STIHL Reveals Exciting Details for the 2014 STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Season

NORFOLK, Va., Feb. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- STIHL Inc. is excited to announce the official kickoff of the 2014 STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series, presented by Ram Trucks. The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series, the Original Extreme Sport, pits the top lumberjack athletes from across the country in thrilling and grueling wood chopping, cutting, and sawing competitions. This year the U.S. Pro and Collegiate Championship will be held at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Va., from June 20 to 22, and for the first time in nearly two decades, the competition will air nationally on ABC in September.

Since 1985, the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series' popularity has grown rapidly both nationally and abroad, and ABC will allow even more fans to experience the chip flying and saw turning action. The last time the Series aired on ABC was on ABC's Wide World of Sports nearly 20 years ago. As the second longest running show on the ESPN Networks, the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series is seen by millions of viewers worldwide each year.

"We are very proud and excited to announce that the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series will return to ABC this year," said Brad Sorgen, executive producer of the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series. "The Series gets better each season. With a talented roster of athletes, an exciting lineup of sponsors, and the high production quality of the Norfolk Scope Arena, we are enthusiastic about this year's event. Of course, we always look forward to opportunities to host the Series in Hampton Roads, our own backyard."

This is the first time in the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series history that the U.S. Pro and Collegiate athletes will fight for top honors at the Norfolk Scope Arena. The facility is one of the premier venues on the East Coast and is perfect for showcasing one of the most exciting sporting events in the country.

"The STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series U.S. Pro and Collegiate Championships coming to the Norfolk Scope Arena is a big win for us and our community," said John Rhamstine, director, Scope Arena. "The Series is well respected, and viewed by millions all over the world. We're happy we can bring this exciting event to Norfolk."

Selection for the Series took place earlier this year. Lumberjack athletes will qualify for the championship by competing in one of eight collegiate and professional qualifiers. For the full season schedule, visit STIHLUSA.com/STIHL-TIMBERSPORTS/Schedules/.

Athletes compete in six professional lumberjack disciplines; the hot saw, single buck, springboard chop, standing block chop, stock saw and underhand chop. This season features notable returning lumberjacks and fan favorites, including the renowned lumberjack Cogar family. STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series Pro Champion Matthew Cogar will defend his title, and will have to face his cousins Arden and Scooter, Jr., as well as his father Paul. Other returning athletes include David Moses, Mel Lentz, Mike Forester, and many more. For the full list of this season's competitors, visit STIHLUSA.com/STIHL-TIMBERSPORTS/Athletes/.

"It's an honor and a privilege for my family and me to compete in the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series, and we're in awe that we'll get to showcase our talents on ABC this year," said Matthew Cogar, current and youngest U.S. Champion in Series history. "We love that our sport continues to gain popularity. This year should be the most exciting one yet."

The Duluth Trading Company, Georgia Boot and John Deere have signed on as 2014 sponsors, joining returning presenting sponsor Ram Trucks.

Fans can purchase tickets for the U.S. Pro and Collegiate Championships at the Scope Arena Box Office, at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com or via phone at 1-800-745-3000.  For news, videos, and the latest information around the Series, please visit the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® website. Fans can also follow the Series through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. 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 website at www.stihlusa.com.

STIHL Inc. is the official underwriting sponsor of the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series. The series airs throughout the year on ABC, and the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Collegiate Series airs on ESPNU. The STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® SERIES is the pinnacle event in lumberjack sports. Since 1985 the Series has grown to become the premier showcase of the decades old sport of lumberjacking with competitions held around the world.

The term TIMBERSPORTS^® is a registered trademark owned by ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG. and refers to the series of disciplines and competitions that are part of the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series. As such, it should not be used as a generic description of the overall sport of lumberjack sports. This trademark refers to all modifications of the term TIMBERSPORTS such as timber sports, or timbersport. The term TIMBERSPORTS should always appear in conjunction with "STIHL."

SOURCE STIHL Inc.