Great Clips® West Coast Moto Jam PIT NOTES SONOMA, Calif. Following are some notes of interest entering the Great Clips West Coast Moto Jam, May 4-6, at Infineon Raceway: Mat Mladin (Suzuki) holds the record for the most Sonoma SuperBike victories with nine (1999, 2003 doubleheader, 2004, 2005 doubleheader, 2007 doubleheader, 2009). Elena Myers (Discovery Bay) became the first female in history to win an AMA Pro Road Race when she won in Sonoma in 2010 (SuperSport). Ducati has not won a SuperBike event in Sonoma since 1978. Kawasaki has not won a Superbike event in Sonoma since 1993. Yamaha has six SuperBike victories in Sonoma, four by Josh Hayes. Josh Hayes (Yamaha) has won four of the last six SuperBike main events at Infineon Raceway. Suzuki has won the most SuperBike titles in Sonoma with 19. It is followed by: Honda (10), Yamaha (6), Kawasaki (3) and Ducati (2). Miguel Duhamel has won both the SuperBike and SuperSport events on the same weekend a record three times (1993, 1995, 1998) in Sonoma. Nicky Hayden (1999) and Josh Hayes (2007) are the only two riders to win SuperSport and Formula Xtreme in the same weekend in Sonoma. Rich Oliver is the only rider to win four straight years in Sonoma. He won in the 250 Grand Prix class from 1994-97. Suzuki won every Superstock main event in Sonoma but three (1993, 2003-04). Honda is the top manufacturer in SuperSport in Sonoma with eight wins. Miguel Duhamel and Mat Mladin are tied for most career Sonoma AMA wins with nine (Duhamel “” five Superbike, three Supersport, one Formula Xtreme; Mladin “” all in Superbike). Honda and Suzuki have combined to win 16 of the last 20 SuperBike main events in Sonoma dating back to 2002. Suzuki has 13 wins and Honda three. Jason Pridmore holds the career record in Sonoma for Superstock wins (three), Miguel Duhamel in SuperSport (three) and Eric Bostrom in Formula Xtreme (two). Shawn Higbee made history in 2010, winning first-ever zero-carbon motorcycle race on American soil (Zero Motorcycle-Agni). Great Clips West Coast Moto Jam WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Great Clips West Coast Moto Jam WHEN: May 4-6 ABOUT THE WEEKEND: In addition to AMA Pro Racing, there will be Supermoto USA, and the TTXGP North America electric motorcycle series. TICKETS: $35 single day/$55 weekend in advance; kids 12-and-under FREE and parking FREE. Military discounts available. INFO: 800-870-RACE (7223), infineonraceway.com/ama, ticketmaster.com More, from a press release issued by Geiger Media on behalf of KLR Group Harley-Davidson: Wyman looking to regain XR1200 points lead on KLR Group Harley-Davidson SONOMA, Ca. KLR Group Harley-Davidson rider Kyle Wyman heads to Infineon Raceway for this weekend’s Great Clips West Coast Moto Jam on the heels of back-to-back podium finishes in the first two events of the AMA Pro Road Racing season. Despite not having a lot of track time on the Infineon Raceway circuit, the New Yorker is ready for what lies ahead. “The track layout and characteristics will cater to us,” Wyman said. “I found a great base setup with support from Ohlins USA and Superbike Chassis, and the bike really excels in the types of technical sections that Infineon has to offer. I can’t wait to get out there this weekend and give this thing another go.” Wyman opened the season with a statement win at Daytona, but that was not his most impressive race of the season. No, that came in the second event in Atlanta, where he secured a third in the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series despite an exceptionally rough weekend of racing. “I was really excited to be at Road Atlanta,” Wyman said. “It’s my favorite track by far and it was cool they put it back to the schedule after not going there in 2011.” That excitement turned anxious after a qualifying wreck on Day 1 resulted in the 22-year-old getting thrown over the top of a Triumph motorcycle he was riding in the Daytona SportBike class. “I hurt my heel pretty bad when I landed but I made it off the racing surface and the medical staff reached me, loaded me up into the ambulance and carted me over to the on-site medical center,” Wyman said. “I knew I had my first XR1200 practice session coming up fast, so I did my best to get in and out of there. Turns out they let me go with a couple of ibuprofen, and a crutch under my left arm.” In the wreck Wyman fractured his right heel, which helped him decide to finish out the weekend and the season concentrating solely on the XR1200 Series. “I actually didn’t find out about the fractures until I got home and went to my regular doctor,” Wyman said. “The good news is they didn’t put any type of cast or brace on it All I have to do is ice and elevate it when I can, and take it easy with impact activities. Riding my bike is no problem.” That first wreck wasn’t the only bad luck Wyman had to overcome at Road Atlanta. After qualifying on the pole for Sunday’s XR1200 race, a first-lap spill in the main event from some undiscovered oil on the track left Wyman scrambling to get back to the pits to switch to his back-up Harley-Davidson in time for a restart. “From the sidelines, I could see they had red flagged the race, so the only thing I could think about was getting back to pit lane as quickly as possible to make sure I had time to restart the race,” Wyman said. “I was hurting but I hobbled through the gravel trap, climbed a fence and asked a mystery fan on a dirt bike for a ride back to the pits. He was my hero at that point. “I got back and saw my Dad (Bob Wyman), Uncle Bill (Wyman) and Paul (Diener) working hard to get my back-up bike ready. The AMA said I would be able to restart the race but I would have to start in the back of the grid. The oil on the track had just cost us all our hard work from qualifying.” Despite only having three laps on the brand-new machine, Wyman made his way from the rear all the way up to fourth place, before his climb started to stall. Then a late mishap for the second-place rider moved Wyman into third and another podium finish. “I couldn’t believe it,” said Wyman, now second in points behind Atlanta winner Tyler O’Hara. “After everything I went through, something finally went my way and I was able to come away with a podium finish despite all the drama. My crew did a great job and we never gave up, so our hard work was rewarded. “This team is the best one I’ve ever been a part of and since the KLR Group and Gaston Kearby stepped up to support our program, we’re in the best position possible. If we can finish third in Atlanta after what I hope will be our worst race of the year, the rest of these events should be that much better.” Wyman hits the course for the first Vance & Hines XR1200 practice at 10:30 a.m., Saturday. He’ll then return at 4:15 p.m. for the lone session of qualifying. On Sunday, there is a morning warm-up at 8:30 a.m., with the race itself scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. PDT. The event will be broadcast on SPEED. More, from a press release issued by Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki: RIDERS DISCOUNT VESRAH SUZUKI HEADS WEST TO INFINEON RACEWAY. The Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki team will be competing at the first west coast event for AMA Pro Road Racing this year in the Great Clips West Coast Moto Jam at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma Ca this coming weekend May 4th 6th. This will be only the 3rd visit to this race track for the team and with several top 5 finishes last year, Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki has developed a working set-up for the teams Dunlop equipped Suzuki GSX-R 600 race-bikes for this difficult circuit. Team Rider Benny Solis is no stranger to the Wine Country Winners Circle at Infineon as he won both of the AMA Pro Road Racing SuperSport races last year as well as qualified in pole position. Cory West netted a top 5 finish last year in Daytona SportBike and both he and Benny are hungry for the podium in the GoPro Daytona SportBike doubleheader this weekend as well as moving up in the 2012 championship point standings. Jake Lewis has never seen Infineon Raceway before and this will be a learning weekend for him as he is not competing for the West Coast SuperSport championship and can concentrate on his Suzuki GSX-R 600 without any championship pressure. Breeann Poland Team Manager Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki “Now we are getting into the season with no big gaps in the schedule for awhile so the team can hopefully carry the momentum started at Atlanta and have a good weekend out west at Infineon Raceway. I’ve tasted success before out in the Northern California wine country and would really like to do so again this weekend.” Benny Solis Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki #35 “Me personally, I love tracks that are always a challenge because of lots of elevation changes and tight turns. Infineon is definitely one of the tracks I have more fun on because it’s so technical and has lots of different turns. I’m ready for the races, I really am anxious to go racing and do well because my team and I are all working hard at it. We know what we can do, our Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki team has a strong bike and I have a great crew behind me so we know what we can achieve this weekend at Infineon. I’m looking forward to it quite a bit!” Cory West Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki #57 “I’m looking forward to Infineon not only because it’s a super fun track to ride, but also because it’s time to finally get into the swing of things. We’ll be on the track a lot coming up and I always perform better when I get to ride often. Infineon always brings a good crowd and great weather so I’ll be ready to get things started on Friday!” Jake Lewis Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki #85 “I’m really looking forward to going out west for the first time this year and to a new track for me at Infineon! I will have to learn the track quickly and get the bike dialed in for the races. I have been working really hard since Atlanta and I hope to carry my confidence into this weekend and get some good results for the Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki team!” More, from another press release issued by Infineon Raceway: Electric Motorcycles Return to Sonoma for Great Clips® West Coast Moto Jam SONOMA, Calif. (May 1, 2012) — Infineon Raceway set the standard in 2010, hosting the first-ever zero-carbon motorcycle race on American soil, and the TTXGP North American Championship returns for the third consecutive year at the Great Clips West Coast Moto Jam, May 4-6. Winners will be crowned in the overall TTXGP class, as well as the brand-new production specification category, TTXGP eSuperstock. In addition, there will also be a prize for the fastest bike with a limited store of energy (7.5KwH). The electric motorcycle series dovetails with the raceway’s continuing Accelerating Sustainable Performance Program, which works to prove that you don’t have to sacrifice performance in the name of sustainability. To give you some insight as to what you can expect this season, we caught up with 2011 Sonoma winners from Team Icon Brammo, rider Steve Atlas and Brammo product developer, Brian Wiseman: Congratulations on winning at Infineon Raceway last season and going on to take home the 2011 TTXGP North America crown. How confident are you heading into this season? Steve Atlas: I’m far more confident than last year that’s for sure. Last year I had only ridden an electric motorcycle twice before the opening round, so it was an all new world to me. But after the success we had last year and the improvements the team has made to the bike in the off-season, I’m feeling good about defending our title and am excited to get things going! What’s the main difference fans will notice this year from Brammo in terms of the technology? Brian Wiseman: For 2012, Brammo has focused on upgrading the powertrain of the bike to a new, more powerful Parker-Hannifin motor along with a physically smaller and lighter motor controller/inverter. The chassis and battery technology remain largely unchanged from last season as we were quite happy with their performance and credit the bike’s handling and durability with helping us bring home our first championship in 2011. What is the most common question you get asked by people regarding racing electric? SA: Ninety-nine percent of people ask if it’s like riding a traditional internal combustion engine motorcycle and if it’s strange to ride a bike that doesn’t make any noise. I tell them that beyond the basics of being a sporting motorcycle with two wheels, it’s actually quite a bit different; the biggest thing is the total lack of any engine braking and not having a clutch or doing any shifting. You announced last year the fact you were going into partnership with TTXGP to produce a race-ready bike for future teams; the Empulse TTX. How have these plans progressed, and when can future racers take possession of one? BW: The Empulse TTX will be based on our production Empulse and Empulse R platform which will be launched to the public on May 8. The bike has been developed with the goal of having a solid platform upon which a privateer or professional race team can cost-effectively build a contender for the TTXGP series. We will begin testing this summer and it seems likely that an interested racer could take possession in early 2013. Brammo is a leader in the electric vehicle industry and has a team that has raced with TTXGP since 2009. How do you see these technologies developing and what on-track improvements can we expect in the next five-10 years? BW: Even having been involved from the initial “drop of the flag,” we have been very impressed with the pace of development in the electric motorcycle space on all sides of technology. For the near future, I think we can expect to see the power levels continuing to climb to the near 200hp level and the bike weights continue to drop well into the sub-450 pound range. Of course, this level of motor performance will be useless without the battery power and endurance needed to make use of it, so we can expect improvements to specific power and capacity as well. At the moment, the bikes are circulating around the tracks on pace with a well-sorted SuperSport class race bike, but I think it will not be long before they are competitive with the professional SuperBikes. Finally, what’s great about racing at Infineon? SA: Infineon Raceway is an awesome track; one of my personal favorites. The elevation and diversity of corners makes for one of the most fun, as well as the most physically and mentally demanding tracks in the U.S. The blind corners and technical layout make it a track that takes quite awhile to learn and rewards smart riding over flat-out aggression. The Infineon Raceway season opener will be a first look at the improvements made across the board and race fans should be in for some wheel-to-wheel racing. More team details can be found on egrandprix.com, on Twitter #TTXGP or on Facebook.com/TTXGPofficial. For more information on the Great Clips West Coast Moto Jam or for tickets, visit infineonraceway.com/ama or call 800-870-RACE (7223). More, from a press release issued by Z² Racing: Z² Racing’s Cameron Gish to Make AMA Debut at West Coast Moto Jam Z² Racing is pleased to announce that Cameron Gish will take part in his very first AMA Pro SuperSport race at this weekend’s West Coast Moto Jam. The 17 year-old Shingle Springs, CA native will be looking for a strong result at a track he knows well, having raced there with the American Federation of Motorcyclists and numerous test days with Z² Track Days. With 125cc experience as a Red Bull Rookies Cup competitor and USGPRU racer, Cameron made the jump to racing a SuperSport bike in 2011. Steady gains and consistency meant that he eventually found his way to the front of a packed and talented field in the AFM 600 grids. An end of season surge resulted in several wins, the track record for 600cc motorcycles at Thunderhill Raceway and an AFM #10 plate. With a year of experience and bike setup, the step up to AMA Pro SuperSport was a logical one. Pre-season testing has yielded encouraging lap times and the team is confident that Cameron will put on a competitive showing against the best up-and-coming talent in the country. “Cameron has been working extremely hard both on and off the bike in preparing for the AMA National at Infineon. Pre-season testing has been very positive and the entire Z² Racing team has been working to help Cameron get ready. We’re definitely looking forward to the weekend,” said Z² Race Team co-owner David Ben-Jamin. While no stranger to the activity surrounding an AMA race weekend, thanks to his Red Bull Rookies Cup experience, Cameron still sees the coming weekend as a learning experience. “I’m just really looking forward to getting back in the AMA paddock and seeing all my old friends that I haven’t had the chance to hang out with since last season when I was a spectator at Infineon,” he said. “I’m approaching the weekend as a learning experience and I really just want to take away as much knowledge as I can from the different riders I’ve never ridden with. I haven’t had a chance to race yet this season due to an injury at the end of last year, so I have to be cautious with expectations, but I’m confident that if I ride to the best of my abilities we can bring home some decent results.” Cameron also noted that it takes an entire team of supporters to put together a competitive package. “I can’t give a big enough thanks to everyone that has been behind me as I prepare for my SuperSport debut. Z² Racing, The Jon Block Group, Stockton Optometry, CT Racing, Arai, LeoVince, MotoWheels, BBJK, Motion Pro, Race Image Graphics, Corse Dynamics, NK Components, Cortech, ACT, GPR, Yamalube, Champion Powder Coating, Vortex, Tech Spec and Optimal Bodywork have all been huge supporters as I prepare for not only this race but also my entire 2012 season of racing with different organizations.” The West Coast Moto Jam will be held May 4th to May 6th at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. For tickets and event information visit ~http://www.infineonraceway.com/tickets/west_coast_moto_jam/~. Z² Track Days is the leading track day organizer on the West Coast. We cater to riders of all levels, from track newcomers to pro racers. Our Novice School is widely regarded as the best, safest, and most economical way for experienced street riders to start their track riding adventure. Our mission is to make your day at the track as safe and fun as possible. Z² Track Days hosts events at Thunderhill Raceway, Infineon Raceway, Buttonwillow Raceway, Reno-Fernley Raceway and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. To view a schedule of events or sign up please visit www.z2trackdays.com. More, from a press release issued by Lucky Management: Wyatt Farris has experienced great success in both AFM and WERA West since he began racing in both series in 2010. With a solid supermoto background, Wyatt dove right into the steep competition both club series offer and has come up aces with a handful of expert wins and podiums at a variety of tracks. In 2011 Wyatt made his AMA Pro Road Racing debut board his Mach 1 Motorsports-prepped Jon Block Group Yamaha YZF-R6 at Infineon Raceway. He took a best finish of 6th that weekend and is looking to hit the podium this year having honed his skills both mentally and physically. Farris has received a great amount of support from friends and family in all of his racing efforts and looks forward to putting on a great show this weekend. Farris trains regularly with CT Racing’s Corey Neuer; cycling on their road bikes on the streets as well as at the track during down time. Wyatt also has a great mentor, Joey Pascarella, who has provided great direction and guidance in developing his skills. Wyatt is also pleased to announce he has just picked up a new sponsor that he will be representing this weekend, Evol Technologies. Steve Karol of Evol Technology: “Evol Technology LLC provides rear-sets and related components to discriminating road racing and sport bike customers throughout the country. Featuring race-bred function, grip, ergonomics, durability, and unique style, Evol Technology’s products raise the bar for high performance sport bike controls and mechanical components. Their entire product line is designed, developed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA” Wyatt would like to thank his sponsors: Mach 1 Motorsports, John Block Group, CT Racing, FMF, Arai, ACT, KH Coaching, Pacific Track Time, Evol Technology, GB Racing, CRG, Supermoto USA, & Lucky Management and a special thank you to: Corey Neuer, Ken Hill, Will Mortan, & Jeff Leggit. facebook.com/WyattFarrisRacing #WyattFarris150