Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/646962
IN THE WIND P28 BELL HELMETS SOLD TO VISTA OUTDOOR B RG Sports, the company that owns the rights to Bell Helmets, has sold its action sports businesses to Vista Out- door, a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer in the outdoor sports and recre- ation markets. According to a press release issued by BRG Sports (formerly known as Easton-Bell), BRG's action sports arm, and thus the companies Bell Helmets, Giro, Blackburn and C–Preme, has been acquired by Vista Outdoor (NYSE: VSTO) for "$400 million in cash plus an earn-out related to the future performance of the powersports business and subject to a customary working capital adjustment." "We are very proud of our em- ployees and the strong cycling, snow and powersports business we've built. The Bell and Giro brands have set the standard for innovation and excellence for many years," said BRG Sports Executive Chairman and CEO Terry Lee. "We are confident that this business will continue to excel and serve as an indus- try leader under Vista Outdoor ownership." The cash from BRG's sale to Vista Outdoor will be used to pay down their outstanding debt, as well as focus efforts in growing BRG's last remaining brand, Rid- dell, a company that specializes in NFL protection wear, namely helmets and padding. CN REDBUD FOUNDER GENE RICHIE PASSES T he Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship family and the sport as a whole lost a legend on Saturday with the passing of Gene Ritchie, the founder and patriarch of RedBud MX in Buchanan, Michigan. A former motocross racer himself, Ritchie broke ground on RedBud in 1972 and began host- ing professional motocross races in 1974. In the years since the tradition known today as the Red- Bud National began, held each summer on Independence Day Weekend, it has grown to become the centerpiece of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. Ritchie was also deeply in- volved in amateur motocross rac- ing, helping to cultivate the lives and careers of countless young riders over the years, some of who went on to greatness as world-class racers. "A dream for one man turned into a mountain of memories for motorcycle rac- ers and enthusiasts from all over the world," said multi-time MX and Supercross Champion Jeff Stanton. "The memories that I have from spending time there growing up will be with me for- ever. My first memory of 'Mean Gene' was seeing him on top of the yellow bus for the riders' meeting. As a seven-year-old boy it was very intimidating; I am sure there are many riders who also remember the yellow bus that was the site for sign-up, scoring, and Gene handing out trophies!" "On behalf of everyone involved today in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, MX Sports Pro Racing, and all of Gene's fellow promoters in the National Promoters Group, I want to thank him and his family for setting the standard of what a pro motocross event can be," said Rita Coombs, fellow NPG member. "He was a dear friend and a great partner. He was also a great teacher, and with his children Tim and Amy at the controls, RedBud will no doubt continue to flourish and grow. Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire RedBud family." CN Gene Richie was famously known for running the RedBud National MX in Michigan, but he started out as a racer himself.