Team EVS is thrilled to announce the formation of a new alliance with legendary motocross freerider and viral video sensation Axell “Slay” Hodges to wear, endorse and develop EVS products. Known as one of the most talented, gifted and creative riders to throw a leg over a dirt bike, Hodges continues to push the limits of possibility on a dirt bike, incorporating elements of surfing, snowboarding and skating into his riding style — much to the delight of his millions of social media followers worldwide.
Having worn EVS products in an “unofficial” capacity for some time — after being gifted a pair of TP199 Knee Pads by freestyle motocross legend Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg — Hodges now joins #TeamEVS in an official capacity, where he’ll be working together with the EVS design team to develop a signature line of EVS products, similar to how fellow Freestyle legend (and new EVS teammate) Travis Pastrana worked with the design team to create his signature EVS TP199 line.
Like many, Hodges started racing motocross at a young age, chasing the amateur national motocross circuit where he even won a title in 2012 at the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National. Not long after, Hodges changed course and focused his attention on X Games in 2016, participating in the Best Whip, Step Up and Quarter Pipe High Air disciplines. He’s since accumulated seven X Games medals and even hosted the X Games Moto X disciplines at his riding compound in Southern California in 2021.
When not competing, Hodges enjoys one-off events like the Red Bull Imagination and Day in the Dirt events, experiencing new racing disciplines like GNCC, riding pit bikes, snowboarding and filming segments for his YouTube series, Slayground, which has accumulated over 12 million views on the Monster Energy YouTube channel. What started as simple videos of himself riding in his backyard and neighborhood on a pit bike has since morphed into one of the most popular dirt bike video series in the action sports segment and made Hodges one of the most popular and influential people in the powersports industry and mainstream media alike.
To put Hodges’ fanbase and following into perspective, his 1.3 million-plus followers on Instagram put him in the same company as many of today’s biggest names in motorcycle racing. With a unique style on the motorcycle and a genuine, likable personality off the bike, it’s no surprise Hodges has become one of the most sought-after action sports athletes in the world.
“Having Axell Hodges onboard #TeamEVS opens so many doors and opportunities for both EVS and Slay,” explains Jackson Halsmer, Professional Athlete Manager at EVS Sports. “We’ve informally worked with Slay for a couple of years now, and it’s exciting how we [EVS] have gotten to where we’re at now, with our relationship becoming more official. Axell’s presence in the powersports industry is second to none, and both he and EVS have some exciting short-term and long-term goals and projects that we intend to work towards together. Axell and his team are a pleasure to work with, and we’re excited to be an official part of Axell’s program for 2022 and beyond!”
EVS Sports Global Brand Director Taz Sobotka echoed Halsmer’s thoughts on the new partnership with Hodges: “EVS and Axell teaming up is exciting news! We’ve had legendary partnerships with athletes that push the envelope like him for decades. It only makes sense to have him on board with the brand, and we’re happy to add him to our roster of elite riders who wear the EVS brand. With some cool ideas already in the works, working with him over the coming years will be something to keep an eye on for sure. The future is looking bright!”
“I’m really excited to officially be a part of #TeamEVS!” shared Hodges. “I’ve been wearing their stuff for years and have always been a fan, but to make it official is awesome. We’ve got some big stuff in the works and can’t wait for you all to see it!”
As previously mentioned, as part of his new partnership with EVS Sports, Hodges will work with the EVS Sports design team on a signature line of products, with direct input from Axell throughout the design process, which will be revealed in the coming months. In the meantime, hit the video play button below and listen to some of our early design idea discussions with Axell about creating his signature knee pad and why he chooses EVS.
