David Bailey Joins JT as Creative Director
AMA Motocross Champion Returns To His Roots With The Iconic Gear Company
July 26, 2011 - Los Angeles, CA - Few companies in motocross history have made quite the impact that JT Racing has. From the '70s to the '90s athletes wearing the iconic JT brand were recognized as the best of the best, and within that select community, David Bailey was considered to be in a class his own. The AMA Hall of Famer was a "poster child" for the brand from his days as an amateur all the way through to his pro racing career, and now with the resurgence of JT Racing USA, Bailey is back on board!
Beginning in 1979 Bailey racked up national and world motocross victories and championships until a career-ending practice crash prior to the 1987 season left him paralyzed. Through it all, Bailey’s winning spirit and drive exemplified the essence of JT Racing. Now, as the company enters a new era in 2010 under the guidance of CEO David Dray, JT Racing USA is proud to welcome Bailey back as a part of the iconic brand. As the company’s new Creative Director, Bailey will play a key role in the look, feel and message of JT Racing USA.
"When the new CEO of JT (David Dray) first contacted me I thought one of my friends was playing a joke on me," Bailey said. "Between his excitement and his vision for the revival of JT Racing, I really couldn't believe it. Now I'm here and it is real! After seeing the new products they released, I knew I could help them do it even better and that's what they want from me."
"It was the same when ESPN called back in 1994 to see if I could help with the TV broadcast they were planning to air," Bailey continued. "Piece of cake! But with JT, it is personal and actually emotional at times. It was the gear I wanted as a kid and won all my titles in and it was the first real job I ever had when my career ended. So in many ways, I'm right back where I belong, and where I want to be!"
The JT Racing revival is materializing under the guidance of CEO David Dray, a lifelong motocross enthusiast and clothing industry entrepreneur. "We are very thrilled and honored to have such an icon of the sport as David Bailey, back on the JT Racing USA team," Dray commented. "Before as a legendary rider and now as our Creative Director, David is one of the key components to help continue the JT Racing Legacy!"
COMMENT
By: JTRacing
10.05.2011[...] David Bailey, our Creative Director, as he joins The Moto Show and gives us some insight on how he got re involved with JT and what [...]
By: Michael Butler
09.19.2011I grew up watching Bailey race, one of my favorite riders from then. I had the posters plastered up all over my walls and the dreams of one day being big enough to throw a leg over that CR 250. Well, obviously a lot of time has passed; I finally rode that CR250 as well. From those days, this brand was always synonymous with the smell of 2-cycle wafting through the tracks AND open face helmets. As they say, what was once old is new again. I could hallucinate that riders would seriously get back into this brand hardcore...provided you keep that big "jt" logo...Cheers!
By: Daniel Partch
09.05.2011Stoked for JT and David Bailey! I'm back in the saddle to after 16 years off...and I'm totally stoked that JT is making their comeback and it's ironic it's happening the same time as mine. Looking forward to great things and many awesome fun times back ridding...keeping my eye on JT....I grew up a few miles from your original shop ridding all around town on my BMX bike...with JT gloves...and iron on's I would find in the dumpster that were throw-aways...I would iron those onto my t-shirts...the life of a 12 year old...ha...it continues with the same excitement now...as it did then!!! Daniel Partch Medically retired Marine and Soldier of 13 yrs Ridding again!
By: Byron "tgi" Friday
09.05.2011What a classic combo - DB and JT!!!! I gotta say that i'm really LQQKing forward to seeing some of the incredible people behind the scenes @ JT Racing featured on the History page! Hard working and committed employees like Doug Mello and Karsten Berg who both listened to the riders feedback on the product and actual implemented those requested changes to the product/production! John and Rita built a solid team of employees who collectively help contribute to building the JT Racing brand. Viva JT!