* Auctions America announces five competition motorcycles from Michael Jordan Motorsports for its inaugural Las Vegas sale
* Offering includes bikes ridden by Jake Holden #59, Montez Stewart #123, Aaron Yates #20 and Geoff May #99
* More than 400 collectible motorcycles expected at the multi-day auction
AUBURN, Indiana (Dec. 28, 2011) - Auctions America by RM will raise the green flag on a winning line-up of competition motorcycles from the esteemed Michael Jordan Motorsports (MJM) race team when its inaugural Las Vegas Premier Motorcycle Auction gets underway Jan. 12 - 14, 2012, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.
Founded by NBA legend and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan in 2004, MJM is a respected competitor among factory-owned teams nationwide, having enjoyed significant success and numerous podium finishes. The collection is presented for auction by Upper Deck Authenticated, "The World's Greatest Memorabilia™ Company," which acquired the bikes directly from the Michael Jordan Motorsports team over the past eight years. These five bikes from the team?s formative years will return to the limelight next month, joining the starting grid at Auctions America?s highly anticipated Vegas sale.
"We're both honored and excited to have been entrusted with the presentation of these select Michael Jordan Motorsports team bikes for the first time at a public sale," said Donnie Gould, president of Auctions America by RM. "Each represents an important chapter in MJM's history and, in turn, presents an exclusive ownership opportunity for savvy collectors."
Leading the collection across the podium is the race-winning 2008 Suzuki GSX-R1000 AMA Superstock from the 2008 Superstock season and autographed by Michael Jordan. Presented in the MJM team color of Carolina blue, this Suzuki was not only ridden by Aaron Yates (#20) and Geoff May (#99), it claimed the 2008 Superstock Championship, the first for the MJM race team. Another highlight from the MJM racing stable is a Yamaha YZF-R1 AMA Superbike, ridden by Montez Stewart (#123) during the team's first year in the 2004 AMA Superstock class.
"Upper Deck Authenticated prides itself on offering collectors the most premium and authentic collectibles in the market. We are pleased to provide five remarkable, unique, one-of- a-kind motorcycles from Michael Jordan Motorsports to the public for the first time and excited to be teaming up with Auctions America to offer the bikes at their debut Las Vegas sale," said Jason Masherah, vice president of marketing and business development of Upper Deck.
Additional highlights include:
* a unique 2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000 AMA Superstock, ridden by Stewart during the second year of MJM and featuring detailed graphics of the Air Jordan XX shoe, inspired by Jordan's celebrated career;
* a gold-and-black 2006 Suzuki GSX-R1000 AMA Superstock, ridden by Jake Holden (#59) in MJM's third year and presented in the team's 2006 "Gold Medal" color theme signifying Jordan's achievements with Team USA in the '84 and '92 Olympic Games; and
* a royal blue-and-white 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 AMA Superstock, ridden by Holden during MJM's fourth year in the 2007 AMA Superstock class.
"These motorcycles dominated some of the toughest races in the Superstock and Superbike classes," added Gould. "Enthusiasts will appreciate the motorcycles' racing provenance and condition. They will not only amaze the crowd, they'll impress even the most ardent of motorcycle collectors."
The select bikes from the MJM racing stable join more than 400 collectible motorcycles expected to cross the block at Auctions America?s debut Vegas sale next month. In addition to the auction, the multi-day event will include celebrity appearances and an exclusive seminar featuring motorcycle experts from across the country.
Full event details and a list of auction offerings are available online at www.auctionsamerica.com or by calling toll free 877-906-2437 (or +1 260-927-9797 outside North America).
About Auctions America by RM
Formed in July 2010, Auctions America by RM specializes in the sale of American classics, European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods, customs and collectible motorcycles. To learn more about Auctions America, visit www.auctionsamerica.com, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @auctionsamerica.
About Upper Deck Authenticated
With a passionate focus on high quality craftsmanship, innovation and cutting-edge technology, The Upper Deck Company revolutionized the trading card experience in 1989. Over the years, Upper Deck has evolved from a trading card manufacturer to a worldwide sports and entertainment company and is regarded today as ?The World?s Greatest Memorabilia? Company?. For further information, visit www.upperdeckstore.com.
About Michael Jordan Motorsports
Legendary NBA star Michael Jordan formed Michael Jordan Motorsports in 2004 as a result of his passion for motorcycle racing.? In just eight years of existence, Michael Jordan Motorsports has shown that it can compete with factory-owned teams and can regularly vie for the podium. For further information, visit www.23race.com.