The professionals at the AMSOIL-sponsored The Next Bite (TNB) fishing program were awarded “Best Overall Outdoor Fishing Program” at the 2011 Outdoors 360 Programming Excellence Awards.
“We were up against some pretty stiff competition– names that I grew up with,” said Pete Maina. “This really means a lot to all of us at TNB. Lots of people deserve the credit for this: our team, our viewers, our sponsors– they’re all part of the TNB family. It’s funny, because when we first sat down eight years ago, we discussed what we thought it would take to make a successful fishing show– something that would be viewed as a trend-setter. We built the show around those ideas. Those elements are the same today as they were then– entertainment and education wrapped around a unique format. Sponsors who believe in us. Viewers who can relate to us. And fish. Lots of fish.”
“TNB is a unique show, and I’m lucky to be a part of it,” said Keith Kavajecz. “As our experience grows, so does our knowledge. We just want to share as much of that as we can. It’s pretty cool that we have that opportunity.”
“Fishing is the greatest sport in the world,” said Gary Parsons. “I’ve been blessed to be able to make a career out of my passion. Working with guys like Keith and Pete make it that much better. We have fun, we get to educate people so that their fishing experience is better and we make a living doing it. Tell me what could be better?”
Outdoor Life, a leading name in outdoor media, recently named its “20 Best Anglers on the Planet,” and The Next Bite was well represented. Maina was included on the elite list for his years of dedication to the pursuit of muskies, along with his leadership in the catch and release of this trophy species. Parsons, the only person to win Angler of the Year awards in three different professional walleye circuits and a Legendary Angler inductee into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, was also included on the list.
Visit www.amsoilracing.com/Media/TheNextBitetv.aspx to watch The Next Bite highlights.
AMSOIL has signed an agreement to be the title sponsor of the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA), now known as the AMSOIL Offshore Powerboat Series sanctioned by OPA.
“We are thrilled to have AMSOIL come aboard as the title sponsor of the OPA,” said OPA President Ed Smith. “Their commitment to offshore racing through the sponsorships of several high-profile teams (Bob Teague) over the past few years has been exceptional. Their involvement will help the OPA expand its coverage and improve its race events starting in Sunny Isles, Fla.”
Along with the title sponsorship of the series, AMSOIL will work hand-in-hand with the promotion of offshore racing and help develop a new reality-based television production that will air on Versus in late 2011.
“The OPA is a great fit for AMSOIL and its strengths in the marine market,” said AMSOIL Race Program Manager Jeremy Meyer. “Along with exciting racing, the OPA offers up a colorful cast of racers who will be highlighted in the new Versus show, and both race fans and casual observers will be hooked on the high-end production.” See www.amsoilracing.com for the latest AMSOIL Offshore Powerboat Series schedule.
AMSOIL and offshore racing star Bob Teague have reached an agreement on a one-year contract extension for the 2011 offshore powerboat season. Teague will compete in the AMSOIL Offshore Powerboat Series, as well as several other offshore racing series throughout the 2011 season.
