From a press release issued by publicist Larry Lawrence:

Hopkins to launch and support media campaign to bolster Motorcycle Grand Prix popularity in America

RAMONA, Calif. — Grand Prix motorcycle racing is among the most popular motor sports on the planet – that is except for in the USA.

John Hopkins wants to do something about that.

To that end he is kicking off the Hopper 2003 MotoGP Publicity Campaign.

MotoGP attracted over 1.5 million fans last season. Huge audiences of 350 million TV viewers were able to watch each race. Last year MotoGP was televised in 208 countries, with 192 countries viewing their MotoGP programming live. Furthermore, MotoGP regularly generates volumes of coverage in major newspapers and non-motorcycle related magazines throughout Europe and Asia. However, in the USA even the most basic media attention for the pinnacle of motorcycle sport is often absent

In America, MotoGP exposure could be expanded dramatically with a concerted effort. With the sights, the sounds and the spectacular show MotoGP provides, it should generate the type of exposure seen in the U.S. by other world-class sports. And if a Grand Prix is to come to America in the near future then the time is ripe to get the ball rolling on helping Americans learn more about the sport, its teams and riders.

A window of opportunity has opened for America GP fans. With Americans Kenny Roberts, Colin Edwards, Nicky Hayden and John Hopkins all part of one of the most exclusive fields in motor sports, MotoGP is primed for the media’s attention in America. Not since the 1980s has there been so many U.S. riders in the highest form of motorcycle racing.

Never before has the sport of Grand Prix racing been more poised to put forth a PR effort in America. John Hopkins along with his manager, Douglas Gonda will develop and implement a PR campaign to generate publicity for Grand Prix motorcycle road racing in the US.

“I’m willing to invest my time and money to help publicize motorcycle racing in America,” remarked 19-year-old Suzuki Grand Prix rider John Hopkins. “I‘ve seen how big this sport is in other parts of the world. I don’t think NASCAR has anything on MotoGP. But we need to start promoting this sport over here.”

The Hopper 2003 MotoGP Publicity Campaign is working to increase the visibility for the sport in America. This publicity program will include the following:

1. Retain one of the most experienced publicists in motorcycle racing in America to implement the campaign.

2. Provide for MotoGP Race And Qualifying Results to be filed with major news services.

3. Provide for MotoGP Race And Qualifying Results to be filed with USA Today and other major American Newspapers.

4. Pitch Stories to significant American sports and men magazines.

5. Pitch various TV programs on MotoGP related feature stories.

6. Coordinate PR efforts with other related PR efforts by Dorna, Suzuki and Red Bull.

7. Develop industry support.

8. Develop interest in an American Grand Prix event.

“An increase in the coverage for MotoGP will undoubtedly increase interest for the entire sport of motorcycling,” said Douglas Gonda, president of Protac and Hopkins’ manager “It’s gratifying to see that John, at just 19, recognizes the importance of stepping up the publicity of MotoGP racing in America. He is initiating this project with his own investment and hopes to show the value this type of effort can bring to his sponsors. This is one of the most innovative things I can remember a rider doing not only to bring added value to his own sponsors, but to unselfishly try to raise awareness of the sport in general.”

The Hopper 2003 MotoGP Publicity Campaign will jump into gear with the first MotoGP race of 2003 at Suzuka, Japan, on April 6.