TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha 3rd in Class at WERA Season Opener FAULKVILLE, GA “” If TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha has proven anything over the past eight years, it’s that they always succeed, no matter the circumstances. That was the case on Saturday, when the team rode to a finish of third in the Heavyweight class during the four-hour WERA National Endurance race at Roebling Road Raceway. Chuck Ivey, James Vanderhaar and Russ Wikle rode the TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha YZF-R1, picking up the final spot on the Heavyweight podium despite a crash early in the second hour. That wasn’t the only challenge facing the team, though. TVR was a multi-time champion in the Heavyweight Superstock class, but for 2010 the WERA National Endurance Series features only superbike-spec classes. The R1 now has an oversized endurance gas tank to enable longer stints. In addition to rules changes, budget cutbacks in the motorcycle industry have made an impact on many independent race teams. “We’ve lost a lot of support while incurring more expense, but we’re still moving forward,” says team owner Ivey. “We’ve got a great group of guys with us this year and it’s full speed ahead.” Ivey had the added pressure of racing for the first time since a violent crash at Road Atlanta last July. “It’s been a long time since I started a race and I was anxious, but it went well and I settled into a groove. After eight or ten laps I realized I was in the top three so I just tried to stay consistent.” The crash was a disappointment, but riders and crew alike pitched in to make repairs. The new gas tank was damaged, so it could not be completely filled. Instead, TVR had to resort to shorter stints. When Vanderhaar took the R1 back on track after repairs were finished, he found another unexpected problem. “When I took off I realized that the triple clamps were really twisted,” he recalls. “I figured I’d just get used to it. I rode the first part of the stint a bit cautiously, then got down to putting in consistent laps.” The triple clamps were adjusted on the next pit stop, and Ivey is quick to commend the team””including crewmembers Michael Dunn and Luther Wikle””on the outstanding pit stops. The timing was competitive despite using Superstock-spec equipment. “The pit stops were the highlight of the weekend,” says Ivey. In defiance of the challenges””new rules, budget constraints, a crash and even some rain””the TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha riders soldiered on to finish eighth overall and third in Heavyweight. Now it’s on to round two at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway on April 10. TVR’s sponsors include EBC Brakes, Michelin, Yamaha, Aiken Motorcycle, XES Leather, MotoHeaven.com, Arai, Vortex, EK Chains, VP Fuels, and Dyno Jet. Keep up with the team’s season and find pictures online at www.TeamVelocityRacing.com.