Rider Files

(NEWS RELEASE)

Reigning AMA Pro Daytona SportBike champion Martin Cardenas opened his AMA Pro Superbike career for M4 Suzuki by registering a second-row provisional qualifying performance at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday.

The Colombian is proving a quick study on the team’s powerful GSX-R1000 racebike, clocking a 1:40.912 around the intimidating high-speed venue to rank eighth best for the day.

“It was okay,” Cardenas said. “It wasn’t a great qualifying — not a great time — but we’re going to change some things for tomorrow and hopefully go a little bit quicker. Daytona is a very fast and very strange place. It’s not a typical track but each time I get on the Superbike I feel a little bit more comfortable. We have to adjust the suspension a little bit to get some more traction and we’re planning on doing that and going faster tomorrow.”

Teammate Chris Ulrich has similar thoughts as he expects to climb up the order on Friday as well. Ulrich experimented with a pair of set-ups in the day’s sole session and ended up running 12^th fastest at 1:41.337.

Ulrich remarked, “We went in with two different set-ups. The first one was a little bit stiffer than ideal for the track conditions but we managed to go okay on it. We also tried a pretty radical second set-up but it just didn’t work out. It’s a little frustrating to be in the position that we’re in, but I feel like my execution is good and we’re going to look at the data overnight and come back with some changes to help solve my problems tomorrow. We have some issues but we have a clear direction where to go.

“It’s Daytona — anything can happen. Daytona is like its own planet. There is no track like this in the world; it’s just a different place. The main goal is to try to get out of here with some good points, but we’re going to improve and be a lot stronger tomorrow.”

Dane Westby got his first session as a member of M4 Suzuki under his belt during Thursday’s Daytona SportBike free practice. Like his Superbike-mounted teammates, the ‘09 Daytona 200 runner-up is aiming to work his way up the charts as the weekend progresses, running 16^th best in the practice with a best time of 1:54.457 aboard his GSX-R600.

Teammate Santiago Villa was right on Westby’s heels, posting the session’s 18^th fastest time at 1:55.003.

Thursday’s half day of provisional qualifying and practice action allowed M4 Suzuki to ease back into form to kick off the 2011 season, but the pressure ratchets up considerably tomorrow. Friday will feature final qualifying for the 70^th running of the Daytona 200 and the 2011 AMA Superbike season opener.

(NEWS RELEASE)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Graves Yamaha’s Josh Hayes, the 2010 AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike champion, is beginning the 2011 season on the right note.

On Thursday, Hayes captured the provisional pole for the SuperBike rounds on Friday and Saturday. The rider of the No. 1 Yamaha R1 toured the 2.9-mile road course at one minute, 38.804 seconds, 127.890 mph.

“The boys worked hard and gave me what I needed to get up to speed pretty quick today,” Hayes said.

Hayes hopes the provisional pole-winning effort from his team translates into the start of another championship season.

“I won the championship last year and I came out of here horribly,” Hayes said. “I think I had 13^th and a 6^th or seventh or something. If I come out of here strong, I think it definitely would send a pretty good message across to everybody that I ‘m not going to start slow.”

SuperBike practice was rained out on Thursday morning so the series moved directly to qualifying in the afternoon.

“I thought this might play into my favor,” Hayes said. “I get up to speed pretty quick.”

Tommy Hayden and Blake Young, both aboard Suzukis, and Larry Pegram on a BMW rounded out the front row. SuperBike qualifying continues on Friday morning. The first 15-lap SuperBike race is set for 4:30 p.m. on Friday followed by the second 15-lap race on Saturday at 11:15 a.m.

This weekend’s motorcycle events, highlighted by the 70^th Daytona 200 on Saturday afternoon, are the first two-wheel racing action on the new surface of Daytona International Speedway.

The track was repaved for only the second time in history following last July’s Coke Zero 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

“The new pavement is great,” Hayes said. “The track is beautiful. As far as racing goes, I don’t think it’s going to change the racing a whole lot. It’s just nice. It’s a little bit easier on you physically. You don’t have the bruised chest riding around the race track. My neck feels a whole lot better. That part is kind of nice.

“Otherwise it offers the same great racing that it always did.”

In other provisional qualifying, Miles Thornton on a Yamaha took the provisional pole in SuperSport with a time of one minute, 54.888 seconds, 109.986 mph. In the XR1200 provisional qualifying, Steve Rapp was fastest with a lap of two minutes, 8.317 seconds, 98.475 mph.

In Daytona SportBike practice for Saturday’s Daytona 200, Jason DiSalvo aboard a Ducati was fastest with a lap 93.678 mph, one minute, 51.445 seconds.

Tickets for Daytona International Speedway events are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway).

(NEWS RELEASE)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – In addition to battling for a coveted Daytona Flat Track victory, Daytona International Speedway, Cometic Gasket and AMA Pro Racing have sweetened the pot for this week’s AMA Pro Racing Flat Track doubleheader at the Daytona Flat Track.

Rounds 1 and 2 of the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Series will get underway tonight and Friday, March 11 at the quarter-mile lime rock Daytona Flat Track with $5,000 added money in the Cometic Gasket Expert Dash, Cometic Gasket Expert Fastest Qualifier and Cometic Gasket Expert Shootout.

Pro Singles and Expert riders will have an opportunity at an extra paycheck in the Cometic Gasket Expert Fastest Qualifier.  The fastest rider from either the Pro Singles or Expert’s two timed-qualifying sessions each night will receive an additional $250.

The Cometic Gasket Expert Dash has been added to each night with the top two riders from the Pro Singles heat transferring to the Dash. Often called the roller-derby of flat track, the Dash is a four-lap pure-adrenaline-rush awarding the winner $250, second place $150 and third place $100. An extra bonus of $3,500 will be divided between the top 3 expert riders with the highest combined points in the expert dash and main events on Thursday and Friday nights. The top rider will receive $1,500, second place $1,250 and third place $750.

For the second year, the grounds of Daytona International Speedway is serving as the home of the AMA Pro Racing Flat Track doubleheader with riders such as Henry Wiles, Sammy Halbert, Jake Johnson, Kenny Coolbeth and the legendary Chris Carr among those scheduled to compete.

Tickets for each night of Daytona Flat Track racing are $25 for reserved seats, $20 for general admission standing room only, and can be purchased online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway).

(NEWS RELEASE)

Ian Trettel

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (March 10, 2011) – The following is an update from the family of Ian Trettel regarding the condition of the Rockstar Energy Suzuki rider following his practice crash last weekend at the Daytona Supercross . . .

“On Saturday, March 5th, Rockstar Energy Suzuki rider Ian Trettel sustained a head injury during practice at the AMA Supercross event in Daytona, Florida. He was quickly taken to Halifax Medical Center, where he was placed in a medically-induced coma. The accident caused bleeding as well as swelling in his brain and both have been stabilized with medical and surgical interventions. At this time, Ian remains in critical condition, but he is now stable and we expect his condition to improve from this point forward.”

“We have good reason to be hopeful that Ian will make a terrific recovery. However, it is too early to discuss his prognosis, so we will continue to remain cautiously optimistic. Ultimately, it will be Ian’s remarkably strong will, perseverance, dedication, and support from his family and friends that will pull him through the rehabilitation process.”

“We thank all of you for your continued support and ask that you maintain optimism and hope. Like he has done so many times, Ian will bounce back from this and we shall all be by his side to fight with him.”

– The Trettel Family

About Rockstar: ROCKSTAR is the world’s most powerful Energy Drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng, and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles – from athletes to rock stars. ROCKSTAR Energy Drink is available in sixteen amazing flavors. Also, check out ROCKSTAR Energy Gum and ROCKSTAR Energy Shots. ROCKSTAR Energy Drink supports the active Rockstar lifestyle in every sport. Go to www.rockstar69.com for athlete and event updates, videos, profiles, and product information.

About Suzuki: Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) founded The Motorcycle and ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, CA, in 1963. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC’s parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries. For more information, visit www.suzukicycles.com. Follow Suzuki Scoop on facebook for exclusive team content www.facebook.com/suzukiscoopfans.

About Yoshimura R&D of America: Yoshimura is “The Leader in Performance” and has been for more than 55 years. With unmatched skills, knowledge and passion for racing, Yoshimura is on the forefront of the aftermarket exhaust industry. Yoshimura pipes are race bred and feature the same legendary performance, fit, and quality that have been their trademark for more than five decades. To learn more about Yoshimura and view their wide variety of performance products, visit http://www.yoshimura-rd.com.

Team Rockstar Energy Suzuki is grateful for the support of their sponsors: Rockstar Energy Drink, Suzuki, Yoshimura R&D, Dunlop, Maxima, Renthal, ONE Industries, Works Connection, Hinson Clutch Components, Renegade Fuels, Skullcandy, Motosport.com, Mechanix Wear, Dragon Goggles, 661 Boots, DC Shoes, Losi, RK Chain, CP Pistons, Excel and Lightspeed.

(NEWS RELEASE)

TORC Series tabs Michigan-based HPPR as the PR company of record for the 2011 competition season
HPPR’s principal Pat Schutte “brings a wealth of motorsports live event PR and promotional experience to the TORC team,” says USAC President Kevin Miller

INDIANAPOLIS (March 10, 2011) – The nation’s premier competition short course off-road racing series TORC – “The Off-Road Championship” – announced today that it has hired Michigan-based High Profile Public Relations, LLC as its PR company of record, effective immediately.

“HPPR’s Pat Schutte brings a wealth of motorsports live event PR and promotional experience to the TORC team,” said USAC President Kevin Miller. “His previous employment and his company’s current client list spans auto racing to two-wheel motorsports and action sports, a versatile blend that makes him well-suited for TORC and our highly diverse fan base.

“We welcome Pat and HPPR and look forward to getting started right away on firing up the hype machine for the 2011 TORC season.”

From Dodge Viper to GM’s Corvette and Cadillac road racing programs, HPPR’s Schutte is well-versed in corporate racing practices and communications strategies, something which Miller is confident will carry over to the OEMs in the TORC pro pits. In addition, experience spanning some 15 years in a wide range of live off-road two-wheel motorsports events – including close work with the promoters of these events – will bode well for TORC’s sanctioning body, USAC, as it continues to expand to new venues.

“In just two short years TORC has established itself as the nation’s leading short course off-road series. During this time I’ve worked closely with the series and have truly become a big fan of the bang-up racing action,” said Schutte. “TORC’s television presence on Discovery’s HD channel is second-to-none and a number of the series’ cornerstone events, namely Crandon and Bark River, will be joined this year by some very promising new venues that I’ve worked with in the past, including Lowe’s Motor Speedway and the legendary AMA MX National track, RedBud.

“Again, I’m pumped to join forces with the TORC team and look forward to helping lead the effort in continuing to create awareness for the explosive sport of short course off-road racing, introducing new fans at each event – fans certainly destine to become return fans of TORC racing.”

The 2011 TORC Series get underway April 30th at Cycle Ranch MX Park in Floresville, Texas. For more information on TORC link to: www.torcseries.com

About TORC

The Traxxas TORC Series, presented by AMSOIL, is the fastest, most punishing short course racing series on the planet! TORC events are packed with flag-to-flag fender banging as drivers push the limits over whoops and jump-filled natural terrain race tracks. Off-road racing fans come from far and wide to experience the most challenging form of high-octane competition. And once they taste TORC for the first time they’re hooked for life!

About HPPR
High Profile Public Relations, LLC is a multi-faceted communications agency specializing in strategic media relations – both industry and mainstream – for the off-road, powersports and action sports communities. Dialed in with all forms of power and action sports, its participants, manufacturers and live event promoters, HPPR’s Pat Schutte can be reached at (734) 369-2170 and pat@highprofilepr.com . For more information, please visit www.highprofilepr.com .