Celebrated Brand Poised to Build on Legacy of RM-Z Line of Motorcycles
MORGANTOWN, WV – June 26, 2024 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., has announced the continuation of the extended manufacturer partnership with Suzuki Motor USA, LLC, with the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. The celebrated Japanese manufacturer has been a mainstay in American motocross, having competed in the championship since its inception in 1972 and now building upon an impressive legacy surrounding its RM-Z line of motorcycles.
“As the Motorsports Manager at Suzuki Motor USA, I take pride in our unwavering commitment to the Pro Motocross Championship,” said Chris Wheeler, Motorsports Manager, Suzuki Motor USA. “Our continued support and OEM partnership are a testament to our dedication to the sport and its athletes and we are looking forward to even more great racing this summer.”
With more than a half-century of competition under its belt, Suzuki’s decades of success on the racetrack have made it one of the most decorated manufacturers in Pro Motocross history. Its maiden championship in 1975 with Tony DiStefano kicked off the three-year reign of dominance that saw the Pennsylvania native secure a three-peat of 250cc titles with the brand. Just a couple years later in 1980, Suzuki was once again on top, sweeping the 250cc and 125cc championships with Kent Howerton and Mark Barnett, respectively. Through the first decade of Pro Motocross, no manufacturer had captured more titles than Suzuki, with a combined nine championships across the 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc divisions, which cemented the brand’s legacy for the years that followed.
Shane McElrath (12) and Kyle Chisholm (11) spearhead Suzuki’s 450 Class efforts
at Twisted Tea Suzuki Presented by Progressive Insurance
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
All told, Suzuki has amassed 18 total championships over 52 seasons of the Pro Motocross Championship and more than 180 combined victories. The list of riders that have competed for the brand is littered with AMA Hall of Famers, including the likes of DiStefano, Howerton, and Barnett, as well as the “G.O.A.T.” Ricky Carmichael, Ryan Dungey, Danny LaPorte, Mike LaRocco, Travis Pastrana, James Stewart, and Marty Smith, with Kevin Windham soon to join them as a member of the Class of 2024. Other Suzuki legends over the years include Greg Albertyn, Guy Cooper, George Holland, Erik Kehoe, Broc Hepler, Branden Jesseman, and Chad Reed, who is also one day destined for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
“And we can’t forget about New Jersey legend Barry Carsten, who owns the record for Pro Motocross starts on Suzuki motorcycles, with a remarkable 164 starts between 1989 through 2008,” stated Davey Coombs, President, MX Sports Pro Racing. “In fact, Carsten made more starts on a Suzuki than any rider has on any other brand.
“Suzuki has long been one of the pillars of competing OEMs in the Pro Motocross Championship, with a celebrated legacy packed with championships and race wins from some of the sport’s most iconic figures,” Coombs continued. “The RM line of motorcycles has amassed an incredible following amongst enthusiasts, and the RM-Z remains one of the most formidable motorcycles on the starting gate. We are grateful for the many years of support the brand has provided the series and congratulate them on their decades of success on Pro Motocross racetracks.”
Toyota Redlands BarX Suzuki contests both the 450 Class and 250 Class
with a lineup of establish and up-and-coming talent.
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
The 2024 season is highlighted by factory-supported efforts from two teams, with H.E.P. Motorsports spearheading the manufacturer’s 450 Class effort with Twisted Tea Suzuki Presented by Progressive Insurance with riders Kyle Chisholm and Shane McElrath, along with Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki and the highly anticipated return of two-time Pro Motocross Champion Ken Roczen, who captured the 2016 crown with the brand. Additionally, Toyota Redlands BarX Suzuki features a pair of 450 Class entries with Derek Drake, who is on the mend from injury, and Max Miller, along with an up-and-coming lineup of 250 Class talent featuring Preston Boespflug, Dilan Schwartz, and Leo Tucker.
The 2024 Pro Motocross Championship is nearing its halfway point, with Round 5 of the summer set to bring the world’s fastest racers to the legendary sands of The Wick 338 in Southwick, Massachusetts, for the Crestview Construction Southwick National on June 29. Tickets for Southwick and the remaining rounds can be purchased by visiting www.ProMotocross.com.
Available for download for both Apple and Android devices is the official Pro Motocross App. Fans of American motocross can have access to the world’s most prestigious off-road motorcycle racing series right at their fingertips on their mobile devices. Developed by AMA Pro Racing, the Pro Motocross App provides users with the most important information surrounding the Pro Motocross Championship, from series news to schedule and ticket information, as well as broadcast schedule details and live timing & scoring. Download it now via the App Store or Google Play.
MX Sports Pro Racing
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., manages and produces the world’s premier motocross racing series – the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. MX Sports Pro Racing is an industry leader in off-road powersport event production and management, whose mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., organizes events for thousands of racing athletes each year and attracts millions of motorsports spectators.
Visit www.mxsportsproracing.com for more information.
Pro Motocross Championship
The Pro Motocross Championship features the world’s fastest outdoor motocross racers, competing aboard homologated bikes from one of eight competing manufacturers on a collection of the roughest, toughest tracks on the planet. Racing takes place each Saturday afternoon, with competition divided into two classes: one for 250cc machines, and one for 450cc machines. MX Sports Pro Racing, the industry leader in off-road powersports event production, organizes the Pro Motocross Championship.
More information can be found at www.ProMotocross.com.
AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization for North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. It serves as the sanctioning body of the Pro Motocross Championship.
Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.
SuperMotocross World Championship
The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final.
Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.
Source: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
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