Moto GP Review
Caroline Carr
Sales Manager
In the third year of MotoGP’s return to the United States, the weather was perfect, the crowds were out in droves and — fortunately for me — I didn’t have to sleep in a cardboard box. Thanks to a great friend in the industry who was able to find a place to stay a few days before the event … nothing like the last minute, right? |
Laguna Seca’s
infamous Corkscrew turn
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Friday night, Tucker Rocky hosted their reception for dealers and vendors and pulled in a very impressive crowd. President Steve Johnson introduced and thanked some of the familiar vendors present including Matthew Hwang from KBC, Teknic’s Dave Nicholas, Repsol’s Ignacio Belloni, Jesse Rooke of Rooke Customs, FMF’s Doug Muellner and Roger Schrecongost from Dunlop. Two newcomers to the Tucker Rocky lineup were also present including Amman Bazzaz, owner of Bazzaz Performance who stepped up to the podium to give a brief introduction of the Bazzaz product line. The company had launched its new Z-Fi line of fuel injection and traction control units a few days prior at their new headquarters in Chino, CA. Tucker will act as the exclusive distributor of the products (which hit shelves in late September), though dealers may also order direct. Additionally, the new Project H line from Bruce Parker’s Parker Synergies group was welcomed by Tucker, who will act as the exclusive distributor of its new Honda licensed line. Tucker then treated their dealers to a raffle, with a number of exciting products including one helmet signed by Mat Mladin and one featuring Nicky Hayden’s autograph. |
Tucker Rocky President Steve Johnson introduces vendors
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Saturday brought a beautiful morning with only a slight breeze and temperatures about 30 degrees cooler than in 2006 (a very welcome change). I must admit that it’s hard for me to actually “work” at this event. I’d much rather stand awestruck and drooling next to the track, but I suppose that’s why the coordinators incorporate breaks into the schedule. During those breaks, I had the opportunity to meet with quite a few exhibitors including KYMCO, Hyosung, Motul, Panolin, K&N and more. In addition I ran into Dallas Jolley of W8Less Brakes who was attending to introduce his new W8Less rotor to a number of OEMs. Finally, I had the opportunity to meet with Steve Reed who was walking the event to promote the new photocromatic helmet shield and helmet from
Wiki. |
KBC America Marketing
Senior Manager Matthew Hwang
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Sunday I watched the MotoGP final at Turn 2, so witnessed the early and unfortunate collision between Nicky Hayden and John Hopkins. As we all surely know by now (at least those who follow the races), the Aussies dominated the US MotoGP with Casey Stoner finishing first and Chris Vermeulen riding in on his coattails for the second place finish. But every single one of these guys is truly amazing to watch.
For those of you who have not been able to make it out to Laguna Seca for the MotoGP events, reportedly there will be a second opportunity in the US next year, with a September 14 race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. |
Repsol’s North American Brand Manager
Ignacio Belloni greets the crowd at
the Tucker Rocky reception.
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Steve Reed with his new Wiki
Helmet and photochromatic shield
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Dave Peloquin of MTR Racing
TR dealer and lucky helmet raffle
winner (pictured with his wife)
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Other Features This
Month
[ Harley Happenings ] [ Moto GP Review ] [ Motorcycle Drivetrain Review ] [ Motorcycle Performance Pistons ] [ Suzuki B-King Review ] [ WPS Review ] [ ATV Ramp Reviews ] [ ATV Winches Review ] [ ATV Newswire October 07 ] [ ATV Products Debuts October 07 ]
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