aftermarketcycles
April 5th, 2011, 01:38 PM
My name is Mark Yeoman from Aftermarket Cycles (Parts and Accessory Dealer in Seattle, WA) we are sponsoring the Aftermarket Cycles Ninja 250 Cup Class with the Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association.
We had our first race of the season last weekend and it was a great success with 18 riders and more are expected to join later. We are proud to sponsor this class because of what it stands for. Offering a chance for new racers to learn the fundamentals, ride safer and more affordable racing.
Here is a overview of the class and first race:
2010 proved to be a dismal season for Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association novice racers. After 8 rounds and 16 Novice races, all but 2 ended in red flags, culminating in the fatal accident at Spokane Raceway Park that took the life of promising young racer, Kahlil Mohmed.
In the aftermath of that accident, several conversations took place amongst WMRRA officials, searching for a more productive way to teach a new racer the fine art of motorcycle road racing. All agreed that 600cc and larger machines are just too fast for most new racers to learn on. When alternatives were sought, the idea of racing Kawasaki 250 Ninja’s was suggested. It seemed like a great idea, but it was clear the officials involved would have to ante up and build 250 Ninja racers themselves to showcase the idea.
So it was at the last round of the 2010 season, WMRRA held a demonstration 250 Ninja race with machines fielded by the WMRRA Referee, 1st VP, Chief Tech inspector, 2 Tech Inspectors, and a WMRRA vintage racer. The racing was close, the crowd of spectators loved it, and WMRRA racers immediately started buying all the used 250 Ninjas that were available locally. Maybe we were onto something here.
Over the winter the Rules Committee convened, and a set of rules for the 2 new classes were drawn up. These rules closely mirror those of other clubs, such as WSMC and WERA. It was decided to include expert racers as well as novices, so the new racers could safely learn their craft from experienced racers. The bikes would need to be nearly stock except for tires, exhaust, shocks, and fork springs. This would be a rider’s class, with an emphasis on safety and cost savings.
On April 3, 2011, the two new classes made their debut. Leo Vince Corsa Twins/Ultra Lightweight Sportsman and Aftermarket Cycles 250 Ninja Cup saw 18 entries. The racing was very close and hard fought, with Tim O’Mahony narrowly edging out Adam Faussett in both races. The events proved very popular with spectators and racers, and the future for the series looks much brighter than the April skies of WMRRA Round 1.
Congratulations to all 18 racers involved, including 4 novice racers. Special thanks to Aftermarket Cycles, Leo Vince and the Pacific Northwest Kawasaki Dealers for stepping up and sponsoring the new classes.
I look forward to a exciting season of racing.
We had our first race of the season last weekend and it was a great success with 18 riders and more are expected to join later. We are proud to sponsor this class because of what it stands for. Offering a chance for new racers to learn the fundamentals, ride safer and more affordable racing.
Here is a overview of the class and first race:
2010 proved to be a dismal season for Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association novice racers. After 8 rounds and 16 Novice races, all but 2 ended in red flags, culminating in the fatal accident at Spokane Raceway Park that took the life of promising young racer, Kahlil Mohmed.
In the aftermath of that accident, several conversations took place amongst WMRRA officials, searching for a more productive way to teach a new racer the fine art of motorcycle road racing. All agreed that 600cc and larger machines are just too fast for most new racers to learn on. When alternatives were sought, the idea of racing Kawasaki 250 Ninja’s was suggested. It seemed like a great idea, but it was clear the officials involved would have to ante up and build 250 Ninja racers themselves to showcase the idea.
So it was at the last round of the 2010 season, WMRRA held a demonstration 250 Ninja race with machines fielded by the WMRRA Referee, 1st VP, Chief Tech inspector, 2 Tech Inspectors, and a WMRRA vintage racer. The racing was close, the crowd of spectators loved it, and WMRRA racers immediately started buying all the used 250 Ninjas that were available locally. Maybe we were onto something here.
Over the winter the Rules Committee convened, and a set of rules for the 2 new classes were drawn up. These rules closely mirror those of other clubs, such as WSMC and WERA. It was decided to include expert racers as well as novices, so the new racers could safely learn their craft from experienced racers. The bikes would need to be nearly stock except for tires, exhaust, shocks, and fork springs. This would be a rider’s class, with an emphasis on safety and cost savings.
On April 3, 2011, the two new classes made their debut. Leo Vince Corsa Twins/Ultra Lightweight Sportsman and Aftermarket Cycles 250 Ninja Cup saw 18 entries. The racing was very close and hard fought, with Tim O’Mahony narrowly edging out Adam Faussett in both races. The events proved very popular with spectators and racers, and the future for the series looks much brighter than the April skies of WMRRA Round 1.
Congratulations to all 18 racers involved, including 4 novice racers. Special thanks to Aftermarket Cycles, Leo Vince and the Pacific Northwest Kawasaki Dealers for stepping up and sponsoring the new classes.
I look forward to a exciting season of racing.