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D . I . D and race legend Valentino Rossi have been in a brand relationship , one way or another , for two decades - from racing with D . I . D chain ever since he switched to Yamaha in the early days of his career , right through to his position as a D . I . D Brand Ambassador since he retired . With a year still to go on their present three-year agreement , D . I . D and Rossi have now extended that agreement , signing a new three-year deal that will see Rossi continue as a Global Brand Ambassador for D . I . D , with D . I . D continuing its support as an official Technical Partner for the VR46 Riders Academy and VR46 Ranch , and for the Mooney / VR46 race team in Moto2 and MotoGP . Hirofumi Araya , President of Daido Kogyo Co ., Ltd . said : " We are extremely pleased to be able to continue our relationship with Valentino Rossi . He is a fine ambassador for D . I . D and for the sport . " D . I . D and Valentino share a common , mutual desire to improve riders ' performance and contribute to foster the future talents in two-wheel motorsports . It is a pleasure to work with Valentino as our Global Brand Ambassador and we are excited to continue backing his investment in the future of motorcycle racing . " On the racetrack , D . I . D will continue to use the most innovative materials and technologies to develop chains that can contribute to the performance of a globally recognised and respected sports person like Rossi . At the same time , DAIDO will incorporate latest materials and technologies to codevelop with him the ultimate chains that can be safely used and enjoyed by riders all over the world , so to increase the joy of motorcycle riding ." Last year saw D . I . D launch its first cobranded chain product with Rossi - the D . I . D X VR46 . The company also released " The Doctor " - a newly designed 460-piece limited edition chain , test-approved by Rossi , that was directly derived from the D . I . D chain supplied in MotoGP . That sold out immediately , and the good news is that a second limited edition special chain in the series is currently at the design phase in Japan . Araya went on to say : " At the same time , DAIDO will incorporate latest materials and technologies to codevelop with him the ultimate chains that can be safely used and enjoyed by riders all over the world , so to increase the joy of motorcycle riding ." Commenting on the extension of the relationship , Valentino Rossi said : " I have been using D . I . D on the track with Yamaha for many years , and now I am very glad to extend this partnership as
Hirofumi Araya , left , President of D . I . D chain manufacturer Daido Kogyo Co . Ltd . concludes the extension of the partnership with Valentino Rossi .
their expertise and great technology can support me and our VR46 Riders Academy racers on the track and during our training activities ." Araya concluded by saying : " Fun is a strong driving force in D . I . D , fun is the essential element , and combined with Valentino ' s dedication to excellence and the search for adrenaline , this is a 360- degree partnership between winners , for winners ." www . didchain . com
The relationship between Valentino Rossi and D . I . D goes right back to Rossi ' s switch to Yamaha ( from HRC ) in 2004 .
Tested by Valentino Rossi , D . I . D launched its first co-branded chain last year - the D . I . D X VR46 520 and 525 series .
DID ' s new X-rings have greater retention and durability , for higher wear resistance . www . idnmag . com INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022 33