The following is a press release issued by Jason DiSalvo’s team:

“TOP TEN IN CROATIA FOR DISALVO

“After his 12th-place finish at the last European 250cc Championship race in Hungary two weeks ago, Cruise America Grand Prix Racing Team rider Jason DiSalvo continued to improve by recording a well-deserved 10th place at the Rijeka circuit in Croatia on Sunday.

“Having qualified in 10th place and posting 6th-fastest time in morning practice, Jason ran with the leading bunch in 8th position for the opening laps until he lost a couple of places but held on to his top-10 position until the checkered flag.

“Despite him being the youngest rider in the 250cc series, 17-year-old DiSalvo, from Batavia, New York, beat a host of more experienced competitors and in doing so, continued his recent good form much to his delight:

“‘I made a few mistakes that cost me a couple of places but I’m very happy to score more points. So long as we continue to improve, we are making progress’ said Jason after the race.

“Team owner Jim DiSalvo echoed his son’s comments:

“‘Jason is running well and we’re happy with the result. Considering this is a class field with lots of experience, I feel Jason is on the pace now and we are improving with every passing race’ said the New York businessman.

“DiSalvo returns to the USA this week to take some exams before traveling to Virginia next weekend to take part in a domestic 250cc race.

“Following his recent good form in Europe, DiSalvo has accepted the offer of a ‘wild card’ entry at the forthcoming Dutch Grand Prix at Assen in three weeks time. The team had originally planned on contesting the supporting European Championship race at the circuit that week but with the chance to move into the World Championship arena, the team will concentrate solely on the 250cc Dutch Grand Prix.

“‘It’s great news and this will be a tremendous experience for us all” enthused Jim DiSalvo. ‘It will give Jason the chance to race against the world’s top 250cc riders which will be an experience in its own right. We’re looking long term at this and we hope it will be of benefit to us in the months to come.’

“Jason secured wild card rides at the Argentinean and Brazilian Grands Prix in 1999 but the Assen race will be his first European GP and he too is looking forward to it

“‘I’ll give it my best shot and maybe we can have a good run. I can’t wait to race against the full-time GP racers,’ said Jason.

“Further to Crew Chief Marco ‘Brains’ Woodage tripping and damaging ligaments in his ankle in Hungary recently – which led to a hospital visit and him needing crutches – the team suffered further mishaps in Croatia.

“Technician Johnny Mowatt was taken ill on Friday with food poisoning which led to him spending the day laid up in the motorhome which meant team owner Jim DiSalvo had to help out and in doing so, managed to wrench his back!

“But it was Brains who was in the wars again when a static spark ignited a can of cleaning fluid he was using on the bike which briefly engulfed both him and the machine. No major damage was done as the fire was quickly extinguished although he now is sporting singed eyebrows and sideburners and had a red nose and cheeks!”