From a press release issued by Safety First Racing:

Safety First Racing is proud to announce their 2005 AMA lineup. In speaking with team owner, Kevin Hanson, he related for 2005, Safety First Racing will be expanding to a three-rider team with backing from American Suzuki again.

“Our mission is to be the cutting edge, support team that grooms, upcoming racers for the manufactures,” stated Hanson. “I provide an environment where quality racers are brought into my program and provided with everything they need to be successful in the AMA. We focus on honing their racecraft, public speaking skills, and innovative marketing of the riders, while providing riders with top level equipment and every tool necessary in a toolbox to be successful. It really gives them an environment where they only have to focus on riding and being a racer,” explained Hanson.

600 Supersport – For 2005, 17-year-old Jesse Janisch will be back racing in the 600 Supersport. “I moved Jesse to 600s in order to really teach him to ride the bike at the limit,” related Hanson. “On the 1000s, Jesse did well, but the big bikes are so unforgiving when you make a mistake. Supersport will be a great environment for him to continue to develop his skills in an ultra-competitive class.”

600 Supersport – Safety First Racing is also proud to announce the addition of Wisconsin resident, Jason Farrell. “I’ve known Jason for several years and was really impressed with his results this year for the limited number of 600 Supersport rounds he competed in,” admitted Hanson. Jason finished 10th in half the rounds of Superpsport he contested. “Additionally, I witnessed how many teething problems and long nights Jason had at the racetrack working on racebikes with a buddy just trying to make the race the next day. I fully expect Jason to turn some heads next year through his determination and being able to focus solely on riding.”

Superstock/Superbike – J.J. Roetlin who hails for Kalona, IA will be focusing on Superstock and also competing in the Superbike class. “I’ve known J.J. for the last three years and have always been impressed with his pleasant nature and tenacity as a racer,” commented Hanson. “J.J. has been one of these guys that has posted some good results during his three-year AMA career, but has never really been able to take it to the next level that he’s capable of. I remember watching J.J. coming down the front straight at Road America last year and watching the bike violently tank slapping lap after lap and he just stayed in it and never gave up. His scenario was typical of every privateer effort, working long hours as a father/son team trying to figure everything out. I’m really looking forward to providing everything J.J. needs to be successful and watching him make it to the next level!”

Crewchief/Jim Rashid of 4 & 6 Performance – “I’m really excited to have Jim on board again and the 4 & 6 crew back at the shop in Chicago, IL. Last year, was the start of a great partnership that continues to grow. Not much needs to be said about Jim. He’s been around the AMA a long time, knows how to compete at the AMA level, win and be competitive. Plus they have a full blown, race shop that can do everything from engine/suspension building, manufacture parts, GMD Computrack and a Factory dyno. The racing aspect of my business is now based out of their shop in Chicago.”

Team owner/manager Kevin Hanson – “I really feel like I’m luckiest man in the world with the coolest job because I’ve found a way to create the perfect job around what I love doing -racing and working with kids. My business is now based out of downtown Chicago and for next year my role is to handle all of the marketing/promotion/management of the team and ‘Safety First’ helmet program.

“Promotional wise, we will continue with school/youth presentations of our ‘Safety First’ helmet program. However, I’m proud to announce we will be branching out and doing large scale, promotional events in malls and movie theaters.

“This allows Safety First Racing and its sponsors to reach all demographics of people from kids through adults. Malls are a perfect venue because you can reach all age groups and people are there killing time hanging out and shopping. What better way to promote our sponsors and Safety First Racing,” related Hanson. “I’ve already got venues set where I can reach more people in one day at a mall than the largest attended AMA race weekend!”

Sponsorship – “We are continually negotiating sponsorship deals but wanted to announce our confirmed sponsors for next year. We will be returning with American Suzuki, 1-800-MOTORCYCLE, and Armour bodies bodywork. However, we are proud to announce new partnerships with AGV leathers, Virtual Bodyshop, and Kicker car stereo equipment. Currently, we are finishing negotiations with a large, corporate sponsor that will be a great opportunity from outside the motorcycle industry,” concluded Hanson.

Those wishing to contact Safety First Racing can contact Kevin Hanson at 217-493-3811 or [email protected]