From a press release issued by Proforma:

EMPIRE RACING ANNOUNCES AMA PRO ROAD RACING TEAM

Empire Racing is pleased to announce the formation of the Empire Racing Suzuki road race team, which will contest the 2004 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship series with riders Lee Acree and Chris “Opie” Caylor. Expanding on its existing relationship as American Suzuki’s factory Arenacross team, Empire Racing Suzuki will compete in the AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport and Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock classes on 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600s and GSX-R1000s, respectively.

“We are excited to expand into AMA Pro road racing with such a great team of riders, crew and sponsors,” said Empire Racing team owner, Mark Deweese. “With all of the resources that everyone brings to the program, I feel like we have the potential for a successful season.” In addition to the support from American Suzuki, the team will also have product and technical support from Pirelli Tires. Leo Vince SBK joins the team as a technical partner with exhaust systems and peripherals. Empire Racing’s retail outlet, The XFactory store, will also provide support through team sponsors. Visit the website at www.thexfactorystore.com.

Along with the AMA front-running riders Acree and Caylor, Empire Racing has assembled a group of seasoned professionals to handle the technical and administrative support for the team. Noel VanVeld will be the team manager and Grant Matsushima will be the team’s crew chief while focusing on engine development. Technicians Tommy Lancaster and Jimmy Williams will support Empire Racing Suzuki’s equipment during and between race events.

Empire Racing Suzuki is proud to be partnering with American Suzuki, Pirelli Tires, Leo Vince SBK Exhausts, The XFactory Store, Hotbodies Racing Bodywork, EBC Brakes, Silkolene Lubricants, Thermosman Suspension, Teknic Leathers, Pitbull Stands, Vortex Racing, Dynojet Tuning and the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School.

For more information, contact Empire Racing at (336) 343-4059 or visit their
website at www.empireracingmx.com.


See related post:

1/3/2004 Acree, Caylor To Race AMA Superstock With New Team