CANTON, Ga. With the 2006 WERA/Michelin National Challenge Series wrapped up for the season, WERA would like to extend their congratulations to all of their National Champions. Among the few experts who earned more than one National Championship was Butler Machinery’s Robert Jensen, who took the titles in Formula 1 and 600 Superstock. Formula 1 was close all season between Jensen and Vesrah Suzuki’s Tray Batey, but during the final round at the WERA Grand National Finals Jensen was able to pull out a 12-point gap. Batey, meanwhile, took two National Championships of his own. In Open Superstock, Batey edged out Lee Acree and Jensen to win by 15 points. The Heavyweight Twins Superstock title also went to Batey, who dominated the class the entire season and won all but one round. The 750 Superstock expert points chase was one of the closest all season, and after ten rounds of intense competition Acree snagged the championship by just two points over Mark Junge. Daniel Parkerson also won dual championships after consistent top finishes all season in 600 and 750 Superbike. Steve Green won his first National Championship in Formula 2, and Chris Parrish emerged with the title in Lightweight Twins Superstock. Parrish and Jeff Walker were both in the running for the Lightweight Twins championship, but a crash during the final round for Walker resulted in no points, and Parrish wound up with a 15-point lead. In the novice classes of the National Challenge Series, Seth Starnes won the most championships with an impressive four. Starnes dominated all year in every class he competed in, coming away with the 750 Superbike, 750 Superstock, 600 Superbike and 600 Superstock titles. Black Dircks tasted success in the twins classes, winning the championships in Lightweight Twins Superstock, Heavyweight Twins Superstock and Formula 2. The Open Superstock Novice championship went to G. Matt Spannan, who took the title by only three points over Starnes. In addition to honoring the National Champions, WERA would also like to thank the sponsors who make it possible for WERA to continue to be the premier organization for amateur roadracing in the United States. In 2006, Michelin was the title sponsor of the National Challenge Series, while Bridgestone gave its name to the National Endurance Series. Pirelli supported the WERA Sportsman Series with title sponsorship. “WERA has been fostering roadracing for 30 years, and we appreciate the role that Michelin, Bridgestone and Pirelli have played in helping us provide a safe, professional environment for our racers,” said WERA President Evelyne Clarke. “WERA is proud to be a place where many of today’s top roadracing stars have gotten their start.” This year’s AMA Pro Racing champions have all raced with the WERA National Challenge Series, including Superbike Champion Ben Spies, Formula Xtreme champion Josh Hayes, and Supersport and Superstock champion Jamie Hacking. “We’re really excited for all of the success that this year’s AMA champions have achieved,” said Clarke. “Nicky Hayden raced with WERA, too, and we’re holding our breath to see if he can win the MotoGP Championship this weekend.” More information about WERA can be found online at www.WERA.com.