From a press release issued by Protac:

Protac and Hopkins part amicably

TRUCKEE, Calif. – Protac, a leading rider representation firm headed by Douglas Gonda, has announced an affable parting with Suzuki MotoGP rider John Hopkins. Protac helped guide Hopkins’ career from his early days of AMA racing through his first three years of MotoGP.

“We feel very good about the direction in which we helped guide John’s career,” said Protac’s Doug Gonda. “He definitely had the talent, and even though some argued he didn’t have the racing credentials that would warrant a Grand Prix ride, we were able to convince the GP teams that John was a solid risk. He’s proven to be one of the leading up-and-coming riders in the series.”

After winning the AMA 750 Supersport Series in 2000 and the AMA Formula Xtreme Series in 2001 with the Valvoline EMGO Suzuki squad Protac was able to move Hopkins into a MotoGP ride with Red Bull Yamaha. He then signed with the factory Suzuki team in 2003 and will continue with Suzuki in 2005.

“I would like to thank Doug and his company Protac for the work he has done in moving my career forward,” Hopkins said. “His guidance, assistance, contacts and skillful negotiations have been a major factor in getting me into MotoGP and keeping me in MotoGP. I’m not sure I could have done it without Doug. My decision to change management is based simply on my desire to try something different.”

Protac wishes the best for Hopkins and is confident he will reach his potential in the near future.

Protac is a full service rider management and sponsorship procurement company. Gonda continues working for clients in the industry and can be contacted at (530) 582-1061.