Kawasaki Team Green’s 2001 support roster shrunk by one when racer Ty Howard declined to participate in the program and refused a ZX-9R and ZX-6R for use in the CMRA sprint series. “They offered me two bikes but didn’t want to give me any parts,” said Howard on December 21. “I decided to ride a Suzuki in CMRA events so I can get the Suzuki contingency money and ride in 750 Supersport in AMA if I want. I’m still going to ride the Zlock Kawasakis in Formula USA, though. Do you know where I can get a deal on a Suzuki?”

Kawasaki is phasing out its Team Green road racing support program in 2001 and plans to eliminate it entirely in 2002, citing budget concerns.