Press Release –

The 2008 QuadRacer R450 was presented to the North American media for riding, scrutiny, and a whole lot of fun this week. The press ride was held at none other than Digger Doug Gust’s Salem, Wisconsin home.

Doug’s house also doubles as a complete quad testing facility and training center, which made this venue a perfect choice. Using Doug’s home was made even more meaningful as Gust, a multi-time champion and racing icon, helped develop the QuadRacer at this very facility.

The new 2008 QuadRacer R450 features over 100 changes. There are over 50 changes alone in just the chassis area. Suzuki engineers worked hard to make the best even better. The refinements in total make for an even better machine as evidenced by the collection of editors, test riders, and racers on the challenging Gust practice track.

The all new ECM Logic and Ignition Control System and reshaped cam profiles were instantly evident upon riding the new QuadRacers The new ECM monitors throttle position (TP), engine RPM and the transition rate of both the Throttle Position (TP) and the Engine RPM.

It then determines the optimum Fuel Injection Volume and Spray Timing, along with the optimum ignition timing that improves acceleration. Across the board, everyone who rode the yellow test QuadRacers, noticed this marked improvement in increased engine output, especially in the low to mid rpm range. There were also gearing changes and a new countershaft to improve shifting feel.

Next up were revamped suspension settings with new Kashima coating that reduce friction and allow for a definite smoother performance. The 2008 suspension is supple yet firm giving the riders even better steering input and a much smoother ride. The ’08 QuadRacer soaked up both large hits and stutter bumps with ease. The smoother ride was also enhanced with a trick “gripper” seat cover, new rubber mounted bars and new tires with a larger diameter.

Digger Doug was pouring on the praise for the new QuadRacer, “The ‘08 QuadRacer is unbelievable. Over a hundred changes and you can really feel the difference. The power is unbelievable, the suspension is way better, the seat has a great feel, everything is in tune with a rider’s comfort and control. It’s a lot like my race bike.”

Gust went on to comment about the actual on-track performance, “It was amazing. I was out there doing all the jumps on my track on a stock bike. I’ve been racing quads for 20 years and that is something I’ve never ever been able to do. Now, I can do it on this new 08.”

When asked what riders are going to notice most about the ’08, Doug answered: “That’s easy – the suspension and the power. It’s even more race ready than before.”

Doug’s teammates agreed. Chad Wienen said, “Suzuki took a lot from what they learned from the ’07 racing quads and put it into the suspension, motor and transmission of these new bikes. With these improvements, they are even more raceable as a stock ATV, as well as a great all around sport ATV. I know I could go race a stock ’08 and do really well.”

WPSA Series points leader Dustin Wimmer said: “What I noticed most was that the suspension is a lot better – softer a lot of the way around but still able to absorb the big hits. Also, it has much better low end power. Tires are also a lot better. The rubber mounted handlebars and seat are really nice…the seat is a lot like our race seat. The new Engine Management System will help people out on the dry slick tracks. All around, it’s just faster, smoother with better handling. I like it a lot.”

Suzuki, always working to make things better, brought along a contingent of engineers to join in the fun and answer technical questions to the assembled press.

The new bike will be available in August and will come in yellow, white and a new limited edition black model.

Press Release –

While there are many new products coming to market for the new Can-Am® DS 450 sport ATVs, only one group of products are designed and engineered by the same people that designed and engineered the industry’s hottest new ATV. BRP now offers a new line of performance and protection parts for the DS 450.

For boosting performance, there are fully adjustable KYB front shocks with high- and low-speed calibration, front and rear sprockets and a premium chain.

Added protection is available with nerf bars, an aluminum front bumper, full skid plate protection and a-arm protectors. Customizing the look of the DS 450 is easy with a full selection of colorful parts, including front grill and handlebar wind deflectors.

Genuine BRP accessories are a great choice because they look good, fit perfectly and meet the same quality standards as the vehicle. And when installed by a BRP dealer at delivery, they are covered by the vehicle warranty.

See a Can-Am ATV dealer for more information, or can-am.brp.com.

Press Release –

Girlyz Pro ATV Racer, Traci Cecco has the kind of natural beauty you might expect to see on the cover of a women’s fashion magazine.

Fortunately for the world of four wheel racing, she is instead, out shredding through the countryside smokin’ the competition on her Yamaha YFZ450.

An active positive roll model for young girls coming up in this world, she is anything but a just a pretty face smiling for the camera. A woman with true grit, talent and determination, she has taken quad racing to a new level.

At a little past the half way point of the GNCC (Grand National Cross Country) ATV Championship, Traci has taken seven out of eight possible overall wins and given the competition something to worry about again.

What’s her secret to success? The age old combination of absolute commitment to hard work and training coupled with experience and tenacity. She trains as hard as the men, competes in triathlons to keep in tip top shape, and when it comes time to deliver the real thing, she comes through.

Winning isn’t new for this veteran pro racer, she is consistent and expects this of herself at every race, putting together a race program that makes sense and has earned her five GNCC Championships already.

No stranger to putting a full minute gap in front of the second place rider, Traci has established herself as the premier woman in her class, the one to beat, the one to catch, a seemingly daunting task for the competition and something that rarely happens.

Traci started riding quads when she was 10 years old and has won numerous championships since starting to race at the age of 16. With 5 GNCC Women’s Class Championships under her belt, she is in pursuit of her 6th and it’s looking good so far.

Not one to let the boys have all the fun, she is the first female racer to win a GNCC Overall and was the recipient of the 2003 GNCC “Swamp Fox Award” given to riders showing true grit and sportsmanship under pressure.

Cecco pushes hard and is no stranger to overcoming the obstacles. In 2004 she broke her arm in a crash during the race but continued on to finish second. In 2003 she had to win three out of the last four events to take the championship.

With determination and a cool head, she wrapped it up on the last lap of the final race, many times working her way through the pack in those last races to get it done.

Traci will continue to race for the championship at Round Nine of the GNCC Championship series, September 1-2 at Mountain Ridge, Sumerset PA.

If you get a chance to make it to one of these events, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll be able to spot her quite easily out in front on her #201 Yamaha YFZ450 wearing the Girlyz “Vision” Race Gear. Get that autograph and put it proudly on the wall. There are very few women out there like Traci Cecco.

Visit GIRLYZ.COM