 n late-September, a contingent of Parts Unlimited sales reps, regional managers and representatives from Parts Unlimited, Bridgestone and EK headed across the Pacific Ocean to celebrate the reps’ success as winners of a sales incentive contest involving the two Japanese-based brands.
After arriving in Japan and unwinding from the long flight, the group went to one of Bridgestone Tires’ facilities near Tokyo for a tour and technical overview. They then headed north to take in the Japanese round of the 2007 MotoGP race series that weekend at the famed Motegi Twin Ring circuit. They were given the VIP guest treatment at the event from Bridgestone and EK and got up-close and personal views of the key MotoGP riders, teams and machines. As luck would have it, Casey Stoner clinched the 2007 World title at this event for his Bridgestone-shod Ducati team, which added to the already high-spirits of the attendees and sponsors.
Next stop was a brief airline flight to the east coast of Japan to tour the EK Chain factory. They were also entertained there with a festive Japanese dinner and show, a memorable opportunity for the group to unwind and enjoy the centuries-old traditions of the Japanese culture. The group then headed back to Tokyo for one last day of shopping before having to say “Sayonara” to their hosts and board a 747 for the return trip home over the Pacific Ocean.
As with past Bridgestone-EK sales rep trips, a segment of the Parts Unlimited sales force got to see first-hand the inner workings of these two important motorcycle accessory manufacturers. They returned armed with more product information than they had before they arrived, and all are looking forward to repeating their success of 2007 in the next sales contest.
The group resided in Tokyo on the way in and on the way out of Japan.
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People who have never been to Japan may have the impression that it is difficult for “westerners” to find a good meal. As this photo shows, that is not necessarily always the case.
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First official stop on the tour was a visit to the Bridgestone Tire office in Tokyo. Bob Graham, head of Bridgestone’s motorcycle division in the United States is seen here in the red shirt.
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The Parts Unlimited group at the Grand Prix of Japan. On the left side of the sign are (l-r): Jon Hansen, Chad Erlandson, Troy Strope, Gus Copoulos (on knee), Neil Zander, Bill Walther, Nick Zander and Jay Verly (on knee). On the right side of the sign are (l-r): Ed Bardoe, Gary Coffey, Bob Graham (Bridgestone), Mark Short (on knee), Troy Mackaman, Brian Fox, Benjamin Fox, Dave York and Chuck Wade.
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The Honda Museum is located on the grounds of the Motegi facility and is walking distance from the race-course. Here many significant examples of Honda’s motorsports history are on display.
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Some examples of Mr. Honda’s first products are part of the display.
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NGK is just one of many manufacturers that put on lively exhibitions in a vendor row area near the grandstands.
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technical product seminar followed the EK factory tour.
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The Parts group was invited to the Kawasaki VIP area at the track. The Kawasaki MotoGP team runs both Bridgestone tires and EK chains.
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The Parts group got a first-hand look at the inside of EK Chain, one of the world’s largest chain manufacturers.
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Checking out the Ducati display.
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Standing behind a host from Bridgestone are Casey Wada of EK Chain (left), Bob Graham of Bridgestone USA, Benjamin Fox and his father Brian Fox of Parts Unlimited.
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Taking a break before heading back onto the bus is (from left): Gary Coffey, Mark Short, Troy Mackaman and Bridgestone’s Bob Graham.
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“Dad!,” yells Benjamin as Brian Fox tackles an unidentified dish. Whatever it was, Chuck Wade is enjoying the moment more as a spectator than as a participant.
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Following dinner, the group was entertained with a show to cap off the event.
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Dressed in kimonos for the traditional Japanese dinner, EK’s Casey Wada welcomes Parts Unlimited’s Brian fox (right) and his son Benjamin.
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As per the custom, each guest in the group is served the full Japanese dinner by his own hostess.
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