From a press release issued by OMS Sports:

OMS Sports Hires Mark Johnson As New Managing Director

Former Kawasaki team manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of OMS Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif., (July 2, 2004) – OMS Sports has hired longtime motorcycle industry expert Mark Johnson to run the day-to-day operations of its company, effective immediately.

Johnson, who most recently was the team manager for the Chevy Trucks/Kawasaki motocross/supercross program, brings to OMS Sports a wealth of knowledge of motorsports and the motorcycle industry that’s second-to-none, according to OMS Sports President Fred Bramblett.

“I have known Mark for a number of years and have always been highly impressed with his professionalism and understanding of marketing and professional motorsports sponsorship,” said Bramblett. “He is one of the few people I’m aware of that has a strong understanding of our industry in addition to having worked with sponsors in both NASCAR and open wheel auto racing. Everyone at OMS is very excited to see Mark join our agency and apply his professional marketing and management expertise to our company and clients.”

Johnson began his career in the motorcycle industry in 1978 working as a motocross technician for U.S. Suzuki and rising star Mark Barnett. In 1979 Johnson moved to Kawasaki Motors Corporation to work as a technician with another rising star, Jeff Ward. During 1982-’83 Johnson also worked the road racing side of the industry, handling the mechanical duties for Kawasaki bikes raced by Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey. In 1983 Johnson was promoted to manager of the legendary Kawasaki “Team Green” program and over the years recruited and worked closely with most every successful name in motocross/supercross and off-road racing including: Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Larry Roeseler, Danny Hamel and Jeff Fredette.

The Southern California transplant also spent a seven-year stint working with in the auto racing community. Johnson made the transition from two to four wheels in 1996, serving as the General Manager and Vice President of Precision Preparation Incorporated (PPI) through the year 2000. His responsibilities included managing the day-to-day activities of the company while growing the business to include two CHAMP car entries in the CART/FedEx Championship Series, two entries in the CART Formula Atlantic Championship and fielding the Toyota Factory Off Road Racing Program – with the famed Ivan “Ironman” Stewart. In 1999 Johnson’s responsibilities expanded again as he formed one of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series’ entries, as well as a NASCAR Busch Series entry for the 2000 season. During his tenure with PPI, Johnson was fortunate to work on the sponsorship side of the business with global giants such as Toyota Motor Sales, MCI, Panasonic, Pioneer Electronics, McDonalds Corporation and Proctor & Gamble.

In 2001 Johnson moved to the position of Director of Operations for the legendary Team Rahal, working directly for team owners Bobby Rahal and David Letterman. Johnson oversaw the day-to-day technical activities of the CART/FedEx Championship Series team while working closely with team sponsors Ford Motor Company, Shell and Miller Brewing. Johnson rewarded Team Rahal with its most successful season to date – coming up just a number of points shy of the series title. In that season the team scored its most race wins ever, won the most pole positions, led the most laps and held the prestigious pit stop competition title for two straight years.

In 2002 Johnson returned to manage the Chevy Trucks/Kawasaki motocross/supercross program.

“Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to be involved with a wide range of duties in the entire spectrum of the motorsports industry,” said Johnson. “I’m confident this experience and versatility will allow me to step right into the managing director position at OMS Sports and immediately help strengthen an already successful company and its clients in a number of areas, including the technical side of the business, managerial duties, athlete relations and sponsorship acquisition. I am genuinely impressed with the quality and dedication of the entire OMS Sports staff. I sincerely look forward to working shoulder-to-shoulder with Fred and the new challenges that await me at OMS Sports.”

Johnson will be based out of OMS Sports’ headquarters in Anaheim, Calif., and can be reached at (714) 935-0790 or via email at [email protected].