Press Release –
Kawasaki’s Joe Haavisto finished out a dream season at Jolly Roger Motosports Park in Lempster, N.H., earning championships in both the Pro-Am and Pro classes of the New England ATV (NEATV) Series.
Despite an injury at the end of August, Haavisto battled to a 3-1 finish to take the overall in the Pro class for the weekend.
Not 1 but 2 Championships
Haavisto set high goals at the beginning of the year, desiring to be champion of the two elite classes in the NEATV Series. He definitely accomplished those goals, clinching the Pro-Am championship one round early and the Pro championship after one moto at the final event.
“It feels great to accomplish the goals I had set at the beginning of the year,” said Haavisto. “With Kawasaki putting a lot of support not only into me personally, but the series too, I took it as my responsibility to make sure that Kawasaki was on the podium at every race. And I ended up with the two championships at the end of the season.”
A Good Day
Not only did Haavisto earn two championships, he ended the season with an overall victory in the Pro class going 3-1. He didn’t race the Pro-Am class since he clinched at the last round and his knee is still recovering.
“It was a great way to end the season,” said Haavisto. “I haven’t had any practice since I injured my knee at the ATV Open Invitational at Steel City over six weeks ago. I wanted to ride the Pro-Am class, but I didn’t want to irritate my knee anymore.”
Props to the KFX-450R
With the success he has had in 2008, Haavisto was sure to give some of the credit to his green machine.
“The KFX450R has been great all year,” said Haavisto. “I didn’t have any problems with the bike at all and never had a DNF. I felt really comfortable on it from day one and was able to work during the season to get it to handle perfectly. I’m really looking forward to riding it next season.”
A Growing Series
The NEATV Series continues to grow in entries and next year will continue to grow in competition. Haavisto plans on being ready to defend his titles.
“This series has grown tremendously since I first started racing it in 2000,” said Haavisto. “Next year I have the same goals to win both titles. I know it’s going to be tough with a few national riders coming into the series, but I am excited for the challenge and know that I will have to train and work harder.”
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