Give it up for Toyota and their creative sponsorship of the AMA National Motocross Series!

What they have done is unprecedented in motorsports.

They have designed a rolling facility that travels to all of the AMA National Motocross races and gives AMA professional privateers a home away from home and it is about time that some of the kids get a reasonable shot at top level racing. I'll be the first to admit that many will not make it to the top. Giving them the tools they need to take a shot at getting there is something that has been non-existent in the sport, until now.

Check out this quote by Toyota officials on how they plan to help AMA Privateers succeed.
"A rider is a rider whether they are on four wheels or two, male or female, at every AMA Toyota Motocross weekend. Our goal has always been to give back to the Motocross community through our sponsorship, which may mean improving the fan experience or providing support to Pro riders that do not have Factory backing," said Brian Smith, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., Corporate Manager, Truck and SUV."

"The Privateer's Toyota Zone is complete with a pressure washer station in the bed of a Tacoma truck available to privateers and take-away lunches for privateer racers and crew".

Topping that off, Toyota has offered the one of these riders the opportunity to earn a professional ride with a factory supported AMA pro team.

"All eligible athletes enrolled in TMX will have the opportunity to advance through the program and receive valuable media exposure and TMX rider awards. The ultimate reward of racing as a Toyota sponsored professional rider will be awarded to one deserving rider. The rider will represent Toyota by proving their ability, desire, attitude and passion".

This kind of talk is usually smoke and mirrors BS. However Toyota has stepped up in a major way and is giving AMA National Privateers some real support.

I say give it up for Toyota who is a huge corporate presence, who could have just shoved their marketing spiel down our throats for the cash they are laying out in sponsoring the AMA Nationals.

Instead Toyota has taken the long term position of growing the sport while promoting their products and I am finally on the side of whoever dreamed this kind of marketing program. Toyota is truly giving back to the sport of motocross.

It's actually amazing the guy or gal who dreamed up this "giving back to the sport" still has a job!

I worked for a company during Chevrolet's sponsorship of the AMA motocross series and it was a lackluster joke by comparison.

Bottom line is that I really wanted to throw out a big thank you to those at Toyota who dreamed up helping the young up and coming (and mostly poor or broke) AMA National privateers, their families and supporters. Next car or truck I buy now has a 99% chance of being a Toyota.

So there you go, a marketing program that gives a lot and takes a little and it works!

Check out the TMX website for more details