La Mirada, Calif.-based Makita U.S.A., manufacturer of industrial power tools and accessories, has extended its presence in the world of live race events with its sponsorship of DragonFire Racing. DragonFire is part of the Polaris 2008 RangerSide-by-Side Race Team, which competes on Polaris Rangerside-by-side vehicles.

“Side-by-side racing is experiencing huge growth, and we’re happy to be a part of it,” said Brent Withey, Makita senior brand manager. “We look forward to being part of the action with DragonFire Racing in the 2008 CORR series.”

Makita joins DragonFire Racing, which is sponsored by Polaris, the Minnesota-based engineer, manufacturer, and marketer of side-by-sides, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and Victory Motorcycles. DragonFire Racing will race its built-by-Makita Polaris RangerRZR on outdoor tracks in California and Nevada in the Championship Off-Road Racing (CORR) Series.

Side-by-side racing is the newest category in CORR, and is relatively new to off-road racing in general. The off-road side-by-side vehicles now being modified for race competitions were originally considered work vehicles and primarily used for construction and agriculture. In the past several years, the work-only vehicles evolved into recreational and racing vehicles. With the category’s exploding popularity, side-by-side racing was added to the CORR series this year as a sanctioned class. DragonFire Makita Polaris Racing Team Drivers Jimmy Weitzel and Todd Romano use a modified version of the Polaris RangerRZR, which is a highly sought-after model in the growing side-by-side category for both racing and recreational use.

For Makita, the sponsorship of DragonFire Racing is a natural step in its growing line of partnerships in racing and action sports. Makita is already a fixture on the AMA Supercross and Motocross Series. This year Makita and Suzuki teamed up with Rockstar to form Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing. The team debuted in January at the AMA Supercross season opener in Anaheim, where team rider Ryan Dungey won the Supercross Lites class race. The team will race in the upcoming 2008 AMA Motocross Series. Rockstar Makita Suzuki is also a sponsor of ATV and Superbike teams. Makita is also the Official Power Tool Sponsor of CORR, and sponsors Rockstar Makita Team Leduc Racing.

Makita is also the Official Tool Sponsor of Major League Soccer, as well as the Mexican National Soccer Team for their games played in the US.