Decatur, AL – Decatur, AL will again welcome the second stop of the 22nd season of the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series to the scenic banks of the Tennessee River, June 30 – July 1. The Series, which airs later this year on ESPN2, serves as one of the kickoff events for the Spirit of America Festival at Mallard Park. For fans of the Series who have watched it on ESPN, this is a chance to see all the saw-screaming, chip-flying action of the best lumberjack sports athletes in the world up close and personal, and be a part of the show.
"We are thrilled to be returning to Decatur where we had a packed house that saw 16 of the world’s top lumberjacks battle it out last year,” said Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for STIHL Inc. “Decatur is a great setting for us, and the appreciation of the fans made the decision to return for the second-round qualifier of our 22nd season very easy for STIHL.”
STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® spectators will cheer on professional athletes from the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, as they compete with a combination of speed, raw power and precision. The competition is comprised of six different disciplines, including the Single Buck, Stock and Hot Saw, Underhand, and Standing and Springboard Chops. Only the best in the world qualify for the Series. The Decatur event will also serve as the first-round qualifier for nine of the world’s top boom runners and pole climbers.
“We’re excited to have STIHL in Decatur for the second year. It’s a competition that’s unlike any other we host, and we are definitely looking forward to having the athletes return to our city this summer,” said Tami Reist, president, Decatur Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“The fans from Decatur really enjoyed watching the event live in spite of the 100-plus-degree heat. Many commented that they enjoyed the Series on TV, but it was even better live and that they were very pleased that the competitors were so friendly,” said Phelps. “The athletes really enjoyed the down-home southern hospitality offered by everyone who attended.”
The competitive format will provide head-to-head competition in an “olympic-style” pool format. The 16 competitors will face off in their respective groups over a two-day period. Each day’s events will determine which top eight lumberjacks move on to the final round in Stillwater, MN. and who goes home. The boom runners and pole climbers will also be pared down for the final round.
Contestants in the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® series compete for points and qualifying positions in the overall battle for the 2007 STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® championship title, a new Dodge RAM pick-up truck, and a prize purse valued at more than $300,000.
Dodge, the official truck of the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series, will showcase some of the latest Dodge vehicles. Carhartt, official work-wear sponsor for the Series, will operate its show trailer with displays and prizes. And Cabela’s, official outfitter of the Series, will add to the excitement with the “Cabela-tron” jumbo screen and additional giveaways. ESPN2 will air the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Professional Series this November and December, and ESPNU will air the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Collegiate Series this summer, with all shows rebroadcast throughout the year.
For more information and latest updates, log on to:
www.stihltimbersports.com
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About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world's largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through independent servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast – not mass merchants. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit STIHL's Web site at
www.stihlusa.com
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STIHL Inc. is the official underwriting sponsor of the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series presented by Carhartt. The series airs throughout the year on the ESPN2 cable network, and the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Collegiate Series airs on ESPNU.
