From a press release:

Jake Zemke Joins Honda/Erion Racing For 2003 Season

Zemke parlays his successful ’02 Formula Xtreme season into factory-backed ride for’03

FLORENCE, Ky., (Oct. 16, 2002) – After a highly successful 2002 AMA/Chevy Truck U.S. Superbike Championship season, OMS Sports client Jake Zemke got the ride he was looking for as he’ll spend next year with the Honda-backed Erion Racing Team, competing in the AMA Formula Xtreme and 600cc Supersport classes.

Also, Zemke’s deal with Honda includes a full-time superbike ride with one of Honda’s race teams in 2004.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the way things have turned out,” said Zemke. “I worked very hard last year and, despite a couple bad breaks, wound up tied (at year’s end) for the points lead in the Formula Xtreme class. I’ve had a great relationship with Honda and Kevin Erion over the years and look forward to this coming season and bringing another championship back to the Erion Racing Team.”

Erion Racing president Kevin Erion has been representing Honda as a factory satellite team for ten years. In those ten years his riders have won eight AMA titles. And he’s looking forward to getting his ninth title this year with Zemke. “I’ve known Jake for six years, four of which he’s been associated with our race program,” said Erion. “I’ve really studied Jake’s slow, methodical growth path – which is something I like very much. Jake doesn’t go out and take too big of steps, which is key when discussing longevity in this sport. He came close to the Formula Xtreme title this year and we’ll be expecting that he win it next year.”

Erion continued: “Equally as important to his riding skills is the fact that Jake has a very warm personality, is always ‘up,’ always smiling and always happy to be there and be part of the sport he loves. Jake has a real positive effect on everybody he works with, especially the fans.”

Zemke’s relationship with Erion racing includes a factory-backed Honda contract he’s equally excited about. “The help from Honda made it easy to put together the deal with Erion Racing,” explained Zemke. “And all this means I’ll have the best possible equipment available, with the best crew of mechanics and race technicians putting it all together. This will take a lot of pressure off me in that all I have to do is go out and win races – and that’s the fun part.”

Added Honda’s Chuck Miller, manager of Honda’s Motorcycle Sports Program: “We’re pleased to have Jake re-join the Honda/Erion racing family. As far as Honda’s concerned, Jake’s one of the top up-and-coming riders in the sport for sure. His road racing and dirt track experience will set the stage for him to move into superbike racing in the not-to-distant future.”

Zemke will race both the AMA USA Formula Xtreme (2nd overall in 2002) and AMA 600cc Supersport (8th overall in 2002) classes in 2003.


(Editorial Note: Zemke is apparently being replaced on the Bruce Transportation team by Australian Marty Craggill.)