PICKLEBALL RECOGNIZED IN RYAN TRUEX ’ S NASCAR XFINITY ENTRY
By Justin Maloof
The worlds of NASCAR and pickleball collided in full force last month !
USA Pickleball had the exciting opportunity to see Ryan Truex , driver of the # 18
ShopUSAPickleball . com Toyota owned by Joe Gibbs Racing , pilot the first-ever pickleball-wrapped Toyota at the NASCAR Xfinity Series “ Call 811 Before You Dig 250 powered by Call 811 ” at the Martinsville Speedway on April 8 .
USA Pickleball is thrilled to partner with MTJ Merchandising to sponsor the # 18
ShopUSAPickleball . com Toyota Supra with Ryan Truex as driver . The opportunity to showcase
ShopUSAPickleball . com at a premiere NASCAR event provided
great exposure for both the evergrowing sport of pickleball as well as the national governing body . As part of MTJ ’ s involvement with NASCAR , this marketing opportunity was provided at no cost to USA Pickleball .
“ We were excited to put
ShopUSAPickleball . com as the primary sponsor on the # 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Supra for the Martinsville Xfinity Series race ,” said Todd Moore , president , MTJ Group of Companies . “ As USA Pickleball ’ s merchandising partner , our goal is to build awareness of pickleball , and provide all pickleball officials and fans with a great selection of products and contribute to the growth of the incredible sport .”
To view race highlights , follow @ USAPickleball on all social media channels . •
PICKLEBALL SIGNED INTO HISTORY ON THE FOUNDING COURT
By Laura Gainor
USA Pickleball leaders had the honor to travel to Bainbridge Island , Washington , to witness the historic signing of bill SB 5615 , which formally declares pickleball as the official sport of the state of Washington . The local community members who are part of the Bainbridge Island Pickleball Club had rallied together to push the bill forward . On March 28 , it became official !
Standing on the original court where pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island in 1965 , Governor Jay Inslee signed the law into existence surrounded by pickleball players , lifelong fans , community leaders and media .
And to top off the historic weekend , family members of the original founders , Barney McCallum , Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell , were present at the bill signing as well . The USA Pickleball representatives were able to hear stories about the sport and its camaraderie , reminiscing about what got them playing in the first place and imagining where the sport will go in the future .
Following the signing , the Bainbridge Island Pickleball Club hosted a celebration at Battle Point Park to play some games and continue the revelry around the signing of the historic bill . With more than 75 people in attendance , there was plenty of pickleball to go around for everyone to enjoy .
USA Pickleball is grateful to the state of Washington and to Governor Inslee for finding the value of pickleball and loving the sport that calls their state home . We are so thankful to the founders for inventing the sport of pickleball , and to Washington State Senator John Lovick for spearheading the legislation . •
MAY / JUNE 2022 | MAGAZINE 17