Well known to the New Zealand motocross community, brothers Chris and Jeremy McKnight have stepped up to the plate and sponsored this season’s New Zealand’s Motocross Championship.

Round one is set for their home South Canterbury Motorcycle Club track this Sunday and rounds two, three and four will be held at Patetonga, Pukekohe and Taupo respectively.

McKnight’s company brand, Backflips Clothing, holds naming rights over New Zealand’s national motocross series which features an impressive line-up of national and international riders.

Pivotal for 2013 NZ Motocross Championships has been securing sponsorship for the national series with Backflips providing essential financial support for the four rounds, covering both the North and South Islands.

Jeremy McKnight remains as passionate for the sport as he is for his own label Backflips Clothing. BikesportNZ.com contributor Sharon Cox caught up with Jeremy McKnight to find out what drives his passion and belief to step up and sponsor NZ Motocross Championships for 2013 …

Q: Backflips Clothing is the main sponsor of the 2013 New Zealand MX Championship Series … how has this process come about, taking on board a huge task of sponsoring NZ’s MX Nationals over four rounds?

Jeremy: It’s an extension of what we do already at the Backflips Dirt Farm and it’s an opportunity to help develop the sport further in New Zealand.

Q: The series opening round is at your home Backflips Dirt Farm MX track, owned by Chris McKnight. McKnight’s have been instrumental in the development of the motocross facility in association with South Canterbury MCC. What has been the driving force … goals … for the development of the motocross venue?

Jeremy: We want it to be the place to come to ride you dirt-bike whether it be a 50cc or a 450F. We want the venue to be super fun and safe but also challenging enough to produce world class riders.

Q: What does the role of main sponsor for the 2013 NZ MX Championship represent for Backflips Clothing?

Jeremy: It’s an opportunity to get more exposure and more contact within the sport throughout New Zealand and offshore.

Q: The opening round has attracted International rider’s lining up against NZ’s best: Ben Townley, Cody Cooper, Darryll King, Courtney Duncan and more … it will be exciting racing not just for motocross die-hards but for fans, friends and family. Do you think there has been a shift in how the sport can be marketed to attract a broader group of spectators and fans?

Jeremy: Yes, there definitely needs to be change, professional marketing and combination of disciplines in order to reach a greater audience. Without people paying at the gate the sport will die.

Sponsorship has to be treated more seriously giving sponsors more bang for their buck to achieve any growth in this sport. We should do better to promote the talent that New Zealand produces and recognise the fact New Zealand produces some of the best motocross riders in the world.

Q: Finally, huge props to Backflips Clothing for stepping up again as main sponsor…what is most rewarding for taking on board main sponsor of 2013 NZ Motocross Championship Ssries?

Jeremy: It’s just great to be a part of a sport that I’m passionate about.

© Words by Sharon Cox, www.BikesportNZ.com

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com