Suzuki restores its Suzuki Amateur Racing program to build its brand presence and seek out future champions.
American Suzuki is reviving its Suzuki Amateur Racing program and has announced that it will support six amateur racers for the 2016 racing season.
“The future success of Team Suzuki’s professional racing efforts relies significantly on the stars of the next generation,” the company stated in its news release. “The program that helped foster some of the top names in today’s Supercross and Motocross roster will be re-introduced in 2016 with the next generation of rising amateur racers.”
The new factory-supported team members will include Crockett Myers and Nicholas (Nikko) Capps, who will focus on the 85cc classes aboard Suzuki’s RM85 model. Casey Cochran will finish his tenure in the 65cc class while simultaneously developing his talent aboard the RM85 in preparation for his transition to the 85cc class. TJ Rios will contest the Super Mini divisions aboard an RM85. Racing RM-Z250s and RM-Z450s, Ashton Hayes will compete in the A classes, and Richard Taylor will contest the B classes.
“We are proud to announce our six new Team Suzuki members,” said Pat Alexander, Suzuki Race Support Manager. “We selected riders who are the top competitors in their region of the country, and for their professional racing attitude that will allow them to fit in well with the entire Team Suzuki racing family. With Suzuki’s help, these young racers will have access to other supporters and sponsors to help grow their careers. Plus, they’ll gain support from Team Suzuki members Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart, as well as other teammates and coaches. We know there is a lot that transpires between racing an RM85 and becoming a Supercross champion on an RM-Z450. This is how you build a future Factory team, and we are excited to get started.”
Suzuki says that the program brings benefits not only to its newly announced amateur team riders, but to all Suzuki-mounted racers. The enhanced race-support program will reward many Suzuki racers for their efforts with increased contingency awards, and it will support Suzuki riders at tracks nationwide. Several of these initiatives were kicked off last summer, including the Trackside Support program and increased contingency spending.
“Nationwide, Suzuki racers will see a more dedicated Suzuki Amateur Racing crew at events,” Alexander said. “That’s been missing in the recent past, but we are rebuilding our program with good support and good product to benefit all Suzuki riders.”
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