skip barber + KTM, motard

[RACER X]

LAKEVILLE, Conn. (November 3) - Skip Barber Racing School LLC and KTM North America, Inc., today jointly announced the creation of a new instructional program that pairs the world's premier racing and driving school with a leading worldwide manufacturer of power sports vehicles.

The Skip Barber Superbike School Powered by KTM will debut in 2009 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif., the home of MotoGP in the United States and one of five national locations for Skip Barber's automotive program offerings. The two-day school will feature the new KTM 1190 RC8 supersport motorcycle, which embodies high performance, new technology and unique design. It will be the only Superbike school in the United States to feature such large displacement machines.

''A number of factors make this new school unique,'' said Skip Barber President and Chief Operating Officer George Ayres. ''First, the KTM line of motorcycles that will be provided will include the new 1190 RC8, 990 Super Duke and the 690 Duke motorcycles, meaning we have the right equipment for virtually any student. Second are the Skip Barber instructors who will bring to this program more than 30 years of experience teaching enthusiasts about dynamics, control and speed. Finally, there is the track itself. Skip Barber conducts more than 100 programs a year at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. We know this track very well and feel it is the ideal facility for students to develop the skills and confidence to not only lower their lap times but improve their everyday street riding skills. And with more riders returning to motorcycling or just beginning, we feel we can help riders of all experience levels.''

''The core of KTM is 'Ready to Race,''' said Jon-Erik Burleson, president of KTM North America, Inc. ''Our partnership with Skip Barber is a great place to combine our values with their rich racing heritage in a unique way. The instructional Superbike programs held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will allow the best promotion of the new KTM 1190 RC8 while providing a prospect for future product releases and announcements.''

John Pinio, director of parks for the County of Monterey, commented that ''Monterey County Parks is excited about the opportunity for the Skip Barber Racing School to partner with KTM to bring a first class motorcycle school to the Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca. This is another example of the collaboration of Monterey County Parks, SCRAMP, Skip Barber and Mazda of not only providing top quality motor sports at our facility, but another way to generate a positive economic impact for our local community.''

Ayres noted that school attendees will be able to use their own safety equipment or rent all necessary items at the track through Skip Barber. Damage liability insurance will also be offered, minimizing the costs to any rider for a mishap. Top-level safety will be ensured, with Mazda Raceway's excellent safety team at the ready.


superbikeplanet.com
Tuesday, November 11, 2008