From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

Schwantz withdraws from Reno Supermoto

Aggravates wrist injury in testing


PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Oct. 1, 2004) — American Suzuki Motor Corporation has informed AMA Pro Racing that former 500cc Grand Prix World Champion Kevin Schwantz, who was to debut Suzuki’s new RM-Z450 motorcycle in Saturday’s AMA Supermoto Championship event in Reno, Nev., will not compete as previously announced.

According to Pat Alexander, Suzuki’s Sports Promotion Manager, Schwantz aggravated his wrist while testing the new bike in preparation for the race. “Kevin’s wrists have bothered him since his GP days and preparing for this event, coupled with what he went through last month at the Bol d’Or, just proved to be too much. Obviously, we don’t want him to go out at anything less than 100 percent,” said Alexander.

Schwantz competed in the prestigious Bol d’Or 24 Hour Endurance race in September as part of a three-man team.

Alexander confirmed that Suzuki still plans to have Schwantz debut the highly anticipated RM-Z450 at an upcoming round of the AMA Supermoto Championship.