Jon Huntsman releases new video ahead of 2012 launch

Jon Huntsman kicked off a countdown to his long-expected 2012 bid by launching a new website that features a video of man on a dirt bike riding though the desert.

"In 6 days," reads a message that flashes on the screen, referring to Huntsman's scheduled presidential launch next week.

Seconds later another message flashes onto the screen hinting at Huntsman's colorful past in a REO Speedwagon cover band: "Did not become famous with his band, 'Wizard.'"

A Huntsman source says the man in the 25-second video is not the former Utah governor, although Huntsman is an avid motorbike rider.

You can watch the spot after the jump:

6 Days from Jon Huntsman Jr. on Vimeo.

The site and the video include the wording "Paid for by Jon Huntsman Jr."—suggesting the ex-lawmaker paid for the outreach out of his own pocket. Huntsman had previously said he had no plans to self-finance his campaign, though technically he doesn't yet have a campaign. A Huntsman spokesman declined to comment on whether Huntsman paid for the video or whether he would reimbursed by his soon-to-launch 2012 effort.

The public was alerted to the video through an email sent by the campaign-in-waiting that was signed by Huntsman's wife, Mary Kaye.

"Six days away--from an incredible journey with someone completely different," she wrote.

(Screenshot via Huntsman campaign)