M1GP AND GRAVES MOTORSPORTS HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF MINI ROAD RACING IN AMERICA. The only things small about mini road racing are the bikes, some of the riders and the relative costs for the experiences one can have on two wheels. Otherwise, what riders can gain in developing skill and experience racing “mini” class motorcycles can be very big. “Mini” class motorcycles are small displacement motorcycles, which typically range from 50cc 2 stroke to about 150cc 4 stroke machines. Mini Road Racing awareness and support is much greater in Europe and Asia than it is in the USA. Its popularity in these countries pays off with the success of many of today’s top riding talent who have benefited from their experience and support they have received in their developmental stages in riding. Although many of today’s top American riders have also come through the ranks of mini racing, the popularity and support for racing at this level, pales dramatically in comparison to their international competitors. Graves Motorsports and M1GP (Mini Road Racing Association) will be promoting mini road racing together by highlighting the Graves Pro AMA team in various marketing material, and to have an impact on America’s future in road racing. The Graves team currently consists of former mini road racers: Josh Herrin, Tommy Aquino, and Benny Solis Jr., who have all built and developed their strong riding foundation through mini racing. “Chuck Graves has an eye for finding great talent, some of which he found from CMRRA (with Al Lyons) and what is now M1GP. We’re excited that an important company like Graves Motorsports is working with us to shine the spotlight on mini road racing as a significant learning experience for riders and racers. With their recent success at Daytona and WERA endurance races, Graves Motorsports, has captured the attention of fans, competitors and those in the industry, and hopefully will encourage more industry support and get more people to experience mini road racing. It’s good for everyone – the racers, teams and the industry as a whole – now and for the future.” – Young Lee, M1GP “Mini road racing is great fun for young riders and offers invaluable experience. In my early years as a racer I had six YSR50s loaned to me by a close friend and sponsor (Randy Schinder). We would get everyone together and hold races. This was most definitely some of the best road race training I gained during my career as a rider.” – Chuck Graves, Owner of Graves Motorsports. Besides helping shed light on mini road racing, Graves Motorsports is currently offering a substantial contingency program with WERA and is off to a great season of winning races with some former mini road racers! Additionally Graves Motorsports offers championship winning performance parts and accessories for Yamaha R1, Yamaha R1, Suzuki GSX-R 600, Suzuki GSX-R 750, Suzuki GSX-R 1000 and many others. For more information about M1GP mini road racing and the Graves Motorsports team, please visit the following websites: ~http://www.m1-grandprix.com~ ~http://www.gravesport.com~ ~http://www.wera.com~ ~http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/~