Kellerman Sweeps Phoenix CCS Southwest Round Aboard EP Racing Hyosung
Kellerman closes on Alter's #21 SV650
For Immediate Release
Encore Performance Racing Starts New Year With Multiple Wins
Firebird Raceway, Phoenix AZ, Jan. 17, 2010: The new year brings a new hope and a general sense of optimism for most people, and the beginning of 2010 was no different for the EP Race team and their Hyosung GT 650R. A fuel injected engine arrived over the short winter break and spirits were high that the new powerplant would help propel the team to the top step of the podium. However, as with most new projects, you have to jump a few hurdles to get to the finish line and this one was no different. It requires many additional components to switch from a carbureted engine to a fuel injected engine and as the first race weekend of the year drew near it became apparent that the swap would not be done in time. Undeterred the team went into the weekend knowing they would give it their all and hope for the best, after all it is a new year!
It looked like it might rain on Sunday, but the forecast predicted it would hold off until Monday and for once the weatherman would finally be right, as it stayed dry all weekend. The sun peeked out off and on throughout the day and pushed the temperatures into the low 70′s, not a bad day for racing. The team had skipped Saturday practice and waited until the second session to hit the track Sunday morning. With new Dunlop 211′s spooned on by Jim Cox Racing, the bike was feeling good and the grip provided, even on the cold track, was outstanding. The optimism returned and the EP Race team was looking forward to a great day of racing
Usually, each race has a different ebb and flow to it. Sometimes the results are the same, but how you get there can be dramatically different. This weekend was different, as each race for the team was eerily similar. Matt Kellerman (#63) did not get the best starts and found himself behind Kerry Alter on the #21 SV 650 going into turn one of each race. Matt followed the #21 around the track for a lap or two, judging where best to set up his pass. He was able to pass Kerry in each race and then set a couple of quick laps to pull a comfortable gap. All four races for the team seemed nearly identical, and the EP Race team was able to sweep the weekend and bring home 1st place in all four classes (Lightweight Superbike, Lightweight GP, Thunderbike, and Ultra Lightweight Superbike).
This was the first race win for the team since Las Vegas in 2006 and they were ecstatic to be back on the top step and start the 2010 season on such a high note. The team looks forward to being back on the track on February 6th in Phoenix AZ. EP Racing would like to thank all of its sponsors, PowersportsOutlet.com, Hyosung.Biz, Hyosung Motors USA, Jim Cox Racing, Dunlop tires, EBC, Silkolene, and Pit Bull for making such a great weekend possible. The EP Race team is looking forward to a very successful 2010. If you are interested in the unique sponsorship opportunities the team can provide your company don’t hesitate to call.
EP Racing is based out of Prescott, AZ and have been racing the Hyosung GT650R since 2006. They have achieved multiple victory’s, countless podium finishes, a LW GT title, and other honors, in both the CCS, and SMRI race series. For more information you can contact the team at 928-778-7910 or email: shop@epfguzzi.com
EP Racing Takes 2nd Aboard the Hyosung GT 650R
Firebird Raceway, Phoenix, Oct. 4th, 2009 – It was a windy weekend at the tight and technical West Track in Phoenix, yet Matt Kellerman (#63) was able to stay on the bike for three more podium finishes. Entering Round 7 of the CCS Southwest Series, EP Racing was looking to move up to third in the standings for Thunderbike as well as claiming Third Overall in the Lightweight Division. Happily both goals were accomplished with EP Racing taking a weekend best of 2nd in the Thunderbike race.
The bike was running great after last months fixes, so the only modification made for the race was a new paint job to make the Hyosung GT650R stand out on the track and help highlight our sponsors. The team received many compliments on the bike throughout the weekend, and as the pictures show, the bike looks great at speed!
Race 1: Matt was a little late getting out for the warm-up lap, which led to a bad start at the drop of the green flag. He was able to hold on to the back of the two bikes in front for half the race, but on lap 5 he could no longer shift through his gears. Matt had to retire from the race and found the culprit to be a missing footpeg bracket bolt. Not the best way to start the day but with the addition of a new bolt the team was ready for the next race.
Race 2: LW Superbike saw the winds really start to pickup and some dust starting settle on the track. Another rough start saw Matt slotted into 4th into Turn 1. The bike in front ridden by Kerry Alter (#21) was a heavily worked SV650 that rocketed out of the corners. Matt would bring his GT right behind number 21 into the corners only to see his work lost as Kerry used his power advantage to pull away on the short straights. #63 was finally able to pass Alter on Lap 5 and immediately started to pull a big gap. But it was too little too late as the front runners had already pulled away. Matt brought it home in 3rd.
Race 3: Thunder bike started nearly the same as LW Superbike yet this time the Hyosung was 3rd into turn 1. This time Matt was able to get past Kerry on Lap 2 and set off after Dustin who was in the lead. The wind was kicking up some serious dust at this point and halfway through the lap a sand storm blew across the track, knocking the visibility down to near zero. Matt said “I couldn’t see 2 feet in front of me at one point, so I just held the throttle open and hoped I didn’t run out of asphalt!” The GT650R weathered the storm and brought it home in 2nd.
At the end of the weekend EP Racing and the GT650R have moved into a tie for 3rd in Thunderbike, and have moved into 3rd overall for all the Lightweight Classes. EP Racing would like to thank all of its sponsors, PowersportsOutlet.com, Hyosung Motors USA, Hyosung.Biz, Dunlop, EBC, BMC, LSL, and Puig for another successful weekend.
Next month will see the team and their GT650R return to the Main track for the 8th and Final race of the season. The event is scheduled for the weekend of November 14 – 15, 2009. For more information log on to Roadrace Southwest.
EP Racing is based out of Prescott, AZ and have been racing the Hyosung GT650R since 2006. They have achieved multiple victory’s, countless podium finishes, a LW GT title, and other honors, in both the CCS, and SMRI race series. For more information you can contact the team at 928-778-7910 or email: shop@epfguzzi.com
Maxtra Racing Is Now Haojue Racing | 125cc MotoGP Preparation Progress
After some difficulties with rights to the Maxtra name, Maxtra Racing is now Haojue Racing. That explains why we have not been able to access their web site. Personally I like when Asian brands keep their name so I am glad to see them keep the name Haojue. Looks like the team is making great progress.
Here are some quotes from a recent email release from the team about their progress towards 125cc MotoGP competition…
The Chinese Haojue 125cc GP race team made its official test debut at the Jerez three day test, making steady progress refining machine set-up and testing more new parts.
The team received a great welcome from the rest of the MotoGP paddock with many positive comments on the amount of progress we have made with the machine in just eight months since turning a wheel for the first time.
The whole email is printed below. Please be sure to sign up for the Houjue email newsletter.
March 28 2009.
Pictured: Team Haojue riders Michael Ranseder and Matt Hoyle at the Jerez test.
The Chinese Haojue 125cc GP race team made its official test debut at the Jerez three day test, making steady progress refining machine set-up and testing more new parts.
“It has been something of a baptism of fire for the team in general and for our GP rookie Matt Hoyle in particular,” said team director Garry Taylor.
“Most of the machines out there have a few seasons of race development, while we are still testing new ideas, parts and set-ups. We had a lot of work to do with various engine and chassis options in a limited amount of on-track time, but we have come away with a stack of information, data and experience which will help us continue to move forward.
“For Matt it was his first time on track with GP class riders and he coped really well. Michael worked really hard, riding smoothly and consistently to give great feedback to the team. He put in so many laps that the motor reached the end of its service life and he had to miss the last session.
“The team received a great welcome from the rest of the MotoGP paddock with many positive comments on the amount of progress we have made with the machine in just eight months since turning a wheel for the first time.
“Franco collated a vast amount of engine data which he will now take back to analyse with Jan in the ongoing development programme.
“The crew are now back to the workshop in the UK to prepare for the final pre-season tests at Qatar next week and the machines are already on their way.”
Michael Ranseder; “Testing is always hard work, but it is very interesting to be part of the development programme for a complete new machine. I rode well within my limits at this test in order to give consistent feedback and I am happy that we are making progress all the time.”
Matt Hoyle; “Well this was the first step on what I hope is a short ladder in the move up to the top level of 125 racing. The team is working really well and we are all learning all of the time. I’m loving it!”
Brammo Enertia To Enter TTXGP
Brammo Enertia
Craig Bramscher posted to twitter TTGXP race June 12th – See the Brammo Enertia there! Looks like Brammo will enter the Enertia in the TTXGP electric motorcycle race. Check out the promotional video Craig Posted on Facebook. A comment below the facebook video reads “We are going to be in the race….”.
I believe this makes Brammo the first motorcycle manufacturer to enter the race. With only a few months until the race it will be interesting to see who else enters.
Where is Maxtra Racing’s MotoGP Bike?
Haojue / Maxtra Racing 125cc MotoGP Bike
One month until Qatar MotoGP opener. Anyone notice Maxtra Racing’s website is password protected? It has been that way for a few weeks. No email updates from Maxtra lately. The most recent email update was February 15 2009, about 1 month ago. In December and January we were getting emails every few weeks. I was looking forward to seeing China’s first entry into MotoGP, I hope all is good with progress on the 125cc two stroke machine.
Maxtra Racing Signs Michael Ranseder for 2009 Moto GP
Chinese Moto GP team Maxtra Racing has chosen Michael Ranseder as the first rider. Maxtra Racing is the first all Chinese entry into Moto GP and should be a great step for parent company Houjue and the Chinese motorcycle industry in general. Ranseder brings 3 years of increasingly successful Moto GP experience to the team. There is a second rider spot still open. Maxtra will race in 2009 Moto GP in the 125cc class. Read more about Ransder and the innovative upside-down cylindar 125cc Maxtra for more information.
Want To Buy a Maxtra 125cc GP Racer?
Looks like the team at Maxtra Racing is considering a production version of their 125cc MotoGP race bike. Chinese company Haojue has teamed up with racing legends John Sutrees, Gary Taylor and others to build a motorcycle from the ground up and race it in the 125cc class of motoGP. Obviously the project is generating a lot of interest for the Maxtra brand.
This is a drastic departure from most Chinese motorcycle manufactures approach to entering markets outside of China. While Zongshen and Lifan aim at low cost, low cc market Haojue decided to shoot for the elite segment of one off race motorcycles and work backwards from there. So far it was a good call. The Maxtra name will be associated with racing before it ever reaches showroom floors. An image of quality will be baked in to the name.
So when can I buy a Maxtra?