overall was Team Belgium, who improved his last year’s third position, and third was Team Germany making their podium comeback.

Team USA was in second position behind Germany when the third race started, but a superb performance of Ryan Dungey and Andrew Short brought USA their 21st victory, their sixth in a row. Steve Ramon, Clement Desalle and Jeremy Van Horebeek handed Belgium a second final position.

Team Germany, who was leading the Nations point standings after race two, had a bitter sweet ending completing the podium in the Thunder Valley track.

Great Britain finished fourth overall just one point behind Germany and Italy completed the top five. France was struck by bad luck as Marvin Musquin dnf’d twice due to mechanical problems, dropping the team down to seventh.

RACE 1 (MX1 & MX2)
Race one started with a surprising holeshot of Barragan, but the Spaniard could not stand the pressure of his pursuers and he finally finished fourth. American Dungey got the lead already in lap two and dominated until the end, while his team mate Canard was involved tangle with Osborne just after the start as both went down at turn one – Canard ending an eventual twelfth.

Italian Cairoli went on the track committed to beat American Dungey, but he could only finish second almost six seconds behind the American after an early chase. Australian Metcalfe did a consistent race and finished third ahead of Barragan.

Paulin completed the top five, while his team mate Musquin could not finish the race due to a mechanical problem on his KTM machine.

Roczen was blocked by Canard and Osborne, whom he found on the ground in front of him when taking turn one. Though he worked his way up to finish in a solid sixth position. Belgian Ramon finish seventh, followed by British Wilson and Portuguese Gonçalves.

Race 1 top ten: 1. Ryan Dungey (USA, Suzuki), 35:56.436; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:05.598; 3. Brett Metcalfe (AUS, Honda), +0:22.000; 4. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Kawasaki), +0:25.704; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:32.917; 6. Ken Roczen (GER, Suzuki), +0:39.361; 7. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), +0:43.201; 8. Dean Wilson (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:47.329; 9. Rui Gonçalves (POR, KTM), +1:15.068; 10. Tanel Leok (EST, Honda), +1:22.218;

Nations top ten: USA, Germany, Belgium, Australia, Italy, Spain, Estonia, Latvia, Portugal, New Zealand.

RACE 2 (OPEN & MX2)American Short opened the second race with an incredible start taking the holeshot and leading the heat until he made a mistake. After a crash Short dropped back to position 25th but committed himself to do his beat for USA and took an eventual 13th.

16 year old Roczen, who received the Ricky Carmichael Award for being the youngest best placed rider in the Nations, took advantage of Short’s mistake and led the race until he was overtaken by Townley –on the bigger machine- in lap five. The New Zealander managed to keep the lead until the end of the heat and finished six seconds after Puerto Rican Regal.

Roczen was finally third followed by Belgian Desalle, who would become the overall winner of the Open class by the end of the day. Nagl and Wilson finished fifth and sixth respectively, while American Canard, who started 15th after a bad start, managed to end in seventh position.

Brit Anderson was eighth, while Italian Monni and Belgian Van Horebeek completed the top ten.

Again French Musquin had a mechanical problem and did not finish the race.

Race 2 top ten: 1. Ben Townley (NZL, Honda), 36:11.627; 2. Kyle Regal (PUR, Honda), +0:06.246; 3. Ken Roczen (GER, Suzuki), +0:07.235; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Suzuki), +0:30.171; 5. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), +0:37.809; 6. Dean Wilson (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:41.751; 7. Trey Canard (USA, Honda), +0:56.298; 8. Brad Anderson (GBR, Honda), +0:58.070; 9. Manuel Monni (ITA, Yamaha), +1:20.316; 10. Jeremy van Horebeek (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:25.010;

Nations top ten: Germany, USA, Belgium, Italy, Great Britain, Australia, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal.

RACE 3 (MX1 & OPEN)Race three started with Germany at the front of the Nations point standings, USA second and Belgium third, all the countries being really tight in points. Americans Dungey and Short gave their best for their country in the last heat and they actually dominated the race, starting with Short first and Dungey second then swapping position to see the Suzuki rider victorious.

Belgian Desalle finished third ahead of Italian Cairoli, who had to race all the way through from an initial 14th position, and Australian Metcalfe completed the top five.

Other Belgian Ramon contributed to his country’s final second position by finishing seventh in the third heat, followed by French Boog and Swiss Tonus. Paulin did not have a good start and could only finish ninth and Australian Marmont completed the top ten.

Race two winner Townley had a mechanical failure while he was second and could not finish the heat.

Eventually Team USA moved up to the top of the podium, exploiting also the crash of Germany’s Nagl who did not finish the race. Belgium clinched the runner up position while Germany came back onto the podium courtesy in third, even though the trio’s hopes for victory came to a bitter end in the final heat.

Dungey (USA) took the individual MX1 victory, Roczen (Germany) won the MX2 as well as the Ricky Carmichael Award and Desalle (Belgium) won the Open class.

Text from www.americanmotorcyclist.com