From a press release issued by Clear Channel:

Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports Division Signs Nissan as Official Truck of Motorcycle Racing Series

Automotive Giant Continues Sponsorship Commitment for Third Year in a Row

AURORA, Ill. (January 6, 2003) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division today announced Nissan North America as the “Official Truck” of the AMA Supercross Series events that are produced and promoted by Clear Channel Entertainment which events are part of the THQ World Supercross GP. Nissan is also the “Official Truck” of Clear Channel Entertainment’s National Arenacross Series and the prestigious U.S. Open event held annually in Las Vegas. This decision by Nissan marks the third year in a row that Nissan has expanded its sponsorship of the growing sport of supercross, and Nissan’s involvement for the first time in Clear Channel’s arenacross program further signifies Nissan’s enthusiastic support for motorcycle racing.

Supercross, the premier motorcycle racing series, features the world’s top riders competing inside football and baseball stadiums. National Arenacross, the arena version of supercross, is the launching platform for tomorrow’s supercross stars.

According to the deal terms, Nissan will receive significant onsite exposure including signage at each venue and the opportunity to showcase its impressive line of trucks at pit displays and in opening ceremonies at supercross events and National Arenacross events produced by Clear Channel Entertainment in North America for the 2003 season. Nissan will also be included in local market TV and radio advertising and share visibility in all televised programming of such events, including more than 30 hours of original programming covering the AMA Supercross Series events on ESPN2. The combined supercross and arenacross series includes 34 live events, which will reach an estimated 1.1 million live fans throughout North America and be broadcast in more than 50 countries.

“We are thrilled that Nissan has increased its sponsorship commitment with us each year since 2001, signifying their belief in the growing impact that supercross and National Arenacross have on consumers continent-wide,” said Ken Hudgens, vice president of marketing, Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports. “With this program, Nissan will be able to interact with our live audiences, and also be part of our print, radio and TV ads and programming.”

“Our sponsorship of supercross and National Arenacross has helped us to penetrate a large portion of an important audience: 18 to 34 year old males,” said Wayne Adair, marketing director, Nissan North America. “The excitement and growing popularity of these sports make them a natural ‘platform’ by which we can market our trucks in an interactive, relevant environment.”

Additionally, Nissan has demonstrated tremendous grassroots encouragement for the continued growth of supercross by providing support to the THQ World Supercross Privateer Race Team program. The program assists private riders who do not receive financial backing from motorcycle factories. This year, Nissan will award a 2003 Nissan Frontier to the top ranked privateer.

The National Arenacross Series began November 1, 2002 at the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum in Des Moines, Iowa, the THQ World Supercross GP began on December 7, 2002 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, and the first event in the AMA Supercross Series took place Saturday, January 4 in Anaheim, Calif.