Crevier To Sub For Injured Smith In MOTO-ST Race At Road America

Crevier To Sub For Injured Smith In MOTO-ST Race At Road America

© 2008, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — When Round 3 of the SunTrust MOTO-ST Series swings into gear at Road America June 6-7, four local Buell teams will be looking to shine at their hometown track. Ready to fight the battle for victory in the Buell Motorcycle Company SuperSport Twins class (SST) is Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing team headquartered in Elkhart Lake, Wis. Managed by Richie Morris, this team debuted the new Buell 1125R at the season opener in Daytona. “We suffered a couple of minor teething problems at the first two rounds,” explains Morris. “But I think we have things sorted out now and Road America should be a good race for us. Piloting our Buell this time out will be Shawn Higbee and Steve Crevier who is subbing for Mike Smith who has a broken right wrist. It is unfortunate that Mike will miss his first chance to ride the 1125. He rode our XB12 in the BMW GrandSport Twins class at Virginia International Raceway and was a huge factor in the win. However, we are definitely lucky that Steve is available. He is an outstanding rider and is familiar with the bike. I know he and Shawn will be a good combination.” “I am really looking forward to this round,” says Higbee, who is fully recovered from the crash he sustained in mid-July 2007 at Iowa Speedway. Suffering a compound broken femur, a dislocated shoulder and broken shoulder bone, plus a hip joint fracture, Higbee returned to racing last October at the 8 Hours At Daytona. “In the beginning the doctors didn’t think it was possible,” explains Higbee. “But I beat their expectations and I am good to go. I am looking forward to running with Steve and think we can score a good finish.” A test technician and development rider for Buell, Higbee, who hails from Oconomowoc, Wis., has been racing for over 18 years and has earned numerous victories and titles, including the 1998 Harley-Davidson World Championship. “Racing, including motorcycles, go-karts and cars are pretty much my passion,” he explains. “My dad raced stock cars so I’ve been around racing most of my life. My priority is definitely to win and that’s what I’m hoping for at Road America.” Also looking forward to a top finish is Crevier. A resident of Maple Ridge, B.C., Crevier, who will celebrate his 43rd birthday this month, is the most successful racer in Canadian Superbike history. He also has four national 600cc crowns to his credit and was the AMA 600cc Supersport champion in 1998. Just a week ago Crevier produced one of his most impressive performances, taking his Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada/Ruthless Racing Buell 1125R to a third place debut finish in the opening round of the Paris Canada Superbike Championship. Flying the Hal’s Performance Advantage banner, Richie Morris Racing will also field a Buell XB12R in the BMW GrandSport Twins with riders Clint Brotz and Dan Bilansky. Currently leading the points chase with 65 points, this duo has taken a third at Daytona and the win at VIR. A resident of Waukesha, Wis., Dan Bilansky has been riding since he was six and competing for the past eight years. A firm believer in being in shape, Bilansky can often be found mountain biking or motocrossing. “I think that being in top condition is one of the most important keys in being successful in competition, especially in endurance racing,” he explains. “Your physical shape and mental conditioning work hand-in-hand and being fit really helps me.” Teammate Clint Brotz, is from Elkhart Lake, Wis. Racing for the past 16 years, Brotz knows what it takes to win and is definitely well-versed in all the aspects of Road America. An avid outdoorsman, Brotz, who is an arborist, loves snowboarding, mountain biking, motocross and scuba diving. “I don’t like being inside,” he says, “which is why I became an arborist. It keeps me outside, plus I’m doing something I enjoy.” However, Richie Morris Racing will have to battle it out in GST with James Gang Racing of Waukesha, Wis., who will be fielding two teams for this round. Sitting in second place, just three points out of the lead, the No. 70 Buell piloted by Paul James and teammate Jeff Johnson so far has taken a second at Daytona and a third at VIR. “Both Jeff and I really like racing at Road America,” says James, and we have both logged numerous hours on the track. It is always good to race at home and wining on your hometown track is definitely the best.” “Road America is one of the premier tracks in the country, says Johnson. “It has lots of lines for passing, sweeping turns and elevation changes. I have over 50 races there. It is absolutely my favorite track to ride.” In addition, James Gang Racing will also be running a second Buell with two-wheel aces Greg Avello and young gun Chris Quillman. Avello has two prior SunTrust MOTO-ST Series GST podiums to his credit, while Quillman’s MOTO-ST debut will mark his first race on a Buell motorcycle as well as his first ever endurance race. The 21-year-old tested the team’s backup Buell Firebolt XB12R for the first time at Blackhawk Farms on May 31st and impressed everyone with his ability to quickly adapt to the new ride. “Endurance racing is entertaining for the riders, the team and the fans,” sums up James, who is the director of product communications for Buell and Harley-Davidson. “And this series offers a huge potential. It is both well run and organized and we are pleased to be part of it. It is truly a team sport and everyone is involved which really makes it fun.” The SunTrust MOTO-ST Series is organized and sanctioned by Professional Motorsports Productions (PMP) of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and the Grand American Road Racing Association (Grand-Am), based in Daytona Beach, Fla., provides the series with administrative and commercial support. Learn more about MOTO-ST at ~http://www.moto-st.com/~ . More, from another press release issued by MOTO-ST: The No. 1 Aprilia USA Team is on a Mission DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Ready to tackle the famed Road America track for Round 3 of the SunTrust MOTO-ST Series, June 6-7, the Aprilia USA No. 1 Team is on a mission”¦.to score the first hat trick of the season. Taking the victory at both Daytona and Virginia International Raceway, Aprilia USA/Lloyd Brothers Motorsports, the defending Buell Motorcycle Company SST series’ champions, would dearly love to make Road America win number three. Leading the charge for victory are two standout competitors, Mike Himmelsbach, who joined the team this season and Ty Howard, who was on the team last year. Born in Virginia and now a resident of Quakertown, Pa., Himmelsbach actually started riding motorcycles when he was just five years old. “Motorcycles have been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” he says with a smile. “They are definitely my passion. My Dad is a very well known bike mechanic and engine developer so I grew up around motorcycling. I ran my first race over 20 years ago and have been racing ever since.” The winner of 14 national championships, Himmelsbach and his father are also noted for the development of the Aprilia Mille Superbike and creating the Formula USA Grand Prix National Championship. “I was really happy when Lloyd Brothers Motorsports asked me to be part of their team,” continues Himmelsbach. “Everyone on the team works extremely hard towards winning and we all get along very well. It is definitely a pleasure to work with such a dedicated and professional team.” Co-riding with Himmelsbach is native Texan Ty Howard. The defending SunTrust MOTO-ST Series champion, Howard also brings a wealth of experience to the team. With the 2007 SunTrust MOTO-ST Series title, seven AMA Sports Championships and over 20 CMRA Championships to his credit, his expertise is well documented. “We are fortunate to have a really strong group of individuals who work really well together,” echo team owners David and Michael Lloyd. “Our team is largely volunteers, yet everyone is highly competitive and they all realize that every single detail matters. In short, everyone is totally dedicated to winning.” “I can’t wait to get to Road America,” says an obviously enthusiastic Himmelsbach. “I am especially excited about the fact that there is a Thursday promoter practice. I haven’t had as much time as I would like on the Aprilia before the first two races. My race times have been good, but I know that I am only riding at a very comfortable level and there is definitely more there to go faster.” Practice and Qualifying will take place on Friday, June 6 from 4:20 PM to 6:20 PM and racers will take the Green Flag on Saturday, June 7 at 3:30 PM. The SunTrust MOTO-ST Series is organized and sanctioned by Professional Motorsports Productions (PMP) of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and the Grand American Road Racing Association (Grand-Am), based in Daytona Beach, Fla., provides the series with administrative and commercial support. Learn more about MOTO-ST at ~http://www.moto-st.com/~.

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