James Gang/Hoban Brothers Racing sponsored by H-D/Buell of Appleton has announced plans to compete in the new SunTrust Moto-GT series as it moves to the AMA Pro Racing circuit full time in 2009.
After an ASRA Team Challenge GT Lights national championship and 11 Moto-ST GST podium finishes aboard Buell XB12Rs, the team will contest AMA Pro Racing’s SunTrust Moto-GT1 class on Buell 1125Rs. The SunTrust Moto-GT1 class will pit twin-cylinder machines and 4-cylinder 600s against each other with horsepower and weight restrictions to reduce costs and ensure close competition. The races will be two hours or more in length, with pit stops, tire changes and racing strategy playing a major factor in the outcome of each event.
“This is big step up for us but I have no doubt our team will succeed,” said team co-owner and rider Paul James. “We’re looking forward to racing the Buell 1125R against the best endurance teams in the country.”
James will share riding duties with teammate Jeff Johnson, while Mike Kirkpatrick will serve as crew chief and John Dahmer as tuner.
James and Johnson will debut the team’s new Buell 1125R at Daytona International Speedway wearing new SHIFT Racing Vertex leathers and Arai helmets.