HAYDEN HEADS TO HONDA’S HOME IN POSITIVE MOOD With this season’s MotoGP World Championship showing every sign of reaching a conclusion at perhaps the very last round of the season, series points leader Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V) hits Motegi for round 15 of this 17 race series with a 21-point advantage over his nearest rival Valentino Rossi (Yamaha). The Kentucky Kid is eager to bolster his lead here. Nicky knows that he cannot afford to let his advantage get whittled away either by Rossi or the two Honda men still in the hunt for the title Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC211V) and Marco Melandri (Fortuna Honda RC211V) who are both only 32 points behind Hayden. With this much pressure heaped on his shoulders Nicky is holding up well and his positive attitude and refreshing ability to enjoy his racing even when there is so much at stake is a big plus when the going gets as tough as this. The Repsol Honda rider can consider himself unlucky when his chief rival Rossi was the beneficiary of the debatable decision of the Race Direction following Rossi’s passing maneuver under a yellow flag incident that cost the Kentuckian valuable points in the last weeks Australian GP. With Motegi as Honda’s ‘home’ track, Nicky knows this is the place where he can really perform and endeavour to take the title further away from his rivals’ grasp. With 75 points still available, all four men are still in the hunt but Nicky knows he must extend his lead here to take the sting out of his pursuers claims. His record here is not outstanding: a seventh place last year, a first lap fall in 2004 and a third in his rookie year do not suggest that Motegi is by any means a happy hunting ground for the American. But his 2006 form indicates he is due another high score and if he can just keep finishing ahead of his challengers, then he will complete the task of securing that World title. Dani knows his Phillip Island result was inadequate in terms of putting pressure on his team-mate, but the young Spaniard has tasted success at Motegi before on a 250cc machine, winning in 2004 and finishing second last year. He also won here on a 125 in 2002. Now that his Sepang injuries have had another week to mend, he will be a danger man here. And then there’s the combative Melandri, fresh from a win in Australia and with an undeniable end-of-season momentum that might prove hard to stop in Japan. Factor in Rossi and there seems little doubt that this race will again provide the same sort of intensity that was witnessed in Australia last weekend. The ‘Twin Ring’ Motegi track, built in 1998, lies 150km north of Tokyo. It is owned by Honda and features an outer ‘Indy” style oval with a regular track in the infield. This features a relatively short 762m main straight, eight right turns, six lefts, with a grippy, smooth and predictable surface. The largely constant-radius, second and third gear turns are linked by medium-length straights. Set-up requires a bike that’s stable both under fierce acceleration and equally severe braking. Front/rear balance and suspension settings are key, and the RC211V’s smooth and predictable power delivery is a real bonus here. The track also features gradient and a spectacular tunnel, although nothing in the way of camber. The back straight is downhill into a tight right-hand bend. And although the main straight is only 0.762km long, the tunnel between turn five and the 130R turn more than makes up for a long main chute in terms of spectacle and rarity value. No other MotoGP track boasts subway sections. After the gripping race in wet conditions in Australia, more unsettled weather is predicted this weekend. And if rain prevails then Pedrosa, who admits to being uncomfortable in the wet, will be at a disadvantage. Nicky said, “I look forward to moving on to Motegi. I got third place here in my rookie year, though I’ve had some weaker results since and struggled a bit, so I’m planning to do better for my Japanese fans this year. I always get lots of support in Japan and I’m going to be really trying to make my fans proud, and the guys in my team because they’ve been working really hard. It’s Honda’s home race too so it would be nice to give the Honda fans something to shout about too.” “I’m looking forward to this race very much,” said Dani. “Motegi is a circuit I really like and I’ve had some good results here in the past. I haven’t ridden a MotoGP bike here before so I’m hoping to adapt to it quickly. This race is the last of three in a row and they’ve been quite difficult for me because of the injuries I picked up in Malaysia. But each time I ride the bike it’s a little easier and I’m hoping to make a good result here. Of course we’ll have to see what the weather’s going to do in Motegi because it’s possible it will rain here too.” “I’m very happy,” said Melandri. “After the incredible race at Phillip Island, that came just at the right time for me, I look forward to racing in Japan with the same enthusiasm. Thanks to the win, the third of the season, I jumped to third position in the World Championship. I’m confident for the three races to go, and this year the series is very close and I think it will remain open to the end.” His team-mate Toni Elias (Fortuna Honda RC211V) said, “I like Motegi and I’ve had good results here with two wins in the 250cc class. I hope we can finally get some good results and turn this complicated season around. The team is doing a great job and my feeling with the bike is improving. At Motegi it’s very important to find a good set-up early on. Because of the strong braking, it’s important to have a really good balance on the bike. The secret is to find that compromise in behaviour between braking and acceleration.” Casey Stoner (LCR Honda RC211V), who was third here on a 250 last year, said, “I really want to finish this season strongly and Japan’s another chance to show what we can do with the RC211V. After all the excitement in Australia I could do with a regular race and a podium finish, so we’ll see how we go.” Makoto Tamada (Konica Minolta Honda RC211V) is eager to try and finish this season on a high after a troubled 2006 so far. He won here in 2004, having qualified on pole and he also finished third here last season. He said, ‘Motegi’ is my ‘home ‘ race and I have won a race here before and stood on the podium and I will be racing in front of my Japanese friends and fans. I am sure that I will have a good race on Sunday. I hope I’ve paid my dues and can now make the best use of the potential I have here at my home race at Motegi.” Kenny Roberts (Roberts KR211V), a winner here in 1999, has shown the undoubted potential of the RC211V-engined Roberts machine this year and he is anxious to keep the steep development curve on the up here. He said, “This is a great opportunity to give Honda some reward for the support they’ve given us in this project and we’ll be going hard at it from Friday.” In the 250cc class Andrea Dovizioso (Humangest Racing Honda RS250RW) trails series points leader Jorge Lorenzo (Aprilia) by 24 points and knows Motegi represents one of the last opportunities to close the gap. He said, “I like Motegi and I’ve always been fast here. In 2004 I won the race in front of Lai and Corsi. In 2005, though, I was third until I made a small mistake and went wide losing almost one second from the leading group and I eventually finished sixth. Now, I look forward to racing, but it depends also on the weather because I’ve never ridden here in wet conditions and it seems that the forecast is for rain.” Dovi’s team-mate Yuki Takahashi (Humangest Racing Honda RS250RW), who will race against his younger brother Koiki on Sunday, said, “Well, Motegi is my ‘home’ GP, so it’s a special event because there will be my family and all the guys of the fan club there to watch the race and to support me. I know this track very well and my expectations are very high, also because of last Sunday’s retirement in Australia. In 2005, I crossed the line fourth and this was my best result of the season. Next Sunday I will do my best to achieve a better result.” Shuhei Aoyama (Repsol Honda RS250RW) said, “I’m really looking forward to the race in Japan, because it’s a circuit I obviously know very well. I want at least to get on the podium, but my real target is to win the race. I like the circuit a lot and I’m sure that with this bike I will be able to make a very good race here. I’m also looking forward to meeting my fans and friends there and I hope to be able to make a good race for them.” David de Gea, standing in for the injured Martin Cardenas (Repsol Honda RS250RW), said, “I’m very happy to have a chance like this, it will possibly be the best I ever had in my sports career. The first thing I want to do is to thank Honda, Repsol and Alberto Puig for the chance they’ve given me; I only hope to do a good job in return for the confidence that have put in me. I know the Motegi circuit because I’ve raced a couple of times there, once on a 250cc and once on a 500cc machine, so it won’t be a problem to remember the layout after a couple of laps.” The 125cc title has already gone to Alvaro Bautista (Aprilia), but Honda men will be fighting hard to put their factory machines among the podium places here. Among them, 2005 World Champion Thomas Luthi (Elit Grand Prix Honda RS125R). He said, “I like Motegi, it’s an OK track for me, even though I had a very bad crash there last year. It’s a track of two parts and I like all of it, the fast corner and the places where you can make up places with hard braking. We have a really good bike now and I am confident we will have a good race there.” Rookie Bradley Smith (Repsol Honda RS125R) is stronger after his return to action in Australia after an arm injury. He said, “I’ve seen the track on Play Station and it looks more like a stop/start circuit rather than a fast like Australia. I don’t know whether that will suit me or not but after the last weekend with the positive things we need to carry on doing the same and trying to improve here. It’s Honda’s track as well so there is extra incentive to do well there.”

Suzuki Castrol 1st – Yamaha Austria 2nd – Yamaha Phase One 3rd Suzuki Castrol confirmed their 2006 FIM World Endurance Championship title with a race win at the final round of the championship this weekend. They finished the Bol d’Or 24 Hour race at Magny Cours seven laps in front of championship rivals Yamaha Austria to end the season with a 35 point lead. Suzuki Castrol scored points in every race, with their worst result a disappointing 38th overall and 10th in the points at Suzuka. Yamaha Austria’s downfall was not scoring any points at the Le Mans 24 Hour race; they out scored Suzuki Castrol at Suzuka and finished only one place behind them at every other race. Third in the championship Yamaha Phase One Endurance also failed to score at Le Mans, dropping them out of the race for second in the championship by the end of the season and leaving them in danger of losing third to Bolliger Team Kawasaki and Suzuki Fagersjo-el.se. Both of those teams failed to finish at the Bol d’Or but had been consistent enough in the early races to keep their places in the final top five. The highest placed SuperStock entry was Suzuki Team Endurance Moto45, who finished 10th overall after a good run of results at the start of the season. The top SuperProduction machine was the Sapeurs Pompiers Suzuki in 15th place overall. Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Honda were all well represented in the top ten final placings, with Aprilia’s Motociclismo SuperStock entry finishing in 20th place overall. FIM World Endurance Championship – Top 10 Final Standings after 7 Races Position/Number/Team/Nationality/Bike/Class/Total/Oschersleben/ Bol d’Or 1 1 Suzuki Castrol Team FRA Suzuki GSX-R1000 SBK 185 35 35 2 7 Yamaha Austria Racing Team AUT Yamaha YZF-R1 SBK 150 28 28 3 3 Yamaha Phase One Endurance GBR Yamaha YZF-R1 SBK 103 22 14 4 8 Bolliger Team Switzerland Kawasaki SUI Kawasaki ZX10R SBK 76 18 0 5 12 Team Fagersjo-el Suzuki SWE Suzuki GSX-R1000 SBK 68 11 0 6 55 National Motos Honda FRA Honda CBR1000RR SBK 50 0 15 7 666 Diablo 666 Bolliger Kawasaki GBR Kawasaki ZX10R SBK 40 14 0 8 21 RMT 21 Racing Honda GER Honda CBR1000RR SBK 36 13 0 9 6 Shell Endurance Academy Yamaha GBR Yamaha YZF-R1 SBK 33 7 6 10 100 Team Endurance Moto 45 Suzuki FRA Suzuki GSX-R1000 STK 29 0 0

Official obituary: Jesus Amezcua, 39 years of age from San Pedro California died on September 17, 2006. Survived by proud parents; Gilberto and Guillermina; sisters Isabel Luna, Mina Rios, and Susana Loquellano; wife Araceli who he married in October of 2004. Jesus was a proud uncle of 2 nieces and 3 nephews. He was also a proud parent of two Beagles named Charlito and Snoopita. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves followed by serving the LAPD for six years from 1991; he then became a U.S. Air Marshall until present. Jesus started riding a tricycle at the age of 3 which progressed to owning a three wheeler by the age of 9. In his late teen years he entered the Baja 250 which he was proud of participating in. Jesus became a WSMC member in December 2004, and that same weekend he won his first race as a Novice. In July of 2005, he was involved in a race accident that broke his right collarbone, left wrist, multiple ribs, and left toe but it did not deter him from his passion to race. The entire Amezcua family appreciates all the support that they have been receiving. Donations can be made toward the AraceliAmezcua/980 Fund via Bank of America. This fund will be used to create a memorial in Jesus’s name and placed in Willow Springs International Raceway. #980 checked out in Style! Funeral Service is open to everyone: Viewing Date: 9/24/2006 (Sunday) Time: 3-8pm Location: All Souls Cemetery & Mausoleum 4400 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807 (562)424-8601 Note: Ceremony starts at 6pm Mass and Burial Date: 9/25/2006 (Monday) Time: 9am (Mass Start) Location of Mass: Holy Family Catholic Church 1011 East L Street Wilmington, CA 90744 (310)834-6333 Followed by Burial: All Souls Cemetery & Mausoleum 4400 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807 (562)424-8601 It is requested that fellow motorcyclists ride their street bikes in the caravan from the Church to the Cemetery on Monday, wearing their leather suits. The Amezcua Family sends their appreciation for all your support! Donations can be made towards the “AraceliAmezcua/980 Fund” via Bank of America. The Amezcua Family intends to use the funds to create a memorial to be placed at Willow Springs International Raceway under Jesus’ name. Contact Person: Rix Gano 310-291-3963 FIRST PERSON/OPINION: Via e-mail: It is hard to believe that our good friend Jesus Amezcua has vanished in front of our eyes. He really was a great friend, a great competitor, and a 100% racer. He introduced me into the two-stroke world and I thank you for that. You’ll never be forgotten. In our hearts and where ever life will take us. We miss you Jesus. Jorge Artola & Andrew Artola WSMC # 610 Hawthorne, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION: Via e-mail: Jesus’ passing leaves a big hole in the WSMC ranks. He was a jovial, gentle soul who was as courteous as he was fun to be around. We looked forward to seeing him each month and to observing his rapid improvement as a racer. He was a true motorcycle enthusiast, a fast racer and a giving comrade. Rest in Peace Jesus. Britt and John-Mark Arechiga WSMC #80, WSMC #140 San Diego, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION: Via e-mail: I will always remember the names and faces of every single one of the racers that lost their valuable lives while racing or not. They have the true understanding and acceptance of truth that only a few people ever do. Example You lost because you were slow! The other guy was fast! Jesus was a racer, I remember his first day walking around the pits at Willow. He came to my pit on the front wall and told me he was going to get a 250 and start racing at Willow. I thought, “I hear that everyday.” But then he bought Joji Tokumoto’s Honda, had me get it right for him with no complaints over my charges, solid to his words, and went racing, I thought “this guy is kind of big to race a 250.” He did well on that 99 model and shortly after he bought a 05 model and again living to his word, he had me do the work on it as he said he would. He always obeyed the manual and my tuning specs. I respect him mostly for being a man of truth and solid to his words. My wife Sharon put it into perspective for me when she said Jesus had a smile that lit up the day. Jesus is in Heaven going fast on a 250 and lighting up the day with that smile of his. Jesus’ heart was in 250 racing, that is why he rode fast. God bless you Jesus. Kevin Murray WSMC #742 Vista, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Sunday was the toughest day of my announcing career. Words cannot adequately describe the feeling that I have right now regarding Jesus’ passing and when I was given the news, I could not come close to computing the information that had been delivered to me. My partner in the booth, Steve Sturm, and I looked at each other and didn’t say a word, our eyes both welling up, we each had to take a few minutes away from the mic to gather ourselves. “A few minutes” … that almost sounds insulting. I have no idea how long this is going to take for me to get over, but I guarantee, a few minutes won’t make it. In some ways, I don’t want to get over it. Getting over it seems like forgetting him and I can’t do that, I won’t do that. I can’t believe that I will not be seeing that brightly painted bike making its way around Willow ever again. Jesus and I always had a quick chat in the morning on his way to tech inspection and we’d trade the latest news. I remember a few months ago when he brought out that Rothmans RS125 replica and pulled me aside saying that he knew I’d like it because of my fondness for 1980s GP bikes. In a way, that sums up Jesus. Always doing something that would not only benefit him, but that would also help, benefit or brighten someone else’s day. As has already been echoed by many, Jesus always had something good to say about someone, never spent his time slamming anyone and was just a genuine one of the guys. For those of you who were there on Sunday, I make no apologies for not announcing what had happened. For one, I was told not to. Second and most importantly, if I had been told to do it, I would have refused. I KNOW THAT JESUS WOULD HAVE WANTED IT THAT WAY. I know that he would have wanted the day to continue, I know that he would have wanted everyone to be happy and not know any better, I know that he would have wanted me and Stevie to do the best that we could have given the hand that was dealt, and I know that as much as he loved hearing my voice at the track, he wouldn’t have minded not hearing me talk about what had happened. Having said all that, I will NEVER forget him and sincerely hope that none of you will either. Godspeed Jesus, we’ll catch you on the next lap. David Koenig Announcer, Willow Springs International Raceway Oceanside, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION: Via e-mail: In Memory Of Jesus Amezcua This is in dedication to a rider #980, Jesus Amezcua from La Puente, CA. who we lost in the 250/50 race at Willow Springs International Raceway, in Rosamond, CA. Jesus will be missed by us, and most definitely by fellow racers and friends, and his Family; So I must sadly say in Dedication, to this man and rider to your Family I send my Sympathy! On September 17th, 2006 a rider we lost, my prayers are sent to the family of this man, We feel the hurt and sadness of the loss; I think that maybe for him God has a better plan. I wish to send my prayers and condolences, to all those where family is concerned, Though as a corner marshal we stand out there, watching out for the Drivers and Riders I Souly feel is earned. From up on the hill in my turn, I had seen the very moment those three riders went down, And two ride offs were coming back on track, dust clearing and he was still on the ground. Sadly I must say that things on a racetrack; surely do and can happen so very quick, In all the years I’ve worked at many tracks, I’ve seen things happen that would people sick? I and others do our job very well, and yes sadly a part of me went with this man’s life; On the Toyota 200 warm-up, cap held upon my chest and with my right arm out a Thum up in strife. And Lord knows those riders had nodded their heads, or waved a hand and that made me Feel very proud of them, I’m glad to tell, Spectators across from me in 4 a, saying that was very nice of me as my tears fell. So from a Corner Marshal who cares my heart and sadness and My Deepest Condolences go out to this Man’s Family, For my heart grieves with you, in true feelings and cares, and with great Sympathy. My prayers do go out to you and yours, in this time of loss for you, Lord I ask that you care for them, watch over them and see to their needs, yes that’s true. Knowing that it’s a little soon, surely family will say I do miss you, and cannot believe that you’re no longer here. Though now saying no matter what, I see or may touch in Memory see you everywhere. Seemingly it was only yesterday, that we started the day’s journey in laughter, Now, though we all mourn your leaving, as you rejoice in the here after. Anthony Demetri WSMC Corner Marshal Rosamond, California

FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I just got done looking at the Mid-Ohio Superbike purse, and it makes no sense to me. They’ve got this whole idea of the shootout complete with heat races that should be fun for the spectators. But, they punish riders from a financial standpoint for making the main. For example, if I make the final and finish 10th – a tough job for a privateer – I make $1800. Conversely, if I don’t make the main and win the consolation race (effectively making me 21st) I make $2200. The 20th-place finisher in the “shootout” makes the same as the 11th-place rider in the consolation race. If I was a rider looking for cash instead of points, I’d throw the heat race to make sure I ended up in the consolation race, and make more money for doing a shorter race. Am I missing something? Thanks, Eric Wood Winchendon, Massachusetts Purse Money AMA Superbike Race Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course October 1, 2006 Superbike Shootout (Main) 1. $4000 2. $3500 3. $3000 4. $2500 5. $2300 6. $2200 7. $2100 8. $2000 9. $1900 10. $1800 11. $1700 12. $1600 13. $1500 14. $1400 15. $1300 16. $1200 17. $1100 18. $1050 19. $950 20. $900 Consolation race 1. $2200 2. $1800 3. $1500 4. $1300 5. $1200 6. $1150 7. $1100 8. $1050 9. $1000 10. $950 11. $900 12. $850 13. $800 14. $750 15. $700 16. $650 17. $600 18. $550 19. $500 20. $450 Pro Honda Supersport, Repsol Lubricants Superstock And Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Purse Payout: 1. $1700 2. $1400 3. $1100 4. $950 5. $900 6. $850 7. $800 8. $750 9. $700 10. $650 11. $600 12. $550 13. $500 14. $450 15. $425 16. $400 17. $375 18. $350 19. $300 20. $250

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – Bob Chaddock has joined the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in the newly-created position of Vice President of Racing Administration. Chaddock, to be based in the AMA’s Pickerington, Ohio headquarters, will be responsible for managing administrative functions of AMA Pro Racing and AMA Sports properties and will report to AMA CEO, Patti DiPietro. “The creation of this new position and the addition of Bob are part of our efforts to improve the way we conduct business,” said DiPietro. “Bob will bolster the direction of our administrative staff as well as add an important resource in the management of our contracts and relationships.” Chaddock holds a master’s degree in sport management from The Ohio State University along with a diverse background in the field having held positions at Cornell University and the University of Michigan. “I’m very excited about the opportunities that are in front of me at the AMA and am confident I can use my education and experience to deliver added value to the organization,” said Chaddock. “The growth of motorsports, particularly motorcycle racing, is something that appeals to me greatly. Sport management is my passion and I’m eager to get started.” DiPietro added that Chaddock’s appointment is a continuation of a number of organizational changes made within the company over the past year. “The American Motorcyclist Association is the world’s biggest sanction body and we are bringing our professional and amateur racing disciplines under one umbrella and staffing ourselves accordingly,” commented DiPietro. “Over the past several months, we have re-worked the way we make rules, added new staff and re-assigned existing staff. It’s part of an ongoing, comprehensive effort to improve the overall performance of our company.” About AMA Pro Racing AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF, the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship and the AMA Supermoto Championship. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com. Accredited media outlets can also access AMA Pro Racing’s online Press Room at www.amaproracing.com/pressroom.

14-Year-Old Kris Turner, Heading to Europe to Compete in Finals of Red Bull MotoGP Rookie Cup Chattanooga, TN (September 19, 2006) To be 14-years-old and running 120 mph on a Metrakit Pre GP 125 motorcycle in Spain sounds crazy. For Kris Turner from Chattanooga, Tennessee it is a dream come true. Kris began riding motorcycles at the age of 3 and is now competing in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookie Cup. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I am going to work really hard to juggle traveling, racing and school in order to accomplish my dream of being a professional MotoGP racer,” explains Kris. When Kris was three he began riding motorcycles and by 7-years-old he had collected five wins in the 65cc Motocross class. Since then Kris has had over 50 podium finishes, with 42 of those being wins. This year Kris will step up to pilot the Honda RS125 in twenty-four races with hopes of winning the 125 National Championship. Some of Kris’ previous wins include Mega Series winner, Georgia/Alabama Series winner, Victory Sports Indoor Series winner, Xtreme Summer Series Champion, Southeastern Spring Classic Series Champion, and 2006 Semra 85 GP Series Champion. As if Kris did not already have a full schedule with school and the racing he is doing in the United States, he decided to try his hand at qualifying for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookie Cup in Spain. Kris was first chosen from 1100 other young talents through an application process. From there Kris made a journey across the seas to Valencia, Spain to compete against 165 other riders for a chance to make it into the top-20. The top-20 riders move on to compete against each other in a seven-race shoot out starting in 2007. The 165 young riders were judged based on numerous qualities. Their capability of riding a motorcycle was not the main focus. Instead, the general impression that a rider gave was equally as important: personality, racing spirit, fair play, and knowledge of racing set-ups. After two days of competition the group was narrowed down to 45 and on the third day the judges made their decision on who would move on to the seven-race shootout. Kris was notified on September 7th that he made it into the final twenty. Kris now moves on, throughout 2007, racing against the other 19 competitors in seven Red Bull Rookie Cup races. These races will be run on the Sunday of a GP weekend, immediately after the MotoGP premier class and in front of the corresponding crowds. Two of the seven races will be held on a Saturday. The ultimate goal of Kris and the other 19 racers is to qualify for the Red Bull MotoGP Academy, the world’s most comprehensive training program for young racers on their way to a MotoGP racing career. The purpose of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies program is an international talent search, created by Red Bull and MotoGP. The goal is to locate and identify the most exceptional motorcycle talents worldwide and then support them so that they have a chance at racing in the MotoGP series. Kris Turner is ecstatic and overwhelmed to be in the top-20 and given the opportunity that lies before him. He is one of three Americans chosen to compete. Though exciting it is going to be a tough road for Kris and his family. With racing comes sacrifice and that is exactly what the Turner family is facing. Kris is determined to make a name for himself in the motorcycle racing world and his family supports him 100%. In order to compete in the Red Bull Rookie Cup, Kris and his family will travel back and forth to Europe seven times, paying the expenses out of their own pocket. The determination being shown by Kris and his family is that of a true, full-blooded racer that is going to be very successful. “We will support Kris as far as we can. Hopefully we can find someone to take an interest in Kris and see his potential. Sponsorship is key in the racing world, so that is our next step, but I will do whatever I need to do in order for Kris to fulfill his dreams. I know he has the determination, the know-how and the talent to become a well-know racer,” commented Danny Turner, Kris’ dad. Starting next year, at the end of March, the racing will head to Jerez, Spain. From there the Rookie Cup travels to Mugello, Italy at the first of June and on to Assen, Netherlands later that month. July will take the young racers to Donington, Great Britain and Sachsenring, Germany. The last two races will be held in Brunn, Czechoslovakia and Valencia, Spain at the end of August and the end of October respectively. “It will be difficult to keep up with school and traveling all around the world to race, but I can do it. Luckily most of the races are throughout the summer so it will not be a problem,” Kris said. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for a 14-year-old. The future looks very bright for Kris Turner and he intends to work hard so that he can fulfill his dreams. It is rare to find a young kid that knows exactly what he wants to do with his life or much less put so much effort into making it happen. The Red Bull Rookie Cup will give Kris the opportunity he needs in order to accomplish the dreams he has instilled in himself. For more information on Kris Turner please contact Amy Welch at [email protected] or Danny Turner at [email protected]