From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Rapp Looking For Chemistry, Wins During Fall Cycle Scene At Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Oct. 17, 2002) — Steve Rapp is not fighting for any championships in the season finales of the Championship Cup Series or the Formula USA National Road Racing Series during this weekend’s Fall Cycle Scene at Daytona International Speedway.

Rapp is using this weekend’s races to get familiar with his new team – Valvoline EMGO Suzuki. The 30-year-old veteran rider of Corona, Calif., recently signed on with owner John Ulrich and Valvoline EMGO Suzuki to compete in the AMA Formula Xtreme and Supersport classes in 2003.

This weekend, Rapp will be competing in several races, including Thursday’s Team Challenge Final. While Rapp naturally wants to win, he’s also looking to ignite some chemistry with his new team.

“We figured the sooner you start the better,” said Rapp, who was fourth in Lockhart-Phillips Unlimited Superbike afternoon practice on Thursday with a timed lap of 1:53.57. “It’s the first weekend together. It’s my first time on Michelin tires.

“I know all the crew guys from being at the races. I get along with them good. I like them all. (Teammate) Chris (Ulrich) and I are good friends. I’m really excited after the really bad season last year. I’m just happy that John has faith in me to ride for a team like his.”

Rapp has been a part of several top-notch rides during his career, including a HMC Racing Ducati effort in U.S. Superbike. He’s delighted that he has found a home with Ulrich and Valvoline EMGO Suzuki.

“It’s totally first class (team),” Rapp said. “I’ve ridden for factory teams before, and this is every bit of that as far as the organization and looks and the way they run it. When they do things, they say they’re going to do them and it gets done. It’s a totally professional team.”