The following is a release from JAL Productions:
Los Angeles, CA – From November 3 to 8, 2003, 49 of America’s best off-road motorcycle racers will not only be competing for the coveted International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) World Trophy in Frotaleza, Brazil, but their quest for U.S. gold – and all the drama, action, despair and euphoria that accompanies great racing – will be captured live, on camera for American fans. JAL Productions, a Los-Angeles based film production company in conjunction with Cox Media Projects, an Isle of Man, UK based production company, has partnered with Outdoor Life Network (OLN) to bring the thrills and excitement of championship off-road racing to American motorcycle enthusiast.
“There’s no greater off-road action than ISDE racing,” said Dick Lague, executive producer, JAL Productions. “Imagine riding through some of the most grueling terrain in the world for over 200 miles each day, for six consecutive days. Then add a big dose of national pride by pitting America’s best enduro and off-road riders against racers from 32 other countries. That’s a mix made for television-and we’re delighted that OLN will be giving their viewers an exclusive chance to come along for what should be an unforgettable ride.” Lague said that the production team hopes to capture the first-ever American Trophy team victory in the history of ISDE racing.
The 2003 team is arguably the strongest ever and is seeded with exceptional racing talent, including KTM factory racer Mike Lafferty, who just clinched his 6th National Enduro title. A total of 49 Americans will journey to Brazil, including a six-member Junior Trophy Team and Club Teams from around the country. Physically exhausting and mentally grueling, the ISDE will lead racers through terrain that most have never experienced – a tough combination of scalding sand, jungle, rain forest and mountains will make for especially challenging racing. This is the first time the ISDE has been run in the southern hemisphere. Past ISDE competitions have primarily been held in Europe, with two hosted in the United States.
The JAL/Cox production team combines top camera and writing talent from the United Kingdom and the United States. Utilizing six mobile cameras as well as on-board and helmet cameras-mounted on former ISDE racers Kevin Hines and Mark Hyde for up-close tracking of competitors-the team also shares a passion for motorcycling.
Veteran motor journalist and former motorcycle magazine publisher Bruce Cox serves as director and chief writer and Dick Lague, former president of the Petersen Motorcycle Group of magazines and partner in public relations and marketing firm The Brandware Group serves as executive producer. Seasoned off-road rider and JAL Production founder Jeff Lague is assistant director, editor, and production manager. Internationally acclaimed motorcycle photographer Joe Bonnello and motojournalist Mark Kariya are also part of the team, as are UK cameraman David Cox and US cameramen David Courtice and Jon Lague. The same team also produced the 2002 ISDE documentary, filmed in the Czech Republic and produced exclusively for OLN.
Logistics support in the form of transportation and camera bikes is being provided by KTM Sportcycles. Promotional consideration and logistics help is being provided by Franco Acerbis and his company, Acerbis Plastica Spa.
The documentary is expected to air in early 2004.
