Fontana, California
November 7, 2008

In an economy that is making motorsports ever more difficult to fund, sponsorship is definitely at a premium these days. However, that prospect has not stopped several major companies from stepping up to support the first annual Machismo 500 Enduro slated to run overnight at this year’s Superkarts! USA SuperNationals XII in Las Vegas. Gatorz Eyewear, Makita Tools, and Monster Energy Drink have all come on board to partner with Machismo 500 promoter Karting Ventures Inc. for this landmark race at karting’s premier American event.

In addition to fielding a team comprised of top American open-wheel talent, Gatorz Eyewear will be the event’s podium sponsor, awarding all drivers from the top three finishing teams with a pair of their patented aluminum framed sunglasses to help shield their eyes from the bright lights of Vegas. Gatorz, no stranger to competitive karting with its title sponsorship of Southern California’s premier Rotax series, have found favor with the extreme sports crowd with sponsorship of everything from powerboat racing to skydiving. Motorsports involvement has been a cornerstone of the Gatorz brand since its inception as their mark has been seen worldwide from Australian V8 Supercar racing to Formula Drift and beyond.

In addition to Gatorz, Makita Tools will also be coming to the table to help support the event by putting a tool set up for grabs valued at over $500. The package will be given to the ‘Makita Power Performer’, the driver that posts the fastest overall lap time during the course of the 500 lap affair. Makita, also with a long history in the motorsports industry, have been staunch supporters of karting, as evidenced by their partnership with San Diego based kart racing team FX Racing, which competes in several top series including the Pro Kart Challenge and the SKUSA SuperNationals.

Several other companies have also stepped forward including Monster Energy Drink which will be providing beverages through the night helping to keep drivers energized over the course of the 10 hours. With the list of professional driving talent growing daily, it is no wonder that amateur teams from across the country, as well as internationally, have committed to run in the inaugural event.

Few spots remain for teams looking to join the field for the November 22-23 affair. Event entry is set at $2400 per team and includes full access to the weekends SKUSA festivities at the Rio Hotel and Casino. The green flag is slated to drop at 8pm and teams will race thru the night with the checkers coming by 6am for the first team to complete 500 laps. For more information on how to secure a spot on the grid please contact Brad Packard at 951.241.3872 or via email at brad@calspeedkarting.com

eKartingNews.com and IndoorKartingNews.com will have complete coverage of the event, both from the sidelines and in the seat of the EKN/IKN entry with current and former employees of Howden Media Group teamming up for the 'Saturday Night Thunder.'

PHOTO CREDIT - The Machismo 500 will run at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, in conjunction with the return of the SKUSA SuperNationals to the site (Photo: Howden Media Group)