Source Interlink announced today that they have moved four of their off-road motorcycle properties (Dirt Rider, ATV Rider, MiniMoto and EnduroCross) into the loving arms of Action Sports Group’s Publisher Norb Garrett. He seems happy about it.
“Bringing these dynamic titles and events into the ASG/Grind Networks group is another key step in our strategic plan to create the world’s largest action/adventure sports media company,” said ASG/Grind Networks SVP Group Publisher Norb Garrett. “By adding the largest off-road motorcycle title Dirt Rider, ATV Rider, a fast-growing arena motorcycle series such as EnduroCross, and the MiniMoto event, we have added an important piece of our overall content strategy for the Web and TV through both our vertical and horizontal efforts with our action sports portal GrindTV.com and Yahoo! Sports content partnership. Additionally, the brands create exciting new cross-marketing opportunities for our advertisers and marketing partners.”
If anyone can save these properties, it’s Norb. Follow the jump for the rest of the official release.
DIRT RIDER, ATV RIDER, ENDUROCROSS AND MINIMOTO JOIN ACTION SPORTS GROUP (“ASG”) / GRIND NETWORKS
Source Interlink Media Makes Strategic Move of Key Motorcycle Titles
and Events into Growing ASG/Grind Division
San Clemente, CA (November 15, 2010) — Source Interlink Media (“SIM”) announced today the addition of the Dirt Rider, ATV Rider, MiniMoto and EnduroCross brands to its expanding Action Sports Group (“ASG”) / Grind Networks. Now the world’s largest provider of printed and online action sport and entertainment content, ASG / Grind Networks latest additions continue to round out its rapidly expanding portfolio.
“Bringing these dynamic titles and events into the ASG/Grind Networks group is another key step in our strategic plan to create the world’s largest action/adventure sports media company,” said ASG/Grind Networks SVP Group Publisher Norb Garrett. “By adding the largest off-road motorcycle title Dirt Rider, ATV Rider, a fast-growing arena motorcycle series such as EnduroCross, and the MiniMoto event, we have added an important piece of our overall content strategy for the Web and TV through both our vertical and horizontal efforts with our action sports portal GrindTV.com and Yahoo! Sports content partnership. Additionally, the brands create exciting new cross-marketing opportunities for our advertisers and marketing partners.”
The Moto brands will remain in the Source Interlink Media Irvine offices and report directly to Garrett. Marty Estes will continue in his role as Group Publisher managing the Motorcycle Group and Jimmy Lewis as Editor of Dirt Rider. Damian Ercole has been named the new Publisher of Dirt Rider and ATV Rider. Ercole has spent 20 years in the motorcycle industry and is a die-hard motorcycle enthusiast. In his role, he’ll also oversee the EnduroCross and Mini Moto events while coordinating efforts with the other titles and online brands in the ASG/Grind Networks group. Damian will continue to be based out of the SIM offices in New York City and will report to Garrett.
“Joining forces with the ASG/Grind Networks provides resources and opportunities to the Dirt Rider, ATV Rider and EnduroCross families that are going to be instrumental in our continued success as a multifaceted media powerhouse,” said Ercole. “The investment and support that Source Interlink Media has given us for growth only reinforces my belief in these great brands and more importantly, the amazing people that I get to work with every day.”
Dirt Rider was founded in 1983 and is the largest title in the off-road/motocross category with 127,977 paid circulation. ATV Rider focuses on fun with all types of All-Terrain vehicles with 26,640 paid circulation. Respectively, Dirtrider.com is a resource for everything “off-road motorcycling” with 245,000 unique visitors a month. Atvrideronline.com enthusiasts consider the site the authority for selecting, buying, equipping and using ATVs with 151,000 unique visitors a month.
“Transitioning into the ASG/Grind Networks group is a fantastic coup for Dirt Rider,” said Lewis. “You can see the synergy in events like Surfercross, Boardercross, and Endurocross is simply insane. With the integration of Motocross.com into the package we have a focused path to the motocross-only rider as well as the straight-up motocross/supercross fan. We’re pumped to be a part of the Action Sports Group.”
About Dirt Rider Reaching dirt bike riders of all ages, Dirt Rider is the largest off-road motorcycle magazine for a reason; it delivers high quality, informative and entertaining coverage of all forms of off-road motorcycle madness. From serious motocross racers to recreational trail riders with a few freestylers thrown into the mix, Dirt Rider readers are active participants that want to learn more about the bikes, parts, gear and riding techniques that will help them get the most out of their passion. For more information, please visit dirtrider.com
About ATV Rider
From the editors of Dirt Rider, by the far the world’s largest off-road motorcycle magazine, ATV Rider applies that successful format to the ATV market and provides a new and better way to reach ATV enthusiasts. ATV Rider features the many ways enthusiasts can enjoy ATV riding. Regular features include new-bike tests, modification and set-up stories, tech stories, gear and accessory reviews, personality profiles and more. For more information, please visit atvrideronline.com
About MiniMoto
The annual GEICO MiniMotoSX, presented by Monster Energy, is the largest indoor motorsports competition of its kind. With more than 500 registered riders in 2010 the event literally allows for mini bike enthusiasts to become part of the show. As one racer put it: “At GEICO MiniMotoSX you don’t just show up and watch racing in Vegas – you boot up and get on the track yourself to race in front of a packed house.” Featuring numerous classes at all age and ability levels, GEICO MiniMotoSX delivers an unforgettable day of racing action for both fans and racers alike, along with an affordable ‘Vegas experience’. Registration for the event is open right now on minimotosx.com
About EnduroCross
EnduroCross tracks incorporate various elements of off road racing into a supercross-style setting, including rocks, boulders, logs, sand, mud, a water-hole… and even a few special obstacles like giant tires thrown in! Known as the “toughest racing on two wheels,” this indoor version of extreme off road racing will certainly keep you on your feet. With its excitement and unpredictability the EnduroCross championship has always gone down to the wire and this year will be no different as the series starts and finishes at Vegas’ Orleans Arena! Don’t miss your chance to see GEICO Powersports AMA EnduroCross “Live.” For more information, please visit endurocross.com
About Action Sports Group / Grind Networks
Reaching more than ten million enthusiasts, Source Interlink Media’s Action Sports Group (ASG) / Grind Networks is the dominant force in the action sports and adventure sports arenas. In addition to publishing leading lifestyle publications such as Surfer, Surfing, Snowboarder, Skateboarder, Bike, Paved, Powder, Canoe & Kayak and SUP Magazine, Source Interlink Media’s ASG / Grind Networks delivers a cutting-edge network of online properties such as Fantasy Surfer and The Hot 100, events and television programming. For more information, please visit www.actionsportsgroup.net.
About Source Interlink Media
Source Interlink Media is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 70 publications, 90 websites, 400 branded products, 65+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, marine and other niche activities. The organization’s strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.
# # #
