From a press release:

Richie Morris, riding the Daytona Harley-Davidson/Buell XB12 for the first time, had impressive results at Jennings, Florida this past weekend. After one year of being on separate teams, Morris will once again be teamed with his brother-in-law, Clint Brotz, in a bid to win the Formula USA Thunderbike Championship. The team is also considering the FUSA Team Challenge Series on a Buell XB with Brotz Motorsports being the primary sponsor for the endurance series.

“As far as this weekend’s test, the XB12 was a new bike for me, but I was really impressed, it only took a few laps to figure it out and start having fun,” said Morris. “It really handles like a new 600, so you have to change your riding style a bit, but it is definitely for the better. Clint was impressed as well; basically the thing is on a rail! But we have to be thankful to Max McAllister at Traxxion Dynamics, who was responsible for setting the suspension. Aside the help from Max and some starting points from the guys in the racing program at Factory Buell, the bike was bone stock. So we have a ways to go before Daytona.

“I just got off the phone with Henry Duga (of Buell), and it seems the Buell contingency has been worked out for the FUSA program. It looks to be more lucrative to ride a Buell than ever before.

“Now we have to get back to Elkhart Lake to finalize some sponsorship and work out an engine program. Personally, I would be happy with my engine builders from last year (Hoban Brothers). But racing is a business and it has to be treated that way when it comes to sponsorship. We are waiting on a couple of commitments. After that, hopefully we will be able to announce the total sponsorship package for the team. It sucks to be behind so close to Daytona, but that always seems to be the nature of the beast. However, we do have more than one option to consider, which makes things a little easier,” Morris stated.

The following sponsors have already committed to the team for the 2004 season: Daytona Harley/Buell, The Ocean Deck, Brotz Motorsports, Pirelli Tires and Trackside Racers Supply, Revolution Performance, Suomy Helmets, JE Pistons, Vortex Sprockets, Tsubaki Chains, Cometic Gaskets, and Innovative Motorsports.

The team is also interviewing for someone who has either Buell or track experience and is willing to travel for track side work. All interested can contact Richie at 920-207-3977.