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,…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Motor Sports NewsWire…