This is a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corporation:

“CYPRESS, Calif., June 8, 2001 – With the enthusiastic support of his family, Yamaha Racing Director Larry Griffis recently announced that he will retire on June 22, 2001. Larry’s Yamaha career spanned 23 years including a two-year stint with the Yamaha Service group and 21 years with Yamaha Racing.

“‘The timing is right for me and I am confident that Yamaha’s racing staff will give the best possible effort to keep the ‘BLUE’ motorcycles up front. I am also thankful for the privileges and opportunities presented to me in helping to guide the racing department into the successful and competent team that it has become,’ said Griffis.

“Griffis says he’ll spend time with his wife, kids, and nine grandchildren, as well as work on some home projects including two 1960s muscle car
restorations.

“When asked for career highlights, Griffis responded, ‘There was something memorable every year we were racing – even when we weren’t winning. However, I’m really proud of Doug Henry’s 1998 National Champion title win on the four-stroke YZ400. That was something special.’

“During Griffis’ career, he’s worked with many of motorcycle racing’s greatest champions including motocross racers Bob Hannah, Mike Bell, Broc
Glover, Doug Henry, Jeremy McGrath, Damon Bradshaw, Doug Dubach, Jeff Emig, John Dowd, Kevin Windham, and Yamaha’s two current Supercross/motocross riders David Vuillemin and Tim Ferry.

“In addition to the off-road riders, Griffis worked with road racers Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Jim Filice, John Kocinski, David Sadowski, Thomas Stevens, Jamie James, Colin Edwards, Rich Oliver, Tom Kipp, Scott Russell, and Yamaha’s current riders, Anthony Gobert and Tommy Hayden.”