Riverside, CA (June 16, 2010) – Mammoth Motocross is just around the corner and what is always the case for the Brett Downey Safety Foundation as we approach the opportunity to race in the Sierra’s, is safety first.  Those of you who are familiar with Mammoth and the track know there is a different breed of obstacles on the track which most amateur races don’t see and specifically are the large pine trees. In order to help reduce and minimize the risk of injury, the Foundation has teamed up with American Suzuki Motor Corporation. With the financial support of Suzuki, the Safety Foundation is able to provide padding to wrap the 10 trees alongside the course that the Foundation and promoters feel pose a potential risk to riders. Suzuki has given great effort in both creativity and financial support to help make sure each rider and tree have a reduced risk of possible injury should a rider come in contact with any one of the ten trees that will be padded during the course of the event.

“American Suzuki Motor Corporation is very passionate about amateur motocross as well as the safety of riders, regardless of the brand they chose to ride and race. We at Suzuki are very proud to have partnered with the Brett Downey Safety Foundation and wish all the competitors at the 2010 Mammoth Motocross the best of luck!” - Steve Bortolamedi, Senior Communications Manager MC/ATV Division, American Suzuki.

It’s the goal of the Foundation to get the message out about rider and track safety to each and every rider, parent, track owner and promoter across the country.  For more information on supporting the Brett Downey Safety Foundation and its programs, please feel free to visit our website, www.mxsafety38.org http://www.mxsafety38.org, or give us a call at 951-824-9494.

About the Brett Downey Safety Foundation:
Established in 2004, The Brett Downey Safety Foundation is a non-profit organization lead by a volunteer staff. Its mission is to supplement the motocross community by increasing safety awareness of riders, parents, track owners and promoters to help make the sport of motocross as safe as possible by minimizing injuries and helping to preserve all motocross tracks.

About Suzuki: The Motorcycle/ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1963 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries. www.suzukicycles.com

I recently received an e-mail advertising T-shirts for support of your Foundation.  This is the first I’ve heard of your organization and I have to extend a strong voice of support for what you are doing (I did check out your website.)  I have two sons that both raced motocross at the amateur level.  My youngest son (16) has moved on to other sports (lacrosse and football) and no longer rides or races.  My oldest son (18) will be entering college soon and has scaled back his riding and racing.  He still rides and races some in local events.

 Your position on safety and establishing safety awareness in a very dangerous sport is impeccable.  We were lucky.  My sons had some injuries (broken fingers, broken feet bones, mild concussions) but nothing compared to other incidents that I am personally aware of.  I personally know of two children (ages 12 and 17) that were killed in motocross.  I have knowledge of two others that were killed on local Florida tracks.  I know of several young people who had debilitating injuries that will follow them the rest of their lives.  Many of these injuries and deaths might have been prevented if the riders had the proper equipment and safety training.  The 12 year old death I just mentioned would most likely only had a mild concussion and a sore neck if he only had a neck brace similar to the ones Leatt and Alpinestar provides.  Unfortunately, he broke his neck in a relatively minor crash and severed his spinal cord, which resulted in his death.

 I am very concerned about the future of motocross at the amateur level.  The continuing deaths and debilitating injuries in a sporting event are unacceptable.  I believe that if these deaths and injuries are not addressed/minimized/eliminated, society and regulatory actions will prohibit underage youths from participating.  I understand that motocross is inherently a very dangerous sport and the parent assumes certain risks on behalf of their child when they sign the release forms at the track and put their children on very high powered motocross bikes.  It appears your organization is making the proper strides to reduce and minimize these risks.  I am very interested in finding out more about your organization.  I am not interested in obtaining equipment scholarships but interested in providing support for those scholarships.

Sincerely,

Michael B.

The Brett Downey Safety Foundation has been an integral part of the amateur motocross community since 2004. During this time, the Foundation has spent a significant amount of time and effort ensuring the safety of riders, spectators and the sport itself. It is in this spirit, that the Brett Downey Safety Foundation is proud to announce its new Safety Equipment Scholarship Program.

With the support of Acerbis, EVS, Omega, SixSixOne, and Troy Lee Designs, the Foundation has established safety equipment scholarships to recognize and assist talented amateur riders achieve their fullest potential on the track while keeping safety first. Each monthly recipient will be awarded safety gear based on need ranging from helmets, chest protectors, knee guards, neck braces and everything in between. Scholarships are not limited to a specific product but an overall need. The Foundation wants to make sure every child racing has the best chance lining up at the gate to reduce injury as the next child. The Brett Downey Safety Foundation believes the Safety Equipment Scholarship Program exemplifies the spirit of concern and interest by providing safety gear to riders in need.

In order to eligible for a safety scholarship, applicant must:

1. Be enrolled in school as a verified, full time student (public or private)
2. Demonstrate successful academic achievements
3. Demonstrate good sportsmanship
4. Provide a list of races the child plans on attending for 2010
5. Visit www.mxsafety38.org, click on the scholarship tab and download the application.

The scholarship recipient will be selected each month by the volunteer staff of the Foundation and is based on need and financial hardship.  The application deadline is the 1^st of each month and scholarship recipients will be notified of his/her selection by the 10^th of each month. Please submit applications via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or fax at 951-848-9916. For more information on supporting the Brett Downey Safety Foundation programs, please feel free to visit our website or give us a call at 951-824-9494.