Press Release –

Volunteers Clean OHV Trails and Plant 1,200 Trees in San Bernardino National Forest

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., employees volunteered for two important projects last month to support the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California and its off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails.

Over two days, approximately 100 volunteers including Yamaha employees and family members, planted 1,200 trees and cleaned up miles of ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) OHV trails.

First, on Saturday, April 25, a group of Yamaha employees along with staff from the non-profit, volunteer-based San Bernardino National Forest Association (SBNFA) scouted and worked on miles of trails that Yamaha has sponsored and adopted as part of the company’s OHV Access Initiative.

Over years, Yamaha and the SBNFA have formed a strong partnership focused around the SBNFA’s own OHV program.

The San Bernardino National Forest is within driving distance to more than 20 million people in Southern California, contains the highest concentration of threatened and endangered species in the continental United States, and it is the most visited national forest in the country.

The SBNFA manages a number of educational, recreation and conservation programs complimenting the mission of their U.S. Forest Service partners, including its OHV program which is a model for national forests across the country.

“It is critically important that we support organizations like the SBNFA and their efforts to promote safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable OHV trails,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS marketing manager who participated in both events by cleaning up trails and planting trees. “We hope that Yamaha’s hand-on participation will inspire other OHV enthusiasts to get involved and support their own local riding areas and national forests.”

The SBNFA’s OHV patrol program has more than 300 volunteers who give more than 27,000 hours each year to help patrol the trails, educate riders, protect the public lands and help OHV enthusiasts recreate safely. It is a nationally known program for both its organization and success in managing a vast network of multi-use trails.

“The SBNFA sincerely appreciates the example Yamaha sets with their commitment to stewardship and public service,” said Ben vonDielingen, SBNFA OHV Program Manager, who helped lead both volunteer efforts. “Yamaha’s pro-active approach to helping maintain public lands and encourage responsible OHV use is of great help to the SBNFA. They help to show that stewardship is something that everyone needs to practice.”

Another important program supported by the SBNFA this spring was Forest Aid, a volunteer effort to replant and restore fire damaged areas of the National Forest. On Sunday, April 26, close to 100 Yamaha staff and family volunteers planted 1,200 trees in support of this program. Yamaha became involved through its ongoing relationship with the SBNFA, and Yamaha employees embraced the effort planting the most trees of any group on a single day.

“The San Bernardino National Forest is essentially in our corporate headquarters’ back yard, so it is important for employees to get involved when it comes to taking care of the riding trails and supporting other various programs,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s General Manager of ATV/SxS operations who also participated in both events and serves on the SBNFA board of directors. “Through the SBNFA’s leadership, other national forests can learn how to maintain a sustainable and prosperous OHV program in coordination with many other recreational and environmental activities.”

Press Release – (edited)

Rockstar Makita Suzuki, M4 Suzuki & FMF Makita Suzuki Dominate Road Racing, Supercross, Motocross, GNCC & ATV

American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) congratulates the Suzuki motorcycle and ATV race teams for racking up a championship, numerous victories and podium finishes in their most recent events.

To date, a Suzuki motorcycle or ATV leads the overall championship points standings in six different classes in U.S. Road Racing, Supercross, Motocross and the GNCC.

In the GNCC Championship for both motorcycles and ATVs, Suzuki’s RM-Z450 and the QuadRacer R450 lead the way.

Joshua Strang, Charles Mullins and their FMF Makita Suzuki RM-Z450s are in first and second place respectively in the former, while Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Chris Borich and his powerful QuadRacer R450 lead the latter.

After seven GNCC rounds, the trio boasts a total of nine combined GNCC motorcycle and ATV wins.

Finally, in the AMA ATV Motocross Championship, the smooth-running QuadRacer R450 is second overall in the points chase, thanks to Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Dustin Wimmer’s return from injury.

Wimmer and his Suzuki captured enough points with three early-season wins to hold onto second place overall in spite of missing out on a round. Additionally, teammate Doug Gust and his QuadRacer R450 recently picked up their first podium of the 2009 season.

Suzuki’s race team action continues this weekend as the Rockstar Makita Suzuki Motocross squad races at the Hangtown National in Sacramento, California, on May 30.

Following that, the Suzuki road race teams head to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, the weekend of June 5 – 7.

That same weekend, the Can-Am GNCC moves to Millfield, Ohio, while the AMA ATV MX Series heads to New Berlin, New York, the weekend of June 13 14.

Press Release –

ITP is now offering its retail customers a free ITP cap and t-shirt with the purchase of one set (4 total) of Mud Lite or Mud Lite XTR tires.

This incentive began May 1, 2009, and ends June 30, 2009. T-shirts are available in M, L, XL and XXL sizes, while the caps are adjustable.

For more information, customers should contact their local dealer or visit www.itptires.com.

This website provides a redemption form which must be filled out and mailed or faxed to ITP along with a copy of the sales receipt (proof of purchase). The requested information can also be emailed to customerservice@itptires.com.

Since 1982, ITP has grown into the world’s #1 ATV/UTV aftermarket tire and wheel source, and continues to provide a complete line of innovative tires and wheels for virtually all ATVs and UTVs. For a copy of ITP’s full-color product catalog, call toll-free: 1-800-859-4740. For other inquiries or technical advice, contact ITP at 930-A S. Rockefeller Ave., Ontario, CA 91761; (909) 390-1905.

Press Release –

It was touch-and-go as Yoshimura and Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki headed into this weekend’s race in Delmont, Pennsylvania.

Was Dustin Wimmer ready to get back on the track and rack up enough points to salvage his championship bid?

But as the days grew closer to the start of the Steel City round of the AMA Pro ATV Championship Series, the decision was made – Yes! Wimmer would compete.

The Center Valley PA native had no opportunity to practice leading up to this home state round, but his practice times on Saturday were among the fastest.

“I knew I was going to have to just dig deep down and find the strength to make it through two motos,” Wimmer explained. “I hadn’t even been to the gym in three weeks so stamina was going to be the hard part.”
Even with a valiant effort, Wimmer was unable to push through to make a podium. He ended the day 8th overall (finishing 9th and 11th) salvaging 22 points.

“My goal this weekend was to get as many points as possible,” Wimmer continued. “I now have 206 points – just 25 points behind the leader. This has become a very competitive series, with a lot of riders who could have shot at the title. I’m glad I was healed enough to race Sunday, but now I have three weeks to get into shape again. I’m just going to rest a few days and then push as hard as I can.”

Teammate Doug Gust, coming off a great race at Sunset Ridge, was out to prove he could do it again. Gust’s hard driving and finely-honed strategy skills kept him fighting at the front of the pack for both motos, and gave him a 4th overall (finishing 4th and 3rd) for the day and 6th in points for the season.

Team Manager Kory Ellis was happy with the weekend’s outcome: “We left the decision up to Dustin when we got the OK from the doctor.

Dustin wants the Championship again, so he was all for it. Even though he was pretty rusty from not riding at all, I thought he looked really good out there. He rode cautiously but he was out there just to do the best he could so he can come out the next race at 100%. I was really pleased with Doug’s performance. He has finally gotten back in gear and actually did better this race than last round. He’s definitely riding better than he has all season – getting better starts and getting around people early. He’s back doing what he’s capable of.”

Also making news at Steel City was Harold Goodman who got, not just one, but two holeshots. He went on to get 7th overall. In other classes Joel Hetrick took the top spot in the Pro Am Unlimited Class and Neal McGrath took the 450A. Congratulations.

Next up is the Unadilla round in New Berlin, NY on June 13th-14th.

Press Release –

The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series will introduce a new element at the MotorcycleUSA.com Snowshoe GNCC in June with the first-ever GNCC University school at the Snowshoe Campus, hosted by Yamaha’s Off-Road Champions.

The school marks an unprecedented opportunity to learn GNCC bike and ATV skills from Yamaha’s factory riders, with 36 National Championships between them!

ATV instruction will be provided by Bill Ballance (9x GNCC Champion), Traci Cecco (5x GNCC Champion) and Johnny Gallagher, with bike instruction by Barry Hawk (8x GNCC Champion), Randy Hawkins (7x AMA National Enduro Champion), Thad DuVall (3x GNCC Champion) and Jason Raines (5x AMA National Hare Scramble Champion).

GNCC University will enroll thirty riders each for the Bike and ATV disciplines, 60 riders total, with reservations taken on a first-come first-serve basis by calling the Snowshoe Reservation center.

Riders are invited to study at GNCC University at Snowshoe on Wednesday June 24th through Friday June 26th. Instruction will take place at a separate facility from the actual Snowshoe GNCC race track.

The enrollment cost begin at just $378 (plus tax), which includes a hotel room at Snowshoe on Wednesday and Thursday night, meals, and the GNCC Unversity school with three days of instruction. Two, three and four bedroom rates are also available.

Riders must provide their own equipment and be at least 8 years of age, and machines must be 85cc or larger.

Students will learn proper navigation of up hills, down hills, grass tracks, woods, rocks and mud, and learn how to handle competitive starts.

Students will also participate in lectures about sportsmanship, training, nutrition and mental preparation.

GNCC University At Snowshow Itinerary:

Wednesday June 24th:
Night: Orientation followed by a meet and greet with Yamaha Champions. (Hors d’orvs will be served)

Thursday June 25th:
– Breakfast (provided)
– Morning Instructional riding period
– Lunch (provided)
– Afternoon instructional riding period
– Dinner (provided) followed by roundtable discussion

Friday June 26th:
– Breakfast (provided)
– Morning Instructional period
– Friday Lunch (provided) and Awards

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from these legends of the woods, all in one place-Snowshoe Resort-which will host the MotorcycleUSA.com Snowshoe GNCC as soon as GNCC University is completed, on June 27 and June 28th.

Snowshoe will allow riders to cancel from GNCC University up to 14 days before the event. It’s an unforgettable week in the woods, so call and enroll now! 1-877-441-4FUN.

Press Release –

KYMCO USA, a longtime leader in quality, fuel-efficient scooters, motorcycles and ATVs has teamed up with the IndyCar® Series, the premier open-wheel racing series in the United States, as an official partner.

The multi-year partnership will make KYMCO the official scooter and off-road utility vehicle of the IndyCar® Series.

KYMCO will also have official status with Firestone Indy Lights, the premier ladder series for drivers and teams striving to compete in the IndyCar Series.

“We are extremely pleased to be involved in IndyCar® Series racing,” said Eric Bondy, President of KYMCO USA. “It’s a thrilling form of American racing with an established fan base that is only getting bigger. This gives us an excellent opportunity to expose our brand to new customers around the country and throughout the world.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have a company like KYMCO come on board with the IndyCar® Series,” said Greg Gruning, Vice President of Sales for the Indy Racing League. “KYMCO manufactures quality products that the IndyCar Series staff will rely on throughout the course of the IndyCar® Series season.”

Throughout 2009, fans will notice IndyCar® Series personnel using KYMCO Super 8 150cc scooters and UXV 500 4X4 utility vehicles for various needs in and around the venues where the series races as well as at its headquarters in Indianapolis.

With its aggressive sportbike looks, the Super 8 150 will be right at home at the track. It features a fuel-efficient 150cc, SOHC air-cooled engine, front disc brakes, and KYMCO’s popular CVT transmission.

KYMCO 4×4 UXV 500 side-by-side utility vehicle provide a comfortable ride for driver and passenger, and the 420-pound capacity cargo bed is perfect for hauling parts.