From a press release:

AMA Superbike rider Shawn Higbee Debuts in Formula Mazda competition

Shawn Higbee, an accomplished professional motorcycle road racer and 3 time national motorcycle champion, is scheduled to compete in his first car race during the SCCA Blackhawk Farms, IL race this weekend.

Higbee just finished an outstanding motorcycle race season earning rights as the 2003 AMA Superbike ‘Top Privateer’ onboard the Millennium Kaufman Suzuki (GSXR-1000) prepared by KWS Motorsports.

Higbee’s international career highlights include a Top Ten finish at the 24 hour of Lemans and 3rd place finish at the 1997 Macau GP.

Higbee recently graduated from the Skip Barber 3-Day School on September 26th at the Road America circuit. The Elite Autosports team based in Woodstock, IL will be providing Higbee with a Formula Mazda car to begin his car-racing career.

Higbee comments on his aspirations, “Racing cars is fresh, new and very exciting for me! There is some crossover between motorcycles and cars, but I’m learning many new things too. I’m eager to pursue the professional aspect of car racing once I get up to speed. I’m leaning toward open wheel formula at the moment but have been looking at many options including sports car racing. I see car racing as an opportunity to increase exposure for my sponsors and myself.”