Arkansas Enduro Series and Maxxis Launch Sponsored Rider Program for 2026 Season
Top-three finishers in each of eight categories earn entries into a season-ending drawing, with one winner per category receiving paid entry into the 2027 series, a Maxxis-branded helmet, tires and more from the series' Official Tire Partner.
BENTONVILLE, AR. (August 27, 2026) — The Arkansas Enduro Series (AES), the largest enduro mountain bike racing series in Mid-America, today announced the launch of the Maxxis Sponsored Rider Program, a new rider-support initiative created with Official Tire Partner Maxxis that gives the series' top performers a shot at a full sponsorship package for the 2027 season.
Under the program, the top three performers in each of eight of the series' most competitive divisions will be entered into a drawing. At the final race of the series, one racer per category will be chosen as the winner of a Maxxis-backed sponsorship package for 2027.
Each winner receives paid entry into the 2027 Arkansas Enduro Series, a Maxxis custom branded full-face helmet, Maxxis tires, and additional gear and support from Maxxis — a full-season head start for the riders who define the front of the pack.
"Maxxis joining AES as our Official Tire Partner was only the beginning," said Michael Spivey, President & CEO of Ozark Foundation. "The Maxxis Sponsored Rider Program turns this partnership into something riders can win. We're rewarding the people who show up, put in the work, and set the pace, and give every rider a reason to chase it all the way to the final round."
The program recognizes top performing racers in the following 2026 categories:
Expert Women E-MTB Open
Expert Men E-MTB Open
Pro Men Open
Pro Women Open
Expert Women Open
Expert Men 19–39
Expert Men 40–49
Expert Men 50+
"We're proud to give back to the athletes who make this series what it is," said Bill Rudell of Maxxis. "Supporting dedicated racers with entry, tires, and gear for 2027 is exactly the kind of grassroots-to-podium support Maxxis is built on. We can't wait to see how the ‘26 series unfolds, and who we get to add to our family of racers for the 2027 season."
The 2026 Arkansas Enduro Series features four enduro events across Arkansas' premier mountain bike destinations, with winners crowned in each division at season's end. The Maxxis Sponsored Rider Program deepens the tire brand's commitment to the series, extending its support from the trail to the podium and into the season beyond.
"Our ambition is bigger than simply putting on great races," Spivey added. "We're building the premier gravity racing platform in Mid-America, and programs like this one are how we invest directly in the riders who build it with us."
About Arkansas Enduro Series
The Arkansas Enduro Series (AES) is the largest enduro mountain bike racing series in Mid-America, produced by the Ozark Foundation. Contested across four events on Arkansas' world-class trail systems, AES delivers professionally produced competition for riders of all ages and abilities, from first-time racers to seasoned pros. AES is building the premier gravity racing platform in Mid-America, investing directly in the riders, trail towns, and communities that move the sport forward.
Visit www.arkansasenduroseries.com to learn more.
About Ozark Foundation
Based in Bentonville, Arkansas, Ozark Foundation is a community-supported 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on positioning our state as a premier outdoor recreation destination. By producing and supporting a diverse lineup of events, we aim to make outdoor recreation accessible to all and elevate the region to be a better place to live, work, and play.
Learn more at www.ozarkfoundation.org
About Maxxis
Since its founding more than 50 years ago, Maxxis International has been dedicated to making tires that riders and drivers can trust for quality and performance. Maxxis offers products for automotive, light truck, ATV/UTV, motorcycle, bicycle, and other specialty applications, and distributes its tires in more than 180 countries. Trust in Maxxis extends from everyday consumers to professional drivers and riders, who rely on Maxxis tires to win world and national championships, Olympic medals, and more.
For more information, visit www.maxxis.com