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Team Wiley X Claims Three Top Fives, Four Top 10s in Phoenix Cup Race
AVONDALE, Ariz. (April 12, 2008) -- Saturday night's Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway saw the Wiley X team of drivers stage a fierce battle for victory. Though the race win eventually went to Jimmie Johnson on a fuel mileage gamble, Team Wiley X scored high finishes of third (Denny Hamlin), fourth (Carl Edwards), fifth (Mark Martin) and ninth (Greg Biffle).
The 49-year-old Martin had a dominating car, leading late in the race until he was called into the pits for a splash of fuel with 10 laps remaining. The veteran driver nearly pulled off his first win since October 2005.
"We were really spectacular this weekend and it's a shame we finished fifth," said Martin. “You hate to see it come down to fuel mileage. But you also don’t want to run out of fuel with one lap to go and finish 20th in a race that you’ve been up front the entire time. Again, it was a great run and this is a great race team. It won't be our last chance to win."
In the Sprint Cup point standings, three Wiley X drivers are in the coveted top 12 -- Hamlin (sixth), Edwards (ninth) and Biffle (10th). After 26 races, the top 12 drivers in points qualify for NASCAR's championship playoff format known as the The Chase for the Sprint Cup.
Wiley X Team Results
Subway Fresh Fit 500
April 12, 2008
Phoenix International Raceway
(starting position in parenthesis)
Greg Biffle, No. 16 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 9th (18th)
Point Standing: 10th
Carl Edwards, No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 4th (3rd)
Point Standing: 9th
Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Finished: 3rd (16th)
Point Standing: 6th
Matt Kenseth, No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 38th (27th)
Point Standing: 15th
Mark Martin, No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet
Finished: 5th (4th)
Point Standing: (No. 8 team is 14th in owner points)
Kyle Petty, No. 45 Petty Enterprises Dodge
Did Not Qualify
Point Standing: 43rd
David Ragan, No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 27th (23rd)
Point Standing: 18th
David Reutimann, No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota
Finished: 18th (26th)
Point Standing: 30th
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WILEY X SCORES ANOTHER CUP WIN WITH EDWARDS’ VICTORY IN TEXAS; Places Four Drivers in Top 10
FORT WORTH, TX. (April 9, 2008) — The winning eyes of Texas were looking through the Wiley X shades of Carl Edwards as he hoisted the massive cowboy-boot trophy in Victory Lane following an impressive performance in Sunday's Samsung 500.
Edwards' victory at Texas Motor Speedway continued the torrid pace for Team Wiley X Eyewear in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. It was the fourth time in seven races this season that a Wiley X driver captured a win. Three of those victories were by Edwards —
the other was by Denny Hamlin, who won last week's race at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.
Edwards' first-place result gave Wiley X four top-10 finishes at the 1.5-mile oval. Hamlin was fifth, Mark Martin
eighth, and Matt Kenseth ninth. “What an exciting time this has been for the Wiley X family of companies,” said
Myles Freeman, President of Wiley X 's Sales Division. “It seems like every race weekend my cell phone blows up with words of congratulations for all the exposure we're getting. Winning builds branding, and branding builds consumer confidence. I could get used to this.”
Edwards, who also won in Texas in November 2005, crossed the finish line .399 seconds ahead of Jimmie Johnson.
"That was a really good race car," said Edwards of his winning No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford Fusion. "It was extremely competitive out there. There were a lot of cars that were virtually the same speed, so it was really difficult
to get the track position. But, once we got it, the car was really good in clean air. At the end, that restart might not have looked exciting to people watching, but it was real exciting for me in the race car to try not to spin those tires
and hold off Jimmie (Johnson).”
Wiley X Drivers’ Results
Samsung 500
April 6, 2008
Texas Motor Speedway
(starting position in parentheses)
Greg Biffle, No. 16 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 39th (16th)
Point Standing: 9th
Carl Edwards, No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 1st (2nd)
Point Standing: 10th
Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Finished: 5th (14th)
Point Standing: 7th
Matt Kenseth, No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 9th (8th)
Point Standing: 13th
Mark Martin, No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet
Finished: 8th (31st)
Point Standing: (No. 8 team is 19th in owner points)
Kyle Petty, No. 45 Petty Enterprises Dodge
Did Not Qualify
Point Standing: 41st
David Ragan, No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 13th (7th)
Point Standing: 17th
David Reutimann, No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota
Finished: 41st (6th)
Point Standing: 31st
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WILEY X EYEWEAR® SELECTED AS OFFICIAL SUNGLASS SUPPLIER FOR DALE EARNHART INC. 2008 SPRINT CUP TEAMS
#01, #1, #8 AND #15 Teams on the Right Track with High Velocity Protection™
(April 8, 2008) Wiley X Eyewear® is no stranger to the rigors of the racetrack — from partnerships with some of NASCAR’s superstar drivers and top teams, to their crews and mechanics nationwide — its tough and great looking shades have been turning heads and protecting
faces on the track and off for years. So it’s no surprise that thanks to the company’s proven High Velocity Protection™ (HVP) and edgy good looks, Wiley X Eyewear has now been named the Official Sunglass Supplier of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhart, Inc. (DEI)
for four of this year’s Sprint Cup Teams.
Look for Wiley X’s signature styles on all DEI Sprint Cup teams, featuring drivers
Regan Smith, Martin Truex Jr., the legendary Mark Martin, (with whom Wiley X also has a
one year Endorsement Contract in effect) and Paul Menard. “Wiley X Eyewear is a top
flight organization that provides an outstanding product line that we are proud to have an
association with,” said Max Siegel, President of Global Operations for Dale Earnhardt Inc. “They have been
around NASCAR for a number of years, and are associated with several military branches such as the U.S. Army,
which highlights just how strong of a product they have available.” The company recently introduced several
exciting new lines that will be right at home on Pit Road, from the fashion forward new Wiley X Men’s Series
to the elite Street Series, there’s a winning combination of both style and performance that will resonate with
drivers and fans alike.
"We are extremely fortunate to supply one of the most respected organizations in all of NASCAR,” says
Myles Freeman, President of Sales at Wiley X. “This is a match made in heaven as DEI is as driven to win
as we are to support the thousands of Wiley X Dealers around the country."
Wiley X Eyewear provides these upper echelon NASCAR drivers and their teams a real edge, from the removable
Climate Control Series™ gasket that forms a seal around the eyes to keep out wind and debris to the ultimate in
ballistic protection, far exceeding ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSI Z80.3 optical standards.
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HAMLIN WINS IN MARTINSVILLE Wiley X Eyewear® Team Captures Third Victory
MARTINSVILLE, VA. (April 2, 2008) — Denny Hamlin's victory on Sunday at Martinsville Speedway gave Wiley X Eyewear® its third win in the first six NASCAR Sprint Cup races of the 2008 season.
On a cold and misty day at the challenging half-mile track in southern Virginia, Hamlin was red hot in his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. He passed Jeff Burton on Lap 427 of 500 and led the remaining distance, fending off the hard-charging Jeff Gordon, to score his fourth career win and the first in his home state. "The curse is over," offered Hamlin, who is from Chesterfield, VA. "We had such bad luck in the past few races."
Gordon, Burton, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart Hamlin followed Hamlin to the checkered flag. Hamlin, who
came close to winning in Bristol, TN. two weeks ago, vaulted to eighth in the driver point standings, a pickup of
seven positions. Carl Edwards, a two-time winner for Wiley X with victories in Fontana, CA. and Las Vegas, NV
posted a ninth-place finish in Martinsville.
"I must say, we picked our driver roster well this year," said Myles Freeman, President of Sales for Wiley X.
"Not only have we aligned ourselves with some of the classiest drivers in the sport, they also perform each and
every week for us. All these Victory Lane appearances are certainly helping fans take notice of the Wiley X brand.
I'm happy for our dealer network nationwide."
The Wiley X Eyewear team currently has two drivers positioned inside the top 10 in driver points -- Greg Biffle in third,
and Hamlin in eighth.
Wiley X Driver Results
Goody's Cool Orange 500
March 30, 2008
Martinsville Speedway
(starting positions in parenthesis)
Greg Biffle, No. 16 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 20th (19th)
Point Standing: 3rd
Carl Edwards, No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 9th (27th)
Point Standing: 14th
Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Finished: 1st (2nd)
Point Standing: 8th
Matt Kenseth, No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 30th (28th)
Point Standing: 15th
Mark Martin, No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet
Did Not Race
Aric Almirola drove No. 8 car – finished 42nd
Kyle Petty, No. 45 Petty Enterprises Dodge
Did Not Qualify
Point Standing: 40th
David Ragan, No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 11th (4th)
Point Standing: 18th
David Reutimann, No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota
Finished: 39th (15th)
Point Standing: 28th
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WILEY X EYEWEAR® BECOMES OFFICIAL SUNGLASS SUPPLIER OF PREMIER RACING ORGANIZATION MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING
(03.07.2008) Wiley X, Inc., a leading supplier of fashionable, high-end protective eyewear, is pleased to announce its 2008 partnership with renowned Michael Waltrip Racing. With Wiley X as the Official Sunglass Supplier, all crewmembers, mechanics and employees from all Michael Waltrip racing teams will be supplied with the company’s High Velocity Protection (HVP™) — perfect for protecting the eyes of those both on and off the track. Wiley X Eyewear will provide both unparalleled ballistic features as well as an edgy new look for these high velocity teams.
Wiley X Eyewear has been deeply involved in supporting the NASCAR industry and recognizes the strong marketing tie-in between high profile racing teams and the company’s line of high-performance sunglasses. Wiley X Eyewear is a favorite among motorcycle riders, NASCAR and NHRA fans, hunting, fishing and extreme sports enthusiasts, as well as serving as a leading provider of protective eyewear for the US Military’s Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and other U.S. Special Forces Units in action around the globe. The company’s HVP eyewear is manufactured with shatterproof, distortion-free Selenite™ polycarbonate lenses that offer full ultraviolet protection and far exceeds ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSIZ80.3 optical standards. The family-owned company offers these unique lenses matched with a variety of high-performance, unbreakable TR90 frames, available in a wide range of styles and attractive colors.
Michael Waltrip Racing began its rise to fame as a modest family-owned NASCAR Nationwide Series, formerly NASCAR Busch Series, team in Sherrills Ford, North Carolina nearly a decade ago. It has now become a globally recognized top-notch winning organization, housing three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams (NSCS) and one NASCAR Nationwide Series team, all within a 140,000 square foot shop. Teams under the Michael Waltrip Racing umbrella include: Aaron’s Dream Machine — #00 a NSCS entry, UPS — #44 a NSCS entry, NAPA Auto Parts — #55 a NSCS entry and Aaron’s Dream Machine — #99 a NNS entry.
With five NASCAR Nationwide Series victories to its credit, Michael Waltrip Racing is a leading organization looking to capture its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win in its second season of full-time competition with their entries. Plus, Wiley X also recently signed an exclusive contract with a rising star in the racing industry, driver David Reutimann. This newly appointed driver of the #44 UPS car for the Michael Waltrip Racing team will have the added advantage of wearing Wiley X’s distinctive shades all season.
“We’re extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with Michael Waltrip Racing,” said Wiley X Eyewear’s Vice President of Sales, Myles Freeman. “I have been a fan of the MWR organization since I first became interested in NASCAR — there is not a better organization in the sport. We’re thrilled to begin working with all of the MWR teams and are hopeful that this will lead to a long-term, successful partnership.”
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WILEY X EYEWEAR® ANNOUNCES ITS NASCAR PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE 2008 SEASON
Big Name Drivers Keep Their Eyes Well Protected On The Road To Victory
(Feb 18, 2008) NASCAR superstars, pit teams and fans alike are all a part of the action for one reason — that pure adrenaline rush that comes as a result of the 200 mph speeds, death defying crashes and split second finishes. A natural for the rigorous demands of the NASCAR industry, Wiley X Eyewear® has long been gracing the faces of a number of these die-hard enthusiasts. Providing its signature High Velocity Protection™ (HVP) along with cutting edge style, Wiley X Eyewear is a proven, winning combination for NASCAR participants and its fans.
To further develop its personal love affair with NASCAR, Wiley X is pleased to announce its 2008 racing partnerships in which the company will be supplying drivers and their teams with a collection of its extremely durable, ultimate in clarity, performance eyewear. For 2008 Wiley X Eyewear will serve as the Official Sunglass Supplier for the crews and mechanics of Roush Fenway Racing (excluding one team), Michael Waltrip Racing and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Wiley X has also joined forces with some of the NASCAR industry’s leading drivers:
#11 Denny Hamlin — first Rookie of the Year to take home the Shootout victory
#6 David Ragan — 2007 Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Busch Series
#16 Greg Biffle — 2001 Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Busch Series
#17 Matt Kenseth — 2003 Winston Cup Champion
#99 Carl Edwards — 2007 Busch Series Champion
#00 David Reutimann — 2007 Memphis Motorsports Park Champion
#00 Michael McDowell — 4x ARCA RE/MAX Series Champion in 2007
#45 Kyle Petty — fan favorite son of "King" Richard, an 8x Sprint Cup Race Winner
#8 Mark Martin — a legend in the sport, 3rd in career wins among active drivers
Known for its incredible safety and protection, as well as its edgy, fashion-forward styles Wiley X Eyewear offers these elite NASCAR drivers and their teams several distinct advantages: the removable Climate Control Series™ gasket forms a seal around the eyes to keep out wind and debris; performance enhancing protection, far exceeding ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSI Z80.3 optical standards, offers the industry’s leading eye armor; and trendy styles allows them to look their best in the pits, on the track and in the winners circle.
Wiley X Eyewear is no stranger to the high performance spotlight, celebrating its 20th anniversary milestone in 2007; it’s a leading innovator in advanced performance eyewear solutions for a multitude of niche markets. As a favorite among motorcycle riders, NASCAR and NHRA fans, hunting, fishing and extreme sports enthusiasts, as well as standard issue for the military’s Army Rangers, Navy SEALS and US Special Forces, Wiley X Eyewear offers a sleek, fashionable and top-of-the-line product for numerous applications. Durable, dependable and able to perform in severe conditions, just like the elite professional NASCAR drivers it sponsors — Wiley X Eyewear offers an incredible home stretch advantage.
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Jim Yates Racing And Wiley X Eyewear To Debut The New “Sunglass Machine” At The CARQUEST Auto Parts WINTERNATIONALS In Pomona, California
(January 31, 2008) It’s lightning speed fast, too hot to handle, yet so cool it has to wear shades — enter Jim Yates Racing’s new Pontiac GXP pro stock car — the Wiley X Eyewear® Sunglass Machine. The creative tour de force / speed demon will make its debut at the 48th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., on Feb. 7-10, where drag racing enthusiasts will finally get their first look at the show-stopping good looks of the new Jim Yates Pontiac GXP. Race fans will be sure to hit the brakes and take notice of the edgy new 2008 design, from its enflamed skull sporting a pair of Wiley X’s on the hood, to the extreme barbwire wrapping the car’s frame, the new Wiley X Sunglass Machine boasts the industry’s most intense custom paint job on the strip.
Wiley X Eyewear, a leading manufacturer and provider of protective eyewear, has teamed with Jim Yates Racing to design and construct the new 2008 Pro Stock Pontiac for the NHRA POWERade season. Designing the new custom painted GXP involved an enormous investment in time — beginning approximately 17 months ago — and resources on behalf of Wiley X, Pontiac and GM Racing. The final racing product combines sleek, sporty, aerodynamic features that closely resemble the racecar's Pontiac G6 GXP showroom counterpart — but with a very bold new paint job.
"We are truly excited about the evolution of our marketing partnership with Wiley X Eyewear,” says Jim Yates. “The exciting new graphics on our recently unveiled Pontiac GXP Wiley X ‘Sunglass Machine’ is the next step in our mission to really get the fans fired up about High Velocity Protection and 200 mile per hour shades."
No stranger to exciting a crowd, Jim Yates Racing is a top-notch, race team in the NHRA. Over the past 17 years, Yates has won two POWERade Pro Stock Championships, finished in the Top 2 five times, the Top 5 eight times and the Top 10 fourteen times. He has won 25 NHRA national events and finished runner-up at an additional 33 events to date and captured 29 poles. Behind the wheel of the new Wiley X Sunglass Machine, 2008 will prove to be yet another successful year for the Jim Yates Racing team.
“We are thrilled with the outcome of the new 2008 Wiley X Sunglass Machine: the sleek, edgy design is the perfect on track representation of the Wiley X brand,” said Myles Freeman, Vice President of Sales at Wiley X Eyewear. “Our partnership with Jim Yates over the past year has proved to be a great success and we look forward to continuing to expand our relationship. Jim Yates has the Wiley X Sunglass Machine Team moving in a direction that is sure to help further develop Wiley X branding for our dealer network around the country."
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Wiley X Eyewear® To Sponsor Team Veterans Of Valor For The 2008 Primal Quest Race
Wiley X Eyewear® is pleased to announce its sponsorship of Team Veterans of Valor for the 2008 Primal Quest
Expedition Adventure Race®, formerly known as the Eco-Challenge, that will take place June 21 - July 2, 2008.
Primal Quest is an environmentally-friendly wilderness race in which teams compete for over $100,000 in cash
and prizes.
Wiley X Eyewear, a leading manufacturer of protective eyewear for enthusiasts across a broad range of
categories, has donated a sizable contribution toward the team’s entry fees, making it possible for the team to
enter the 2008 competition. Wiley X has also provided the team with a supply of unique eyewear, which — like
these extreme athletes — is durable, dependable and able to perform in severe conditions. As standard issue for
FBI, DEA, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and other elite Special Forces units around the world, all Wiley X models
meet or exceed the ANSI Z87.1-2003 requirements for High Velocity Impact Standards.
Team Veterans of Valor is competing in 2008 in honor of Maj. Douglas Zembiec USMC and to raise money for
the Veterans of Valor Organization, a group that supports service members wounded in the field of duty.
Formerly Team Semper Fi, Team Veterans of Valor is ready to take on the myriad challenges that this 8-10 day,
500-600 mile expedition race throws at them. The team finished the 2007 race in 44th place out of 90 teams (with
55 teams finishing), and was the first all-military team to cross the finish line. As a result of its 2007 efforts, the
team received two distinctive honors — the Media Personality Award and the Eco Friendly Award.
Co-ed teams of four experienced back country adventure athletes journey across rugged miles of terrain using
only a map, a compass and their team members’ combined skills. The members of the team must travel together
at all times and must finish together in order to be officially ranked. Additionally, in accordance with the
Adventure Racing Ecological Standards publication from the United States Adventure Racing Association, all
teams must follow environmental guidelines — this includes only traveling where permitted, not building campfires
and strictly adhering to the “pack it in, pack it out” rule.
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Wiley X Eyewear® Becomes Official Sunglass Partner Of World Champion Off-Road Race Team — Spectrum Off-Road Racing
Livermore, Calif. (November 7, 2007) – Wiley X, Inc. a leading manufacturer of protective and casual eyewear, will serve as the official sunglass partner of the world champion off-road race team — Spectrum Off-Road Racing — for the 2007 Tecate / SCORE Baja 1000. As the final event of the six-race 2007 SCORE Desert Series, this marks the 40th anniversary of the Baja 1000.
The Baja 1000 race runs November 11 – 16, 2007 and starts in Ensenada-Baja California, Mexico, ending in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The race will be televised on a delayed basis as a one-hour NBC Sports special, which airs at 3 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, December 30th on the NBC Television Network. It will also air on a delayed basis outside the U.S. on ESPN International.
Driving for the Spectrum Off-Road Racing Team during the 2007 Baja 1000 are drivers Todd Welling and Greg “Boomer” Hukari. Capturing first place in the 2006 Baja 1000 sportsman class during their inaugural race together, Welling and Boomer proved immediately that they were a force to be reckoned with. For 2007 the team will enter into Class-1 and drive the team’s brand new Ilmor Viper V-10 powered vehicle.
As part of the sponsorship agreement, the Wiley X logo will appear on the new Class-1 car and Wiley X will be providing Welling and Boomer with its top-of-the-line eyewear for the race.
In honor of its 20th Anniversary and new corporate name, Wiley X, Inc. is ramping up its sponsorships in the Racing industry and having great success in this market. As a leading provider of protective eyewear for Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and other U.S. Special Forces Units in action around the globe, Wiley X recognizes the strong marketing tie-in between high profile racing teams and the company’s line of extremely high-performance eyewear.
“The opportunity presented to us by the Spectrum Off-Road Race team was something we couldn’t pass up,” said Wiley X Eyewear’s Vice President of Sales Myles Freeman. “Sponsorships are the perfect opportunity for Wiley X to further expand our strong presence within the market. We are certain that establishing relationships with successful teams like Spectrum will prove to be mutually beneficial for both parties.”
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WILEY X EYEWEAR To Sponsor Jim Yates' Pontiac For 2008 POWERade Season
LIVERMORE, Calif., Oct. 30, 2007 - WILEY X EYEWEAR®, a leading manufacturer and provider of protective eyewear, has announced that they will be the primary sponsor on Jim Yates' Pro Stock Pontiac for the 2008 NHRA POWERade season. The full 24-event sponsorship package continues a successful race-marketing partnership between Wiley X Eyewear and Jim Yates Racing.
"This is an exciting time for Wiley X Eyewear as we're not only celebrating 20 years as a family-owned business, but we are also coming off our biggest growth year in the commercial market," said Myles Freeman, vice president of sales and co-owner of Wiley X Eyewear. "In addition, Jim Yates has the Wiley X Sunglass Machine Team moving in a positive direction, so this commitment should only further help develop Wiley X branding for the thousands of Wiley X customers around the country."
Wiley X has more than 20 years of innovation in providing advanced eyewear solutions to the military - Army Rangers, Navy SEALS and US Special Forces - as well as many other commercial markets. Its functional line of eye protection is a favorite amongst motorcycle riders, hunting, fishing and extreme sports enthusiasts, to name a few, because of its sleek styles and patented removable gaskets that seal out wind and debris. The California-based company also sells its products in over 50 countries around the globe.
Wiley X's High Velocity Protection (HVP™) eyewear are manufactured with shatterproof, distortion-free Selenite™ polycarbonate lenses and far exceed ANSI Z87.1- 2003 safety and ANSI Z80.3 optical standards. These lenses are available in 14 lens tints to provide eye comfort and protection in any environment and can be matched with a variety of high-performance, unbreakable TR90 frames, available in a wide range of styles and attractive colors.
One of the most recognizable names in NHRA Drag Racing, Jim Yates is a two-time POWERade Pro Stock champion winning back-to-back titles in 1996-97. In 379 career races spanning 18 years, the 54-year-old Virginia resident has captured 25 victories, advanced to 58 final rounds, earned 29 No. 1 qualifying awards and won 409 eliminator rounds (.578). Yates has finished second in the NHRA points standings three times (1995, 2001-02), in the top five of the Pro Stock standings eight times and in the top 10 of the points standings 14 times (third best among full-time Pro Stock racers). Yates best season was in 1997 when he won the points title, scored nine national-event victories, advanced to 12 final rounds, captured nine No. 1 qualifying awards and won 58 eliminator rounds (.817).
Yates was part of an NHRA contingent of drivers that visited American troops in Germany in 2005 and '06. On October 3 of this year, Yates joined Alcohol Funny Car team owner/crew chief Jay Blake in a USO-sponsored visit with American combat-wounded troops at the Mologne House which is a part of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. On Nov. 10, Yates and his fellow NHRA drivers will make their third postseason trip to Germany to visit with American troops at the Kaiserslautern Military Community and the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
"We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the great family at Wiley X during the past two years," Yates said. "Wiley X is a family-owned and -operated business, very similar to our own, and we are very excited about the opportunity to grow our marketing partnership through their involvement with our racing team throughout the 2008 POWERade season.
"It is awesome to be able to work with the owners of Wiley X on a day-to-day basis in developing and executing their marketing strategies. Not only does Wiley X have a strong presence in our armed forces, they also have an incredible line of eyewear to fit everyone from the fashion conscious to the extreme sports enthusiast. I have the best of both worlds. I am involved with a great family and I get to promote the excellent line of Wiley X eyewear through the NHRA. It doesn't get any better than that."
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Wiley X Eyewear® Comes On Strong With Wood Brothers/JTG Racing
Wiley X Expands its Support of NASCAR With Premier Racing Partnership
LIVERMORE, Calif., June. 22, 2007 - After years of protecting the eyes of America’s military, Wiley X Eyewear has successfully crossed over to
protecting the eyes of America’s leading racing teams. Pretty soon you won’t be able to watch NASCAR without
seeing Wiley X’s highly innovative eyewear, just as many premier teams can’t see themselves without the
company’s advanced eye protection. The perfect fit between the high velocity sport and Wiley X’s patented High
Velocity Protection (HVP™) has just been extended to another of NASCAR’s top racing teams as Wiley X has
signed to provide their industry leading eye protection for Wood Brothers/JTG Racing.
With top teams in the Nextel Cup, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series, Wood Brothers/JTG Racing joins
the ranks of Wiley X’s other premier NASCAR team sponsorships of Roush Racing and Ginn Motorsports for the
2007 race season — along with key partnerships in IndyCar and NHRA. The combat-proven protection will now
help exclusively protect Wood Brothers/JTG Racing team members at all of their Nextel Cup, Busch Series and
Craftsman Truck Series events.
The Wood Brothers/JTG Racing organization includes five separate race teams — the Nextel Cup No. 21 Little
Debbie/Air Force/Motorcraft Ford; two Busch Series teams, the No. 47 Clorox Ford and the No. 59 Kingsford Ford;
and two Craftsman Truck Series teams, the No. 21 Ravenswood Winery/Bush’s Baked Beans Ford F-150 and the
No. 09 Zaxby’s Ford F-150. Drivers for Wood Brothers/JTG Racing include such top competitors as Bill Elliott,
Ken Schrader, Jon Wood, Marcos Ambrose, Kelly Bires, Mark Martin, Stacy Compton and Joey Clanton.
Wiley X has really exploded onto the racing scene by building its key sponsorships in honor of its 20th anniversary, to
include the company’s second primary sponsorship featured in this years Toyota/Save Mart 350. The benchmark of
quality eye protection for those in combat around the globe, the company’s shatterproof, distortion-free Selenite™
polycarbonate lenses, which offer full ultraviolet protection and far exceed ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSIZ80.3 optical
standards, coupled with a variety of high-performance and nearly unbreakable TR90 frames, have found a new home in
the exciting world of NASCAR.
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WILEY X EYEWEAR® WILL GET SOME HIGH VISIBILITY “SEAT TIME” BEFORE HOMETOWN CROWD
LIVERMORE, Calif., June. 22, 2007 - Wiley X Eyewear® will proudly display its colors as primary sponsor for Ginn Racing’s Number 14 Chevrolet in the
NEXTEL Cup’s only Northern California race, the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on June 24th. Sporting the same sleek
black and red Wiley X paint scheme as in its first primary sponsorship at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway last
year, this time the company’s industry-leading, High Velocity Protection (HVP™) will be highlighted before a
hometown crowd near the company’s headquarters in Livermore, California.
“The folks at Ginn Racing have been so great to work with and we are so excited about this second opportunity to
race our Wiley X Chevy before such a large audience,” said Wiley X’s co-owner and Vice President of Sales
Myles Freeman. “The performance-driven team behind this excellent racing program is an ideal showcase for our
performance-driven eyewear.”
Wiley X’s combat-proven eyewear, which made the company a leading provider of tactical eye protection for the
FBI, DEA, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and other elite Special Forces Units, is a perfect crossover to the
demanding and dangerous race environment — protecting the eyes of many top racing teams in NASCAR,
IndyCar and NHRA. In its third year as an associate sponsor of the Ginn Racing owned U.S. Army Chevrolet, this
is the second time Wiley X has taken the lead in sponsoring the Army’s sister car driven by racing veteran and fan
favorite Sterling Marlin.
This primary sponsorship proudly displays the company’s continued growth and success in all aspects of the
tactical and commercial eyewear markets. With stylish new offerings in the optical, motorcycle, active sports and
outdoor markets, Wiley X continues to develop its highly advanced Selenite™ polycarbonate lens technology,
which has made the company’s eyewear a standard in eye protection the world over. As serious about racing as
they are about eyewear, Wiley X’s proud partnerships and dedication to some of the finest teams in motorsports
clearly demonstrate the company’s commitment to “take the pole” amongst other eyewear brands competing in
the garage and in the pits.
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Wiley X Eyewear® Announces Sunglass Endorsement With Roush Racing Crew And Drivers Greg Biffle And Carl Edwards
Livermore, Calif. (April 23, 2007) – Wiley X Eyewear® initially made a name for itself in answering the call for critical tactical eye protection for those serving in uniform around the globe. In the ensuing 20 years, the company has expanded their rugged and attractive designs into racing, motorcycling, fishing, boating and bicycling markets. That is why Wiley X is excited to announce another perfect fit for their high performance eyewear by teaming with premier drivers Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle and the Roush Racing team. This collaboration with the exhilarating world of NASCAR will propel Wiley X to new heights in safety and appeal by supplying high performance sunglasses to all of Roush Racing drivers, mechanics and crews in all three NASCAR series — Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck.
In honor of its 20th anniversary this year, Wiley X is ramping up its race sponsorships with two of NASCAR’s most impressive drivers. The 36-year-old Biffle, winner of Rookie of the Year and Championship honors in both NCTS and Busch Series, is well on his way to his third major NASCAR title as a part of the Nextel Cup. The younger Edwards has raced in two full schedule seasons in both the Nextel Cup and Busch Series last year, finishing 12th overall in the Nextel Cup, with ten top five finishes, and 2nd in the Busch Series, where he is currently the points leader this season — including four wins and fifteen top five finishes. While Biffle’s laid-back personality is very different from Edward’s now famous victory car-door back-flips, both drivers’ high-energy and competitive attitude on the track are a perfect fit with Wiley X. The company’s High Velocity Protection (HVP™) eyewear is manufactured with shatterproof, distortion-free Selenite™ polycarbonate lenses that offer full ultraviolet protection and far exceed ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSIZ80.3 optical standards. These lenses are matched with a variety of high-performance, unbreakable TR90 frames, available in a wide range of styles and attractive colors.
"I am totally pumped up to wear the Wiley X brand of eye protection and I'm starting to see them all over the place down here on pit road,” says Carl Edwards. “The products are comfortable and well made — and a company like this that supports the military the way they do is something I'm proud to be associated with.”
Biffle added, “Wiley X has a unique story surrounding the history of their products and I like the fact they're family owned. It can get chaotic and dangerous down here on pit road and I know our pit crews have a bit more peace of mind knowing they’re wearing the same shatterproof protection our troops use.”
“I can’t tell you how exciting it is to supply our tough brand of high velocity eye protection to one of motorsports’ premier organizations,” said Myles Freeman, Vice President of Sales at Wiley X Eyewear. “And by signing two Nextel cup fan favorites like Carl and Greg to Personal Services Agreements, we help to further solidify our brand amongst nearly 75 million brand loyal NASCAR fans — this is just another way we proudly support our dealer network nationwide.”
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WILEY X EYEWEAR® INKS FIVE-RACE PRIMARY SPONSOR DEAL WITH TOP NHRA PRO STOCK DRIVER JIM YATES
High-Performance Glasses Keep Yates Protected and Looking Cool As He Burns Up The Quarter Mile
Livermore, Calif. (February 9, 2007) – Leading protective eyewear manufacturer Wiley X has announced a five-race, primary sponsorship agreement with top NHRA Pro Stock driver Jim Yates. Wiley X Eyewear will be supporting Yates and featured on his lightning-fast Sea Ray Pontiac GTO beginning with this weekend’s big Winternational races in Pomona, California (to be televised on ESPN2). The sponsorship agreement will also include high profile NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) events to follow in Phoenix, Houston, Las Vegas and Atlanta.
Wiley X is ramping up its race sponsorships in 2007 as a way of honoring its 20th Anniversary this year. Wiley X also recognizes the strong marketing tie-in between high profile racing teams and the company’s line of high performance sunglasses. Wiley X Eyewear is a leading provider of protective eyewear for Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and other U.S. Special Forces Units in action around the globe. The company’s High Velocity Protection (HVP™) eyewear is manufactured with shatterproof, distortion-free Selenite™ polycarbonate lenses that offer full ultraviolet protection and far exceed ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSIZ80.3 optical standards. These lenses are matched with a variety of high-performance, unbreakable TR90 frames, available in a wide range of styles and attractive colors.
“About 18 months ago, some friends of mine in the military recommended Wiley X glasses to me, and I started wearing them during races,” said Yates. “I was amazed at the incredible quality of their products and immediately noticed a marked improvement in my visual clarity, which meant better reaction time and racing ability. In a sport where success is measured down to a thousandth of a second, every advantage you can get is very important.
“We’re extremely excited about stepping up in a bigger way this year with Jim Yates Racing,” said Wiley X Eyewear’s Vice President of Sales Myles Freeman, Jr. “There’s not a classier guy in the sport then Jim. After Jim and his team had such a successful year in 2006, it pretty much cemented our commitment to get more involved this year. Jim also paved the way for a business relationship with Sea Ray (a luxury boat manufacturer). We’re very appreciative of this, and are hopeful that the success of this program could lead to a long-term relationship.”
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Wiley X Eyewear to Sponsor Jim Yates on NHRA’s Western Swing
LIVERMORE, Calif., January. 10, 2007 - Wiley X Eyewear is increasing its involvement with Jim Yates’ Pro Stock team and will become the primary sponsor of his Pontiac GTO for the next three races – NHRA’s traditional Western Swing that features events at Denver, Seattle (July 21-23) and Sonoma, Calif. (July 28-30).
Yates’ Wiley X Eyewear GTO will make its first appearance Friday when qualifying begins for the Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.
“Wiley X has been involved with our program for more than a year. The company was pleased with the response and exposure it received during that time,” said Yates, a two-time NHRA POWERade champion. “It plans to expand into the retail market and we are happy they chose our team and drag racing to help raise brand awareness. I wear their glasses. They have been instrumental in improving my starting-line reaction times.”
Wiley X makes protective eyewear, supplying glasses to the U.S. Military in the Middle East.
Yates, who has a win in two final rounds this year) is in the midst of a tense championship chase. He currently is fourth in points, just 93 points out of first place.
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Wiley X Eyewear Takes the Lead in Supporting Our Troops with U.S.O. Donation at Nextel Cup NASCAR Race
Industry Leader in Protective Eyewear Sponsors Sterling Marlin’s No. 14 Chevy in Las Vegas
LIVERMORE, Calif., March. 10, 2006 - Wiley X Eyewear™ (pronounced Why-Lee-X),
a leading manufacturer of tactical, sports and casual eyewear, is proud
to announce its primary sponsorship of Sterling Marlin's No. 14 Chevrolet
for the March 12th NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
In keeping with Wiley X Eyewear’s long tradition of providing the ultimate
in protective tactical eyewear for military and law enforcement applications,
the company is commemorating its most recent NASCAR sponsorship by donating
500 pairs of their revolutionary High Velocity Protection (HVP™) tactical
goggles along with a check for $5,000 to the U.S.O. to support the men
and women serving our country overseas.
The MB2 Motorsports entry is emblazoned with the black and red colors
of Wiley X, which was recently applauded by the New England Journal
of Medicine, which listed the company’s shatterproof ballistic eyewear
as one of the main reasons for the decreasing amount of eye injuries
suffered by today’s soldiers.
Along with being a major supplier to the U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement
agencies, Wiley X produces innovative and sophisticated sunglasses for
both casual and active wear as well as specialty eyewear for the motorcycle,
mountain/street bike, hunting, boating and fishing markets.
"It's hard to contain our excitement after finalizing a deal with the
good folks at MB2 Motorsports to have our very own Nextel Cup car competing
in Las Vegas," said Myles Freeman, co-owner and vice president of sales
for Wiley X Eyewear. "And we couldn't have a better role model than
Sterling Marlin to drive the No.14 Wiley X Eyewear car. This race is
dedicated to all of our retail customers who have helped us achieve
an aggressive goal in our quest to further raise brand awareness and
the brave men and women of our armed forces.”
Marlin, the 2002 winner at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, feels his new team
is ready for a breakthrough race in the Wiley X Chevy. "We had a good
test in Las Vegas (in January) and I think we're ready to jump out and
run up front," said Marlin. "We're banking on a red-hot performance
to go along with our cool-looking car and our cool-looking Wiley X shades.”
Wiley X is no stranger to the motorsports industry — the company is
in its second season as an associate sponsor on the MB2-owned U.S. Army
Chevrolet driven by Joe Nemechek. Wiley X has also established an official
status with the International Race of Champions (IROC) circuit.
“Wiley X has been a great partner and we appreciate them stepping up
for this opportunity,” said Jay Frye, MB2’s CEO and general manager.
“It’s always exciting when we are able to provide a company with its
first experience as a primary sponsor."
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Wiley X Re-signs with Army Racing for 2006 & 2007
Wiley X Eyewear proudly announces it has resigned with MB2 Motorsports and
continues as a major sponsor of the #01 U.S. Army Chevrolet and Army Racing for
the 2006 Nextel Cup Season. The Wiley X logo will appear on the rear deck lid
and B-pillars of the car. The #01 Army Car, driven by Joe Nemechek, is looking
forward to great things this year. The U.S. Army is the primary sponsor of the
#01 MB2 Motorsports Chevrolet.
Wiley X was created in 1986 to produce shatterproof eye gear for U.S. Military
Special Forces and Law Enforcement agencies nationwide. Shatterproof,
Selenite™, polycarbonate lenses define the ballistic qualities of their HVP
(High Velocity Protection) Series. Some models have been tested to withstand a
12 gauge shotgun blast from 10 yards away, helping the company gain not only
national but international notoriety. Wiley X Eyewear currently supplies the
FBI, DEA, Army Rangers, Navy Seal Teams and Military Special Forces. Wiley X
has supplied over 1 million frames to the 4 services protecting this great
nation.
Since 1990, Wiley X has taken a vigorous approach to promoting and advertising
in retail markets. They have developed fashionably functional lines and gained
tremendous recognition supplying eyewear to the motorcycle, mountain and street
bike markets, as well as optical, boating and fishing markets across the
country. Using their experience with Military Special Forces, lines like their
Seal-Tek™ and Magna-Seal™ Series have made them a household name with sportsman
who demand performance driven eyewear.
"We're excited about our relationship with Army Racing," says Dan Freeman, V.P.
of Marketing. "We felt like we needed to give something back. We are very proud
of this sponsorship and we want the world to know it."
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