The last time a privateer rider won the Daytona 200 was when John Ashmead piloted his Honda to victory in 1989. Now, 22 years later, former race winner Jake Zemke is looking to repeat that accomplishment during the 70th running of America’s greatest motorcycle road race on his privately-backed Project 1 Atlanta racebike. The term “privateer” is used liberally in racing circles, but Zemke’s ride defines the meaning as his all-black motorcycle has even been stripped of markings and insignias representing its manufacturer, Yamaha, signifying the company’s lack of support of the effort, according to Team Owner Perry Melneciuc. “We have zero support or help from Yamaha,” Melniciuc told Roadracingworld.com. “Right now it’s just us. All the guys are volunteers on the team.” Asked about the possibility of winning the Daytona 200 on his privateer machine, Zemke said, “That’s why we’re down here. If it does work out that way we can mark it up to missed opportunities for some sponsors out there. But that’s fine. We have great bikes and a great crew. The rider is ready to go. “It’s a race I’ve won before [2006]. I’ve either had really good luck in the 200 or had really shitty luck. Either we’ve had problems mechanically on the track or in the pits or I’ve finished on the podium in years past. My 200s end in one of those two fashions. We’re definitely excited. It’s going to be good. I think we have an excellent shot at winning this race.” The Project 1 Atlanta team currently only has plans to do the Daytona 200 with the help they are receiving from sponsors Troy Lee Designs, Akrapovic, Lucas Oil, PPG, Adidas, Drippinwet.com, RM Racing and SE Composites, but the team hopes its performance at Daytona will help attract the support required to continue racing in 2011. “We’re working on it,” said Zemke. “It’s par for the field. I’m not 100% at the forefront of working on that, but I’m definitely trying on my end, too. Perry, as much as he’s working on getting the bikes ready, he’s also searching for sponsors. Troy Lee’s been helping me out a lot with sponsors. And also my management company, WMG, has been looking for them, too. Between everyone, hopefully we will get something together. “And it doesn’t have to be one huge sponsor. If we can put together a few smaller sponsorship packages we can make the whole thing work. It’s not like we need it all to come from one place. We’ll see what happens. We’re optimistic and hopeful that we can make something happen for this year, and if we can we’re going to have a great shot at winning the Championship. So there’s definitely a good opportunity for folks out there to jump on board.”