Dan Kruger signs with Kawasaki Hong Kong for 2019 – Aiming for Chinese Championship on Superbike
Atlanta, GA
Three weeks ago Dan was a special guest at the annual Hong Kong Motorcycle Show signing posters and getting photos with fans at the Kawasaki Corporate Booth. During that show, An agreement was put in place that would allow for Kruger to compete in the 2019 “SPEED HERO” Chinese Superbike Championship aboard the new Kawasaki ZX10RR in Superbike Trim. Since that day on November 11th, both sides have gone back and forth to “iron out” all details since taking on the mighty Ducati V4R would also take a mighty budget for Dan Kruger Racing.
It is with great pleasure and excitement that we have now come to an agreement and signed a 1 year contract that will see Kruger riding the latest machinery for 2019. The team will also employ a well-known American Crew Chief and Electronics guru who will travel back and forth to Asia but that announcement is a little early to make public as it is still being finalized. The season will include 2 Pre-season tests in China followed by all rounds in the Championship that runs from March-September.
Other sponsors confirmed for 2019 include; Motul, Ktech, RS-Itoh, Dainese, X-Lite, Moto-Tron, RK, Hindle, Pirelli, BG, Brembo, UPG, EBC, Titanic Moto, and Nature Power.
In preparation for the January 5th Endurance Race in China, Kruger underwent chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) Surgery in Southern California by Doctor Tom Bryan. The procedure is better know in racing circles as “Arm Pump Surgery”. The surgery lasted just over 2 hours and they also corrected some scar tissue build up around a titanium plate on his wrist from a previous procedure. Doctor Bryan has performed this surgery on many of the top AMA Superbike/Supersport competitors. “I flew out to LA on a Friday morning and was back in bed recovering the following night at my home in Atlanta. I want to thank Dr. Bryan and his medical team for working this into their busy schedule. I feel great and will start physio Monday and have already begun some light cardio to keep fit and begin preparation for my next race in 4 weeks.”
In addition to competing in China for 2019, Kruger will likely Wildcard for the Penz13 BMW Team in various Road Racing Events in Europe and might compete in 1-2 rounds of the World Endurance Championship. He just finished testing at Sepang 3 weeks ago and that test included a night session. “It was the first time I had a chance to ride at Sepang. It is a fantastic circuit and facility. The fast and flowing track also has a few stop and go corners which resembles the Zhuhai International Circuit that I know so well. I will be back out there in January for another test and can’t wait!”
With Dan being back to 100% health and coming off a successful 2018 season both in Europe and Asia, there is no reason why 2019 won’t be his year. Follow Dan’s racing adventures at www.facebook.com/dankrugerracingteam