From a press release issued by Dr. Rob Tuluie:

Tul-aris Wins First Race and Sets Track Record

June 1st, Blackhawk Farms Raceway, Illinois. Steve Johnson piloted the Tul-aris GP bike to its maiden win, shattering the old lap record by a full second during the 21 lap unlimited GTO race.

Starting on the 3rd row, in the 11th grid position, Steve moved quickly though the field, gaining the lead on lap 6. He immediately opened up a huge lead in one lap, setting a new lap record of 1:11.91, as timed by CCS officials.

After 3 or 4 laps out front on his own, Steve had a 7 second lead, even while slowing the pace to 1:13s and 1:14s due to waving yellow flags and an ambulance on course. He finished the race about 10 seconds ahead of the second-place GSXR 750.

Our weekend started out with the identical setup we used 2 weeks ago at Blackhawk, when Steve set the fastest time of the weekend during his run from 25th to 2nd in 8 laps. However, this weekend the weather conditions were much better, with temperatures around 90 deg F (32 deg C), providing us with optimum grip from our medium-soft Michelin Pilot slicks. A slight tire pressure adjustment, recommended to us by Tom Mason of MRT, allowed us to use a marginally harder medium-soft rear tire compound compared to what we used 2 weeks ago at Blackhawk, when the temperatures were almost 40 degrees F cooler. Even better, just as the race started, a big dark cloud moved in overhead, lowering air temperatures (which gave us more power), yet the track surface temperature remained high for optimum traction. Conditions could not have been better!

During the race, Tul-aris team member Dave Heiserer and I used our HeadHunter Racing scooter to watch Steve at several points around the track. It was amazing to see how smooth and fast Steve moved through the twisty and bumpy turns. In fact, the Tul-aris’ Ohlins suspension was set up perfectly and there was a noticeable visual difference in how steady the bike handled the bumps and transitions compared to other machines. We now have the handling and traction of the bike spot-on, allowing Steve to carry huge cornering speed into and through the turns. This improvement is in large part also due to Steve’s exceptional skills as a development rider, as well as his smooth and fast riding style. At other parts of the track, such as the 3rd gear turn 6, the bike would power wheelie at the exit at well over 100 mph (while still leaned over!), displaying the brute power of the Hot Seat Performance Polaris 780cc twin motor. Altogether, we had the perfect package for our first win!

Our tally so far for our first full racing season is:

one 1st place
two 2nd places
two 3rd places
one 4th place

one lap record (Blackhawk)
one almost-lap record (0.07sec off the record at Mid-America)

out of 8 races we only had one mechanical DNF (powervalve) and one crash (in the rain).

We’d like to thank our sponsors and supporters: Walt Schaeffer Michelin, Hot Seat Performance, Nutec Racing Fuel, Mason Racing Tires, Ohlins USA, MTS Systems, Lofgren Racing/Manley Cycle, Yoyodyne Titanium, GP Tech and Headhunter Racing. Steve Johnson is sponsored by Delano Sport Center, Hi-Per Sports, Mason Racing Tires, EBC Brakes and Lockhart Phillips.

Many thanks to the Tul-aris crew for all their hard work and long hours spent, for nothing more than warm beer, cold pizza, sleeping in the van or tents, just to be part of this fun and exciting project. Extra special thanks to my fiancée Kate, who let me get away for one day to go racing 2 weeks before our wedding!

Our next event won’t be until July 20-21 at Blackhawk Farms, which we will use to get ready for the big Formula USA National at Road America near Elkhart Lake, WI on Aug. 1st-4th. Come see us then!