THE RIDERS DISCOUNT VESRAH SUZUKI TEAM WILL BE HUNTING FOR SURFBOARDS AT THE BIG KAHUNA MIAMI. Heading way south to the sunshine state of Florida, the Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki team is back in action this weekend September 21st 23rd at the Big Kahuna Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway. At the last M1 PowerSports event held at Road Atlanta earlier this year, Jake Lewis was able to bring home a surfboard trophy and all of the team riders are hunting for this prize, as there is another set of these special trophies up for grabs in Miami. Jake Lewis is currently 20 points out of the lead in the 2012 AMA Pro SuperSport East championship and will be looking to gain some points back and make a strong run for the title. Cory West and Joey Pascarella will be going for podium finishes with a pin it to win it attitude in the AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike class. Breeann Poland Team Manager Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki “It is great to have a round back in South Florida especially one promoted by M1 PowerSports. Cory is almost healed up, Joey is ready to go, and Jake wants to gain some points so the team is set for this next to the last round in the 2012 AMA Pro Road Racing championship!” Cory West Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki #57 “It’s nice to be getting back on the bike so quickly, even though I’m still a little banged up from New Jersey. I’m prepared to finish the year out strong and I hope to get into the top-five before the seasons over! I’m looking forward to this weekend’s Big Kahuna races at Homestead.” Jake Lewis Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki #85 “I can’t wait for the Big Kahuna in Miami! I’ve been working really hard since New Jersey and feel physically and mentally ready. I really enjoy the track and I was fastest during testing so I’m confident heading into the weekend. We need to find a good set-up on the bike quick so I can be fast early on. I’m looking to cut down the points lead to first and hopefully coming away with two wins on the Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R 600.” Riders Discount Vesrah Suzuki would like to thank their sponsors for the 2012 season: Vesrah, Riders Discount, MCJ Motorsports, American Suzuki, Nielsen Enterprises Suzuki, Parts Unlimited, Penske Racing Shocks, Traxxion Dynamics Fork Components, Yoshimura, Catalyst Racing Composites, Shoei, Cortech, Sidi, Held, Motion Pro, Sudco Int., Bazzaz, Factory Pro, Maxima Racing Oils, Spiegler Brake Lines, Adjustable-levers, Vicci, Vortex, DID Chain, Zero Gravity, GPR Stabilizers, Trek Bicycles, Suzuka Tire Warmers, K&N Filters, Full Spectrum Batteries, Oakley (Jake), Roclun (Jake), Progressive Trail Design (Cory), Jon Block Group (Joey), 509 sunglasses (Cory and team), Andrew Swenson Designs and Drippinwet. More, from a press release issued by GEICO Suzuki: GEICO Suzuki rider Cardenas closes in on second Daytona SportBike title HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Sept. 20) — Even though GEICO Suzuki rider Martin Cardenas can clinch the 2012 GoPro Daytona SportBike championship at this weekend’s Triumph Big Kahuna Miami, it’s business as usual in the Team Hammer pit as the GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing tour arrives in South Florida. With a class-leading seven victories and 11 podium finishes on his resume, Cardenas has a huge 76-point margin in the standings, but the 2010 class champion isn’t celebrating anything just yet. With four individual races left on the schedule, including two this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the 29-year-old Colombian knows anything can happen. “I have to focus on the normal routine and just racing as we have been all year,” Cardenas said. “We want to qualify well and get a front row position on the grid, if possible, and then we need to go out and race like it’s a normal race. “Knowing what is at stake will not change anything. Perhaps I will be more cautious at times but if a chance to make a move opens up, then I will try to win each race. The best thing would be to get out front and lead the whole way. Then it doesn’t matter what happens behind me.” Only three other riders are mathematically alive in the title chase at this point. Dane Westby has the best chance, 76 points back. Cameron Beaubier (-108 points) and Tommy Hayden (-122) also have a chance. The maximum points a rider can earn in the final four races is 126. “Of course, we all know the championship is within reach,” Cardenas said. “The excitement is there for many of our friends and family members. I am staying the same for now. My excitement will come at the appropriate time.” Racing starts with a practice session at noon, Friday, followed by the first qualifying session at 3 p.m. Qualifying resumes with a second and final session at 8:50 a.m., Saturday, which will set the field for both races. Race 1 takes place at 2 p.m., Saturday, with Race 2 slated for 2:15 p.m., Sunday. SPEED TV will carry all the action.