Motocross team RCH Racing in its third season of sponsorship from Chrysler is "proving it's possible to be a viable organization without being tied solely to money from factories -- such as Kawasaki, Honda and Yahama -- that are endemic to the sport,” according to Nate Ryan of USA TODAY. Chrysler's Ram Truck brand will sponsor RCH during the "outdoor season after the Dodge Dart was promoted during Supercross.” While RCH Partner Ricky Carmichael “brokered a sponsorship deal with Suzuki that brings critical technology and R&D to the team, RCH remains primarily funded by non-racing sponsors (including Syucan Casino).” Carmichael’s NASCAR experience from '09-11 "might have yielded an intangible benefit: business savvy,” as the former Camping World Truck Series driver saw “how stock car teams pay the bills through creative sponsorships.” Carmichael said, "After being on both sides of the fence and learning the NASCAR program, I knew this was the way motocross and Supercross were probably going to go." While Carmichael “handles the competition side of the team, the business side is handled” by RCH Founder Carey Hart, who sees “plenty of marketing potential for sponsors in racing motorbikes.” Hart said, “Dodge did a great job of opening that door up as the first big corporate company to get involved with our team. Everyone is testing the waters now, and I think you'll see a lot more in the future." Hart is “confident of re-signing Dodge to another three-year extension when its original deal expires after this season.” But he “hopes to add more sponsors when the team expands to two riders in 2014” (USA TODAY, 5/15).
