From a press release issued by American Suzuki:

Suzuki Set to Kick off World GSX-R Cup

BREA, Calif. – American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) is gearing up for the first of three World GSX-R Cup Qualifiers. Each of the three qualifiers will feature the top Suzuki GSX-R750 riders in the United States battling for the chance to represent their country at the second annual World GSX-R Cup Final to be held on October 19th during the final round of the World Superbike Series in Magny-Cours, France.

The World GSX-R Cup brings together the best privateer Suzuki racers in the world to compete on equally prepared GSX-R750s. Participating countries include Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Switzerland, New Zealand, Spain, Greece, South Africa, Japan and the U.S.A. Each team consists of up to three riders and their mechanics. The 2002 U.S. team consisted of Jason DiSalvo, John Dugan and Brian Livengood, who finished in third, fifth and 11th place overall respectively.

The three U.S. qualifying rounds will be held on July 19-20 at Grattan Raceway in Michigan; Aug. 16-17 at Thunder Hill in California; and on Sept. 13-14th at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama. WERA will host rounds one and three, while CCS will host round two. Each round will feature practice, a 20-minute timed qualifying session, a dedicated race with a $2,500 purse paying back to 10th place and Suzuki Cup points. A Dynojet Dyno and scales will be on hand to enforce the 135 h.p. and 375 lb limits. Qualifiers are open to any rider aboard a 2001-2003 Suzuki GSX-R750 with at least one 750cc Suzuki Cup point. Entry fee is set at $65.

“We’re excited to again be a part of the World GSX-R Cup Final,” said Suzuki’s Morgan Broadhead. “With the Suzuki Cup Contingency Program, the Suzuki Cup Final in Atlanta, trackside support at AMA and WERA events, and now the World GSX-R Cup, Suzuki continues to offer our riders the best support in the industry.”

The three Suzuki team members will also receive a Team Suzuki Sport support ride in 2004 consisting of the use of a 2004 GSX-R750 and a parts budget to keep them at the front of the pack. More information, rules and regulations can be found at www.suzukicycles.com.