Two Become One: Suzuki Announces Formation Of RCH/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Race Team

(SMAI) today announced the formation of
RCH/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing as its premier 450 motocross
and supercross team. This newly established effort combines SMAI,
RCH Racing, and Yoshimura Racing & Development into a singular
entity competing in the AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross
championships.
"Suzuki has supported RCH Racing since its inception," said Carey
Hart, co-founder of RCH Racing along with 15-time AMA Champion
Ricky Carmichael, "and Yoshimura has been an
important factor in our success as well. Having just clinched the
2016 AMA Pro Motocross Championship, we have proven that we can
win titles. We are excited to bring our strengths to the new
RCH/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team."
"Everyone at RCH is excited about the opportunity ahead of us and
the partnerships we've created," added Carmichael. "RCH always
strives to be the best team in the paddock and this relationship
positions all parties involved to do exactly that. It all starts
with hard work, determination and uncompromised support from
Yoshimura and Suzuki. With everyone working together focusing on
the same goals, we expect to race for wins and championships for
years to come."
RCH/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing will be led by Kyle Bentley as
team manager. The new team will make its debut at the 2017 AMA
Supercross opener on January 7, in Anaheim. Riders will be
announced later.
"Yoshimura and Suzuki have been racing partners for more than 40
years, both in the US and in Japan," said Don Sakakura, president
of Yoshimura Racing & Development, "and over the past few years, we
have developed a strong relationship with RCH Racing as well.
Everyone at Yoshimura is excited to be a part of this new factory
effort and we look forward to building an even stronger racing
presence."
This move by SMAI is a continuation of the expansion the company is
making in racing.
"Combining RCH and Yoshimura into a single team is part of our goal
of strengthening the Suzuki brand in supercross and motocross,"
said Kerry Graeber, SMAI's Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
"Simultaneously, we are growing our grass roots programs,
developing a new 250 effort, which will be announced shortly, and
establishing RCH/Yoshimura/Suzuki as the recognized top rung of the
ladder. All of this is being done to increase sales of Suzuki
motocross and off-road products."