Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Motorcycle riding gear company Joe Rocket has ended its long-term business relationship with Nicky Hayden and has announced a new deal with four-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin.

Instead of the paid product usage and endorsement deal that most professional racers have with gear suppliers, Hayden was actually a partner in the Joe Rocket company for the last two years, a relationship that has now ended.

“Nicky has been a partner of the company for two years, and it’s been great for us. In fact, our entire association with Nicky has been great,” Bruce Parker, Marketing Director for Joe Rocket, told Roadracingworld.com Friday. “It was just a set of circumstances that right now he has opportunities overseas. He’s very popular now in Brazil and South Africa and Spain, and we don’t sell any products there. It just wasn’t a good fit for us right now. At the same time he had opportunities to do long-term deals with people like Gas Jeans, and he needs to take advantage of those.

“It’s a hard thing. Nicky and I are very close. We’re still the best of friends and will speak once a week and stuff like that. He’s just going to take advantage of things that are right there right now. He’s in a special place right now. He really is, with the way the second half of the season worked out.

“We’re still going to continue with Tommy and Roger Lee (Hayden), and who knows what the future holds? We’ll see what happens. I’m sure our paths will cross again.

“We’re committed to the AMA series, that’s where our bread is buttered,” continued Parker. “Today we just made the announcement that Mat (Mladin) was coming on board with us. He’s a great fit for us. We’re in the business to win Championships, and Mat’s talent is undeniable.

“And besides being a terrific Superbike racer, Mat’s also a pretty good business guy. He has a company called Mat Mladin Imports, MMI, so Mat is going to be the exclusive Joe Rocket distributor in Australia, too. It’s a great tie together.”

More, from a press release issued by Joe Rocket:

“ROCKET AND NICKY CHASE DIFFERENT FUTURES”

After four successful race seasons and a tremendous business partnership, Nicky Hayden and Joe Rocket® have mutually decided to pursue separate futures and as a result will not renew any contract for the 2004 season. The unique Rocket/Hayden relationship went far beyond regular endorsement arrangements. As Nicky quickly went from high school senior to AMA Champion, Joe Rocket® went from cult status to the industry leader of motorcycle apparel in North America.

“Nicky’s dedication and relentless will to win became the spirit of our company” said Randy Robison, President of Joe Rocket®, “And he has been a very big part of our success. I wish him well in the future as our company looks forward to the new challenges of 2004”.

“Being part of Joe Rocket® has been a fantastic experience for me” said Nicky from his Owensboro, Kentucky home. “We’ve won a lot of races together and had some fun. I know they’ll continue to have success because my brothers Tommy and Roger Lee are going to continue to fly the Rocket flag. I’d really like to thank Randy, Bruce and Marc for all their support.”

“Nicky’s pursuit of the Moto GP World Championship and our commitment to the AMA series has led us to different directives in the immediate future,” said Bruce Parker, Marketing Director for Joe Rocket®. “I would personally like to thank him for his co-operation and friendship. Right now he has some tremendous international opportunities and I hope in the future our fortunes will cross again”.

“MLADIN RIDES ROCKET!!!”

Bruce Parker, Marketing Director for Joe Rocket® is pleased to announce the signing of AMA Superstar Mat Mladin, as the newest member of the Rocket® Racing team.

The thirty one year old Mladin, who hails from Camden, Australia, is the 2003 AMA Superbike Champion and the first ever to win that coveted award four times. Mat will chase a fifth Championship on his Yoshimura Suzuki® GSX-R1000 wearing the new Joe Rocket® Speedmaster suit, gloves and boots.

Mat’s a terrific addition to the Rocket® racing team,” said Parker. “His talent and determination make him a threat to win any race and we are very proud to be associated with him.”

Besides entering into an endorsement agreement with Joe Rocket®, Mat furthered his commitment by negotiating the exclusive Joe Rocket® Distribution rights in Australia for his company Mat Mladin Imports PTY Ltd. “Joe Rocket® is the top motorcycle apparel brand in North America,” said Mat, “and it’s a great opportunity for me to mix the synergy of my endorsement contract with my distributing company”.

Look for Mat to make his Joe Rocket® debut during the Dunlop® Tire Test at Daytona International Speedway, December 8, 9 & 10, 2003.

More, from a press release issued by Mat Mladin Motorsports:

Mat Mladin & Joe Rocket Team up for 2004

Mathew Mladin and Joe Rocket will become a team on American racetracks and also have a close business alliance, as Mat Mladin Imports will become the sole Australian distributor for Joe Rocket.

“These are exciting times for me as a professional racer and also for my import company,” said Mladin.

“The chance to work with a company such as Joe Rocket was something that I just couldn’t pass up. I look forward to the challenge of becoming Rocket’s newest racer and business partner into the future. One thing I must say is thank you to Michael Parrotte and Agv Sports Group for their excellent support through many good years of racing. Sometimes, a once in a lifetime opportunity arises and you have to look to the future and run with it”.

Joe Rocket will be available in Australia in March 2004.