source: www.atvscene.com

2/16/01 -- In case you haven't heard, Fast-Trak Promo's Buckeye Nationals have a new name - it's the Cannondale ATV Nationals! That's right a manufacturer is actually getting involved in the Grand Nationals! We've been talking with the fine folks at Cannondale almost daily for the last month. These guys are serious about their new FX400 and the sport/racing aspect of ATVing. For 2001 they want to concentrate on delivering the machines to all the dealers that are begging for additional units. As far as future projects from Cannondale, -- hold tight, they have some great ideas for marketing their product within ATV racing, but for now they want to take things one step at a time.

Cannondale is loaning six of their new FX400s for the event. The six quads will be raced by the top six pros in the first ever C-ROC (Cannondale Race of Champions). Future C-ROC event will be a major part of Cannondale's marketing plans. In addition, amateur racers are encouraged to participate in the Cannondale Quad Chain Gang. The idea is borrowed from their bicycle racing marketing strategy.

"We've found that letting amateur racers race the same Cannondale bicycles that the pros race on enables the rider to get a taste and feel of the bike. This way our target audience gets a hands on experience with the product. Usually the result is that the rider turns into a customer because he or she ends up liking the bike so much that they go out and buy a new Cannondale", says Cannondale's Director, Scott Montgomery. "The same concept will be carried over to our new ATV. For the first Cannondale Quad Chain Gang, we'll take pre registrations from 24 amateur racers. We'll draw from a hat to narrow down the final 24 riders. Winners from six heats will transfer to the main event - where they'll race for Cannondale merchandise and apparel". First crack at signing up for the event will be at Cannondale's web site. ATV Scene.com will also take sign ups on the online magazine as well as at GNC rounds prior to the Cannondale Nationals.

The Cannondale Quad Nationals, complete with the Short Track National Championships, the Division 4.com Freestyle Showdown, the largest pro purse in GNC history, a World Record Pick-Up jump and of course the C-ROC and Cannondale Quad Chain Gang will take place at Wayne County Speedway in Orrville, OH on July 20-22.