Arkansas Enduro Series Announces Maxxis as Official Tire Partner, Unveils Record Sponsor Lineup for 2026

Largest Enduro Race Series in Mid-America Builds Powerful Sponsorship Platform of Global and Local Brands as Series Expands to Include Downhill Racing

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (July 30, 2026) — The Arkansas Enduro Series (AES), the largest enduro mountain bike racing series in Mid-America, today announced Maxxis as its Official Tire Partner, further strengthening a record lineup of industry-leading partners for the 2026 season.

Maxxis joins Monster Energy, previously announced as Presenting Sponsor of the Arkansas Enduro Series, along with Walmart, Arvest Bank, General Mills, Dell Technologies, Miller High Life and Mojo Bike Shop, creating the strongest commercial partnership portfolio in the Series’ history and underscoring the continued growth and momentum of enduro and gravity racing across Arkansas and the Mid-America region.

The diverse partner lineup represents a powerful sponsorship platform that brings together some of the world’s most recognized global brands with leading regional and locally rooted companies. Together, these partners reflect the broad appeal of the Arkansas Enduro Series and its ability to connect brands with a passionate and growing community of racers, outdoor enthusiasts, families and fans.

“Today’s announcement represents another major milestone for the Arkansas Enduro Series,” said Michael Spivey, President & CEO of Ozark Foundation, producer of the Arkansas Enduro Series. “To welcome Maxxis to a partner lineup that already includes Presenting Sponsor Monster Energy and an exceptional group of global, national and locally rooted companies is a tremendous validation of what this Series has become. Together, these partners give us one of the strongest sponsorship platforms in regional mountain bike racing and allow us to continue elevating the experience for our racers and communities.”

As Official Tire Partner, Maxxis brings one of cycling’s most respected performance brands to the Series. For decades, Maxxis has equipped World Cup champions, world champions and elite athletes across virtually every discipline of mountain biking, making it one of the sport’s most recognized and trusted names.

‍“We’re thrilled to join the Arkansas Enduro Series as a major partner and serve as the Official Tire of the Series,” said Bill Rudell of Maxxis. “Arkansas has become a global destination for off-road cycling, and we’re excited to support the Series and be part of the continued growth of gravity racing in the region.”

‍Monster Energy, previously announced as Presenting Sponsor of the Arkansas Enduro Series, brings its deep connection to action sports and gravity racing to the championship. Walmart, General Mills and Dell Technologies add the support of globally recognized companies, while Arvest Bank, OZ E-Bikes and Mojo Bike Shop reinforce the Series’ strong connection to the communities and cycling culture of Arkansas. Ozarks Coca-Cola and Miller High Life help enhance the post-race celebrations and festival atmosphere that have become a signature part of the Arkansas Enduro Series experience.

The 2026 Arkansas Gravity Series continues to expand with the return of the Arkansas Downhill Series. Riders will have two opportunities to compete in downhill racing, beginning with a downhill event as part of the Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival and culminating with a standalone downhill race at the all-new OZ Trails Bike Park. Together with the Arkansas Enduro Series, these events provide riders with more opportunities to compete across multiple gravity disciplines while showcasing two of Arkansas' premier mountain biking destinations and further strengthening the state's position as a leading gravity riding destination in the central United States.

Together, the Series’ partners help deliver a first-class race experience featuring professionally designed courses, precision timing, rider hospitality, cash purses for professional racers, podium celebrations and welcoming festival environments that distinguish the Arkansas Enduro Series from other regional race series.

The 2026 championship features four events across Arkansas’ premier mountain bike destinations, welcoming riders from throughout the region and across the country while showcasing the state’s world-class trails and growing mountain bike infrastructure.

‍“Our ambition is bigger than simply putting on great races,” Spivey said. “We’re building the premier gravity racing platform in Mid-America—one that elevates the sport, delivers an exceptional experience for riders and showcases why Arkansas has become one of the country’s great mountain biking destinations. The strength of our partners, combined with the addition of downhill racing, allows us to continue raising that bar.”

‍‍‍‍‍About Arkansas Enduro Series

‍ Produced by Ozark Foundation, the Arkansas Enduro Series is the largest enduro mountain bike racing series in Mid-America. The championship showcases Arkansas’ world-class trail systems while providing professionally produced competition for riders of all ages and abilities. Beginning in 2026, select Series weekends will also feature downhill racing, expanding opportunities for gravity athletes and fans. Through its events, the Series promotes outdoor recreation, healthy lifestyles and cycling tourism while helping position Arkansas as a premier destination for mountain biking.  Learn more at www.arkansasenduroseries.com.

About Ozark Foundation

‍Based in Bentonville, Arkansas, Ozark Foundation is a nonprofit event production organization that produces best-in-class outdoor recreation events that position Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas as premier outdoor recreation destinations. Its portfolio includes the Arkansas Graveler, OZ Stage Race, Arkansas Enduro Series, OZ Kids events, and other nationally recognized cycling and outdoor recreation experiences. Learn more at www.ozarkfoundation.org.

‍ About Maxxis

‍Founded in 1967, Maxxis International is one of the world’s leading tire manufacturers, producing high-performance tires for bicycles, automobiles, light trucks, motorcycles, ATVs and other applications. With a long-standing commitment to innovation, performance and competition, Maxxis is one of the most recognized tire brands in cycling and supports athletes and teams competing at the highest levels of mountain biking around the world.  Learn more at www.maxxis.com.

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