MAKITA GOES PINK TO SUPPORT BATTLE AGAINST BREAST CANCER

The Makita Experience More Rig was trimmed with pink in support of Supercross-Goes-Pink at Angel Stadium.

February 7, 2011, La Mirada, CA – Makita, a worldwide manufacturer of technologically advanced power tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results, went pink at Saturday's Supercross race at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA, in support for the battle against breast cancer.

Makita, the Official and Exclusive Power Tool of Supercross for 2011 and a primary sponsor of the Rockstar Makita Suzuki Team, decorated the 53-foot Experience More with pink in honor of the second annual “Supercross Goes Pink” race event in support of finding a cure for breast cancer.

Rockstar Makita Suzuki team riders Ryan Dungey (top-right) and Brett Metcalfe also wore pink gear during their races.  In addition, volunteers from Susan G. Komen for the Cure were with Makita in the open pits area before the race to hand out literature and increase breast cancer awareness as part of the foundation’s effort to fight the disease.

Supercross fans waiting in line to meet team riders Ryan Dungey and Brett Metcalfe – or to try out demonstrations of Makita’s latest power tool solutions – were also greeted by Susan G. Komen for the Cure volunteers providing information and resources on breast cancer, including guidelines for self-exams.

“The Supercross fans have been great. They have been curious and generous, and people are thanking us for being here supporting the cause,” said Vernelle Blackwell, a volunteer with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Makita has been extremely helpful.  The first thing you notice from a distance are the pink ribbons, balloons, and banners on the Makita rig.  I think it's awesome that a tool company would take interest in this cause.”

For Makita, the “Supercross Goes Pink” event was an opportunity to get involved not only on the race track, but also in the open pits area where thousands of race fans converge several hours before the race.

“Rockstar Makita Suzuki Team Riders Ryan Dungey and Brett Metcalfe are wearing pink, and they are champions for using their status to promote this cause,” said Wayne Hart, Communications Manager, Makita USA.  “But as a company, we wanted to do something more to support the efforts of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  We are happy to provide a platform to get in front of race fans and increase awareness, because the survivors and the volunteers who are fighting this disease are the true champions.”

Saturday was the second annual PINK themed race in support of finding a cure for breast cancer.  The PINK Supercross race will help fund the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure 60-mile walk.  For more information on Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, go to http://ww5.komen.org/

Makita’s Accelerated Presence in Racing and Action Sports
Supercross is a part of Makita’s growing presence in racing and action sports, both as a sponsor and as a power tool of choice in the pits. Makita and Suzuki’s long term partnership has yielded over 20 championships in Supercross, Motocross, Superbike, ATV, and Amateur – including Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey’s historic 2010 championship run in Supercross and Motocross.  Makita is also a sponsor of the Rockstar Makita LeDuc Racing team in Short Course Off Road Racing, as well as the Scheuring Speed Sports Makita Tools Snocross Team.  In addition to live racing, Makita is the Official Power Tool Sponsor of Major League Soccer (MLS), and the Mexican National Soccer Team (FMF) during their competitive matches in the U.S.

About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories.  Makita utilizes leading-edge technology and innovation to engineer tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results.  Makita’s extensive line of cordless lithium-ion tools includes 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion, 18V Compact Lithium-Ion®, and 12V max Lithium-Ion®.  Other best-in-class products include rotary and demolition hammers and saws equipped with Anti-Vibration Technology™ (AVT™), 4-Cycle outdoor power equipment, Super Joint System (SJS) grinders, miter saws engineered with Deep and Exact Cutting Technology (DXT), and more.  Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S.  For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com.  Follow Makita at facebook.com/makitatoolspage, twitter.com/makitatools, and youtube.com/makitapowertools.  The Makita Teal color is the trade dress of Makita Corporation and is protected under common law and registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  Makita is Best in Class Engineering.