GEICO partners with Chris Ulrich Racing, rider Cardenas CHEVY CHASE, Md. (Nov. 17) — Chris Ulrich Racing has signed a multi-year contract with GEICO to field a team in the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Series. Past champion Martin Cardenas will pilot the group’s entry. Cardenas, who captured the class crown in 2010, holds the record for most Daytona SportBike victories at 16. “Racing with the support of an industry leader like GEICO and having a talented rider like Martin in the saddle provides us with the best possible chance to win races and championships in this class,” team principal Chris Ulrich said. “We are humbled by GEICO’s support and we’ll do everything we can to show them in the best possible light both on and off the racetrack.” Team Hammer’s Contract Services Department will provide technical and logistical support for the team, supplying equipment, personnel and transport for the program. “I’m very happy to race next season with GEICO because I believe this will be the No. 1 team in the paddock,” the 29-year-old Cardenas said from his home in Medellin, Columbia. “To be sponsored by a company like GEICO is the best thing that can happen to a rider. I will do my best to put their name on the top of the podium each race.” Cardena’s credentials speak volumes about his talent. Aside from his 2010 Daytona SportBike championship, he’s won titles in Europe and South America in both road racing and motocross. In 2011, Cardenas competed in the AMA Pro Superbike class, winning the first race of the year, earning third in the second race of a doubleheader weekend in Birmingham, Alabama, taking another third in a race in Sonoma and posting a total of nine top-five results in 14 races for an overall ranking of fourth place. Now back in the AMA Daytona SportBike category, Cardenas should continue his winning ways in the class, which includes seven victories in 2009 and nine more in 2010. “This class is going to be extremely competitive,” Cardenas said. “There are so many great riders out there. At the same time, I am confident that we have the best package to fight for race wins and the championship.” Entering its 32nd consecutive season, Team Hammer will hit the track for the first time at the 71st annual Daytona 200, which kicks off the 2012 season March 15-17 at Daytona International Speedway.