Ground Zero Racing’s four-rider AMA road racing team plans to raise funds during the 2002 AMA National road race series and donate them to the Uniformed Firefighters Association/Fire Department of New York Memorial Scholarship Fund.

In FAX to Roadracing World, Ground Zero Racing team member Kathy Manett wrote, “I’m sure you have many pieces of mail cross your desk each day about race teams but I’m sure not many are racing for a cause like we are. We are racing for the FDNY Memorial Scholarship Fund. We are raising money to further the education of firefighter’s children who have lost a parent due to 9-11 or other related tragedies. We have two Superbike riders, one 750 Supersport & Formula Xtreme rider and one Pro Thunder rider. After meeting with the FDNY in December and getting their unbelievable approval and gratitude we have been working fast and furious to line up sponsors and donations. Since Roadracing World is read and enjoyed by so many I am hoping you will make mention of our team and let everyone know about our cause. I have forwarded some additional information on the team riders and the fire department. Thank you in advance for anything you can do for us!”

The FAX included a copy of a January 21 letter from Edward Burke of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York. In the letter, Burke wrote, “I am writing to express our gratitude and appreciation that your Ground Zero Racing Team has agreed to donate the net proceeds received by the team during the 2002 AMA Racing Series season to the Scholarship Fund.

“As you well know, New York City firefighters suffered terrible losses as a result of the September 11 attacks on America. We hope to assist our families, including those who suffered most on September 11, with funds raised for our Scholarship Program.

“This letter will authorize you to accept such sums on our behalf and to extend our sincere thanks to all who have agreed to assist us.”

The release also included a Mission Statement from Ground Zero Racing that said, “Ground Zero Racing is a non-profit professional motorcycle road racing team that recognizes children as our country’s most valuable asset, and will dedicate ourselves to use every means at our disposal to aid in funding the UFA/FDNY Memorial Scholarship Fund, and provide for the future education of those children affected by the tragedy of September 11, 2001.”

Ground Zero is made up of Superbike competitors Andy “Woody” Deatherage and Jim Doerfler, who both ride modified Suzuki GSX-R750s; Mike Johnston, who will ride a Suzuki GSX-R750 in Superstock and Formula Xtreme; and Rick Manett, who will campaign a Husaberg 650 “Super Motard” in the Pro Thunder class.

In a February 8 telephone call, Kathy Manett told Roadracing World that all of the team’s motorcycles were being painted to resemble FDNY fire trucks and that the riders’ leathers are being custom-made to resemble FDNY firefighter uniforms complete with official department patches supplied by the FDNY.

On the inspiration of their effort, Manett said her husband, Rick, went to New York during the last week of 2001 and found that despite the hundreds of millions of dollars raised to help the victims of the 9/11 attack on America, the UFA/FDNY Scholarship Fund only had $15,000 in its account.

Manett added that the team hoped to coordinate fund-raising efforts with local fire departments as they travel around the United States this season with the AMA series. For additional information on Ground Zero Racing, call Rick or Kathy Manett at (440) 285-3937 or e-mail Rick Manett at Rmanett@mmsa.