From a press release issued by Team Hammer, Inc.:

Team Hammer, Inc., long known for finding new talent, is establishing a new rider development program aimed at launching qualified riders into professional road racing careers.

One of the team’s most recent success stories is 2000 AMA 750cc Supersport and 2001 AMA Formula Xtreme Champion John Hopkins, now racing in the MotoGP World Championship. With Team Hammer guidance, Hopkins went from racing in the Aprilia Cup to MotoGP in three years.

The team, which has helped a long list of AMA National Champions and FIM World Champions early in their careers, is now looking for a new batch of talented Americans.

The most promising two prospects in the program will earn Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki rides for the 2003 Suzuki Cup Finals and the best rider may be offered a full ride with the team for the 2004 season. All program participants will receive career evaluation and guidance.

Program participants will be required to race Suzuki motorcycles, and must use Valvoline oil and products from other Team Hammer sponsors.

Full details of the program will be announced November 15. Interested riders can request a sign-up kit from Team Hammer, Inc., P.O. Box 183, Wildomar, CA 92595-0183, (909) 245-6414, www.teamhammer.com. Or, click here to complete the sign-up request form.