Team Suzuki Clinches Manufacturers' Cup

Earns seven victories, three podiums in 10 races

 

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. (July 29, 2008) -- The dream tour came to a crescendo over the weekend as Team Suzuki clinched the 2008 ITP Tires/Moose Racing AMA/ATVA National Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Manufacturers' Cup. The accolade comes after Suzuki rider Dustin Wimmer clinched his first ever Pro Riders' Championship on the venerable QuadRacer LTR450.

 

Suzuki QuadRacer LTR450s finished on the podium in all 10 races on the 2008 tour and earned seven victories, more than twice its nearest rival. Wimmer (No. 191 Team MSR/Suzuki/Yoshimura/Pro Taper Suzuki) won five races. Doug Gust (No. 55 Team Rockstar/MSR/Suzuki/Yoshimura/Pro Taper Suzuki) earned two victories. Chad Wienen (No. 44 Team Rockstar/MSR/Suzuki/Yoshimura/Pro Taper Suzuki) rebounded from shoulder injuries earlier this season to net two runner-up finishes.

 

All contributed to Suzuki's success this season.

 

"I'm very proud of our team and the hard work that every member has done to achieve this goal of the ATV MX National Championship,” said Pat Alexander, American Suzuki’s Sports Promotion Manager. ““Our riders have shown that the QuadRacer is the most formidable weapon any rider can own to go out and win races or championships. This all could not be achieved without the support from our sponsors, the Yoshimura team, our great riders and, of course, American Suzuki.”

 

Wimmer, who clinched the riders' title over the weekend at Michigan's RedBud MX, said team communication was the key to success this year.

 

"To win a championship, everything has to come together and the team just clicked this season," said Wimmer. "My mechanic Glenn (Schlude) and I really have the same personalities and we always seemed to be on the same page."

 

Wimmer said the Team Suzuki's decision to hire 2003 ATVA Champion Jeremiah Jones as rider coach also aided to the team's efforts this season.

 

"Jeremiah was a big help, especially because he really knows things from a rider's perspective," said Wimmer. "It always helps to have someone who knows from experience and Jeremiah really gave us a mental edge. Being competitive is more mental than anything."

 

The season finale for the 2008 ITP Tires/Moose Racing AMA/ATVA National Championship presented by Parts Unlimited is scheduled for Aug. 9-10 at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.