Chris Wheeler
Owner · MX Development Labs, LLC
San Marcos, CA
In My Own Words
Approximately 18 years experience as test rider developing motocross and off-road motorcycles for industry leading manufacturers. Experienced Team Manager for factory backed championship winning Off-Road race team. 10 year career as motocross race professional. 9 years experience as a motocross liaison for action sports companies building their brand awareness and product profiles.
Work Experience
Owner
MX Development Labs, LLC2009 – Present
-Provides motocross rider training and development programs for individuals and groups. -Reviews basic and advanced motocross skills including bike set-up, bike prep, starts, turns, jumps, line selection, and body positioning. -Develops training products from concept to development.
SX/MX Sports Marketing Manager
SUZUKI MOTOR OF AMERICA, INC2016 – Present
• Provides direction and develops the strategy for Suzuki Racing Programs to ensure maximum exposure and brand awareness through racing, marketing, and advertising activities. • Develops, forecasts, and manages Motocross/Supercross, Amateur, Off Road and Contingency Budgets. • Works with teams, athletes, sponsors and events to maximize Suzuki exposure and to increase brand identity among enthusiast and fans through reporting race results, social media, event activation and athlete recruitment. • Liaises with R&D by providing race team feedback and expert opinion to improve Suzuki products and enhance Suzuki customer experience and loyalty. • Liaises with Communications and Sales by providing experience from events and product feedback to help tell the story of the Suzuki brand in marketing and advertising campaigns. • Reviews and provides content for press releases and media events related to race teams, athletes, product, and race events. • Develops and manages Dealer Race programs to expand dealer customer base. • Responsible for Race Team identification, contract negotiation, & partner development between teams, sponsors, and race organizations. • Maintains parts management (ordering, reconciliation, tracking) and Suspense Unit allocation management
Sr. Off Road Specialist
American Suzuki Motor Corp.2010 – Present
-Evaluates pre-production motocross and off-road motorcycles during development and product finalization. -Analyzes current product gaps and provides concept ideas and input on strategy for future bike development -Works with product engineers to improve bike performance by providing critical feedback on core bike components, including engine, chassis, suspension, and body design.
Off-Road Race Team Manager
American Suzuki Motor Corp.2010 – 2011
-Managed FMF/Makita Suzuki Offroad Race Team 2011 season (maintained team budget, negotiated rider contracts and team sponsorships, provided on-site race team support, and coordinated dealer demonstration events)
Consultant Test Rider
American Suzuki Motor Corp.1996 – 2010
-Evaluated and test rode pre-production motocross and off-road motorcycles during development and product finalization. -Worked with in-house testing product engineers to improve bike performance by providing critical feedback on core bike components.
Moto Mentor
Nike2005 – 2008
-Provided industry expertise to Nike 6.0 motocross division for athlete scouting and recruitment, event promotions and sponsorship, and company transition into motocross industry.. - Assisted with team building athlete retreats located at Nike headquarters
Athlete Coach
Red Bull2005 – 2008
- Responsible for coaching Red Bull JAMS athletes, including pre-race debriefing and provided race strategy including walking the track, line selection, bike set-up, starting techniques, and overall race weekend planning. - Assisted with Red Bull set-up and production activities at all Amateur National Championship events. - Provided feedback to Red Bull management on team organization and needs during events.
Race and Technical Manager
Tag Metals2002 – 2008
-Managed racer sponsorship programs, including racer/team selection and recruitment, event promotion and sponsorship. -Worked closely with quality control and upcoming product releases. -Assisted with marketing campaigns in order to associate the brand with top athletes. -Gathered feedback from sponsored teams and riders to improve quality and design on company product. -Represent company at media events and trade shows . -Coordinated with company press releases and media opportunities.
Rider
Professional Motocross Rider1994 – 2003
-Blackfoot Honda Race Team, Canada – 2003 -FMF/Honda 4 stroke Nationals Team - 2003 -ECC Suzuki Race Team, CA. – 2002 -Hollinberger Yamaha, Germany – 2002 -Meyer Honda Race Team, Germany – 2001 -AM Leonard KTM Race Team, OH. –2000 -Red Bull Yamaha Race Team, Germany – 1999 -Pit Pro Suzuki Race Team, Ca. - 1997 -American Suzuki Sports Race Team, CA. -1995-1998