20/06/08 - The Leatt Corporation, manufacturers of patented safety devices for various motorsport disciplines, is to sponsor the South African Motocross Grand Prix in Nelspruit from July 18 to 20.

The Leatt-Brace™ South African Motocross Grand Prix is the only world championship event on the South African motorsport calendar this year. The event is round 10 of the world motocross championship, and will cater for the MX1 and MX2 categories and will include an Africa Invitation class for riders affiliated to the Africa Motorsport Union.

“We are happy to be associated with an event of this stature, and have agreed on a sponsorship agreement with Motorsport South Africa,” said Leatt Corporation chief executive officer Dr Chris Leatt. “It is a major step forward for the Leatt Corporation, and is part of what we see as a long term marketing plan for our range of products.”

Dr Leatt, who pioneered the concept of the Leatt-Brace, added that since its inception the Leatt Corporation had been committed to adding value to motorsport safety. As a result of this focus the corporation has carried out extensive research and development.

“We are passionate about protecting people, and this has led to us marketing various patented neck safety devices for different motorsport disciplines,” Dr Leatt said. “These devices have been highly effective, and the success of our products has put us in a position to sponsor many worthwhile projects.”

The Leatt Corporation markets neck safety braces for a wide range of motorsport activities. These include saloon car racing, karting, off road racing and rallying, drag and oval track racing, motorcycle off road and track racing and quad racing.

“The decision to sponsor the South African leg of the 2008 FIM World Motocross Championship is close to our hearts in that the Leatt-Brace concept was born in South Africa,” said Dr Leatt. “The bulk of our research and development and testing sites are South African based, and supporting an international event in South Africa provides us with a powerful marketing tool.”

Motorsport South Africa managing director Beaulah Schoeman said the Leatt Corporation decision to sponsor the SA Motocross Grand Prix was a major breakthrough for the sport. She added that the link with Leatt Corporation would guarantee the event was successful.

“We are delighted to be associated with a South African company that has at heart the interests of motorsport,” Mrs. Schoeman said. “It is also a pleasure to be involved with a company that is making a significant contribution to the safety of competitors.

“It is important that we continue to host major international events in South Africa, but this is only possible with the support of organizations like Leatt Corporation.”

Mrs. Schoeman added that advance ticket sales for the event at the Alkmaar circuit in Nelspruit were more than encouraging. Tickets for the Leatt-Brace South African Motocross Grand Prix are available from Computicket, and a limited number of paddock pit passes have also gone on sale.