National City Motorcycle, Inc. “NCM”, is proud to announce its 2005 AMA race team of Tim Knutson and Joe Pollard. Tim will be competing in the AMA Formula Extreme series on Bridgestone tires while Joey will be contesting the AMA Supersport series starting the season on Michelins. Joey will also continue to race the CCS series

Both riders will be racing 2003 Yamaha YZFR6’s prepared by National City Motorcycle. While Joey’s bike remains nearly stock, Tim’s engine has been built by Rob Brown, long time engine builder for several top amateur racers like Rich Munn who did battle with the likes of Chuck Graves at Willow Springs back in the 1990’s. Rob is also the Service Manager at NCM.

This is Tim Knutson’s third year in the AMA although this is the first year he will be contesting the entire series. Tim looks towards this season and the Daytona 200 opening round with much enthusiasm and high expectations. Tim is returning from a near career ending injury he sustained at Willow Springs Toyota 200 in 2002 where he high sided in turn two during practice. The injuries he sustained left him in a wheel chair for months and he was not able to walk unassisted until the Spring of 2003 at which time he returned to racing. Tim is now back in the best shape of his life having lost nearly 50 pounds. His intense workout regimen is paying off with big dividends. In a recent test at California Speedway, Tim was 2 seconds a lap quicker than his qualifying time for last year’s Fontana round. Those times were attained with worn tires and last year’s Supersport engine in his R6.

Tim was the 2002 Aprilia Heavyweight National Champion, 2002 WSMC 550 Superbike Champion, CCS Middleweight Sportsman Pacific Region Class Champion, and 2001 WSMC Rookie of the Year.

The 2005 season will be Joe Pollard’s rookie year in the AMA. Joey has quickly moved up the amateur ranks having completed an unbelievable season in CCS Southwest and Pacific regions in 2004. In the Pacific Region, Joey won the Akrapovic Amateur GTU and Amateur Middleweight Supersport classes. He finished second in the Amateur Middleweight Superbike and Middleweight classes. Joey was just as successful in the Southwest Region, winning the Akrapovic GTU Amateur class and finishing second in the Amateur Speedscreen Unlimited GP and Middleweight GP. He also took third overall in the Amateur Middleweight Superbike and Supersport classes.

NCM also has a strong amateur racer support program in San Diego. Among its top racers are CCS, WERA and WSMC racer Brian Short competing on a Yamaha YZFR6 and Honda CRF450; STARRS Supermoto rider Chris Borgman racing Chad Reed’s former Yamaha YZ450F supermoto bike; NHRA drag racer Wayne Fletcher campaigning a 2004 GSXR1000, and 600cc Minisprint driver Tom Gerow.

“NCM” is hosting a Daytona 200 Party on Saturday March 12th to support its AMA Formula Extreme racer Tim Knutson. Hooters Girls will be catering the event, and  will also be on hand for photo opportunities.

So come out and cheer on San Diego’s own Tim Knutson as he does battle on his NCM sponsored Yamaha YZFR6 at the legendary Daytona 200 in the 2005 AMA Superbike series season opener.  The race will be televised live on NCM’s new 65″ Mitsubishi television.  While you’re there, enjoy free hot wings and other great food, plus get your picture taken with the Hooters Girls.

The first 25 guests to arrive will receive free Daytona t-shirts. NCM will also be giving away other great prizes. 

The event will be held on Saturday March 12th.  Store hours on Saturdays are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the Hooters Girls will be at there starting at 11:00 am.  The Daytona 200 starts at 11:00 am.

Since 1981, National City Motorcycle, Inc. has been one of San Diego’s premier independent motorcycle dealerships. With Japanese and Harley Davidson MMI certified mechanics on staff, NCM specializes in servicing Japanese, American, and European motorcycles. NCM also stocks one of the largest selections of motorcycle accessories, and women’s and men’s apparel in San Diego County. For more information regarding National City Motorcycle race team and racer support program, please contact John Wenger, Esquire at (619) 474-2025, [email protected], 1504 National City Boulevard, National City, California 91950.