"Triton, Mercury and BASS share a powerful vision and passion for our sport and natural resources that make this a dynamic collaboration," said Dean Kessel, Vice President and General Manager of BASS. "Triton and Mercury distinguish themselves in their respective product categories with dedication to, and support of, the BASS anglers, Federation, tournament trail, conservation, youth initiatives and other membership services."
The new multi-year alliance, effective June 16, 2004, provides a solid and stable base from which BASS, Mercury and Triton can now fully activate their immense resources to the benefit of the fishing industry and the BASS Federation system.
Triton president Earl Bentz, a former world champion boat racer and a veteran of the bass boat industry, said, "We're truly proud and honored to join forces with BASS as the exclusive boat sponsor of the CITGO Bassmaster Tournament Trail and the BASS organization itself."
Pat Mackey, president of Mercury Marine was equally enthused about the exclusive sponsorship agreement.
"This is a terrific opportunity for all parties involved," said Mackey. "We are convinced that BASS and ESPN Outdoors are focused on growing and strengthening tournament fishing - which is vitally important to our whole industry - and we are very pleased to consolidate our sponsorship with BASS.
"We're very pleased that BASS has chosen Triton as the exclusive boat sponsor. The combined abilities of all three organizations will elevate tournament fishing's status throughout the nation. This new relationship will be very beneficial to our professional anglers and will ensure that their visibility is enhanced in the millions of households served by ESPN."
ESPN's enhanced television coverage of tournament fishing has opened the door for unprecedented growth for the entire bass fishing market, said Bentz.
"Since ESPN joined forces with BASS, bass fishing is finally on a par with other professional sports in terms of prestige, payouts and popularity," he said. "At Triton, we feel our new alliance with BASS complements our shared vision to positively change and grow the bass fishing industry even further.
"Triton and Mercury have also enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the BASS Federation and look forward to our continued support of the Federation Alliance program, which provides incentives to Federation members who purchase products of BASS sponsors. We plan on continuing our Federation support, and encourage other BASS sponsors to join us in this important endeavor."
Mackey said Mercury is anxious to power all boats at the annual CITGO Bassmaster Classic as part of its sponsorship endeavors.
"Mercury manufactures engines for all levels and types of BASS fishing and competition, especially since recently introducing our spectacular new four-stroke Verado engines," said Mackey. "With Verado joining our line-up of existing four-strokes, as well as our direct-fuel injected OptiMax family, Mercury offers a complete line of engines perfect for professional and amateur bass anglers."
Mercury Marine is a division of Brunswick Corporation. Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill "Genuine Ingenuity"( in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron electronic controls; Northstar marine electronics; Navman GPS-based products; IDS dealer management systems; Sea Ray, Bayliner, Maxum, Hatteras, Meridian and Sealine pleasure boats; Baja high-performance boats; Boston Whaler and Trophy offshore fishing boats; Princecraft, Lund, Lowe and Crestliner fishing, deck and pontoon boats; Land 'N' Sea marine parts and accessories distributor; Life Fitness, Hammer Strength and ParaBody fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables; and Valley-Dynamo pool, table hockey and foosball tables. For more information, visit www.brunswick.com.
Triton is a leading manufacturer of fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats with manufacturing complexes located in Ashland City, Tennessee and Aberdeen, Mississippi. Its professional fiberglass tournament boats including the new X Series models are favored by top BASS competitors including Gary Klein, Davy Hite and Roland Martin. The company also manufacturers a complete line of fiberglass saltwater boats, and has one of the most extensive marine dealer networks in North America. For additional information on Triton Boats, log onto www.tritonboats.com, or call at 1-888-8TRITON.
BASS is the worldwide authority on bass fishing, sanctioning more than 20,000 tournaments worldwide through its Federation. This April, BASS introduces the all-new Bassmaster Elite 50 Series, a four-event, no-entry-fee circuit featuring a $1.6 million prize purse for the world's best anglers. The CITGO Bassmaster Tournament Trail presented by Busch Beer is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass-fishing tournament circuit and continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism and sportsmanship as it has since 1968
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (334) 551-2375 or visit www.bassmaster.com.
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