About this time of year, sponsor news starts to fly. Pro riders contracts expire and before you know it they make some moves to a new team. It would appear that Chase Hawk has parted ways with his long time sponsor Vans for a new opportunity with Etnies. Definitely a crazy bit of news to be posting. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a welcome edit and Chase popping up in plenty of videos this year. Get stoked.

Spotted on the Etnies BMX Instagram.

UPDATE! – Here’s the official Press Release.

“Jan. 2, 2013 (Lake Forest, CA) – etnies is ringing in the new year by signing Chase Hawk, one of BMX’s most progressive riders, to its team. With his speed, smooth style and unrivaled ability to boost incredibly high, Chase Hawk is the rider to watch in 2013. Welcome to the etnies BMX team, Chase!”

“Joining the etnies BMX family means a lot to me,” said Chase Hawk. “I’ve been psyched on the team ever since I was a little kid so to finally get the opportunity to work with everyone is going to be awesome. I plan on 2013 being a busy year with etnies producing a ‘welcome to the team’ edit, new product and starting to film for the next full-length etnies video. Thanks again to [team manager] Povah and etnies for giving me the chance to be a part of the team” – Chase Hawk

John Povah, etnies BMX Team Manager said: “From a very young age Chase Hawk’s evident talents have set the bar high for creating milestones in BMX. He’s arguably a rider, if not the rider, that other riders wish to emulate and will routinely stop what they’re doing to watch ride. Chase now starts a new chapter in his life as part of the etnies BMX team. It’s overdue, so I’m really stoked that Chase wanted to ride for etnies. He brings a considerable amount to the table and can now be part of something special that he can truly feel proud of. I also think having Chase as part of the team will excite, energize and build on an already amazing team and brand. Welcome to the family Chase!”