Conroe, TX - May 28, 2005
The Suzuki U.S. Amateur National Series has come to its half way point in its first year since replacing the infamous Suzuki RM Cup Challenge.  With rounds 1 and 2 now in the books, it is evident that it has been an unbelievably successful change to the Suzuki amateur support program.  The four round series which hits all four corners of the United States makes it easier for racers to hit at least one of the events and enjoy some of the benefits of  this series.  Suzuki and Two Brother’s Racing joined forces on putting together this invitational minibike event.  We show up at each round with ten fully prepared 2005 Suzuki DR-Z110s completely done up with Marzocchi Shiver fork kits, Race Tech extended shocks and just about every available upgrade that Two Brothers offers. To build a bike like this, it is about $4500 retail just in parts, and one lucky Suzuki rider will take one home after each event.

 Round 1, the Memorial Day Classic was held at Three Palms Extreme Sports Park in Conroe, TX on May 27^th-29^th.  What a perfect way to open up the series.  Park owner Emil Shebelbon along with Herman Teale of Extreme Sports Entertainment and their whole crew put on an absolutely amazing event.  Three Palms has a state-of-the-art facility featuring six different tracks along with two lakes on the property, it is Heaven on earth for any motorcycle enthusiast.  There was never a dull moment in Texas.  Besides some of the best racing I’ve ever seen from many top amateur racers who traveled from all over the U.S. to do battle and hang it out, the three day event was also filled with all sorts of fun and exciting activities.  It seemed like every time you got off the bike there was something different to do.  Saturday afternoon was our show.  We gathered up 10 of the fastest Suzuki riders out of 5 select classes, (85 7-11, 85 12-13, 85 14-15, Supermini and Schoolboy), and threw them all together for an all out hold nothing back race, the Suzuki/Two Brothers Racing DR-Z110 Challenge.  Jason Anderson of New Mexico and Ryan Dungey of Minnesota stole the show as they duked  it out for 10 laps all the way to the checkers, pushing those 110s to their full capability.  The Wharton boys out of Texas showed they knew how to handle the supped up 110’s as they got into a bit of sibling rivalry with each other.  When the checkers flew, it was Jason Anderson just edging out Ryan Dungey for the win and Blake Wharton finishing in 3^rd.  At the finish, all the racers eagerly gathered awaiting the drawing.  Everyone knew there was still a chance to win one of these tricked out 110s and it was the job of the winner, Jason Anderson to draw the number.  Lucky number 4 was the winner and the rider on number 4 was Tyler Wharton.  So even though his brother Blake beat him on the track, Tyler got the better trophy.

Pit Bike Open
3 Palms

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Round 2 - Grattan Raceway

Belding, MI - June25, 2005
Round 2, the North American MX Championship was held at Grattan Raceway in Belding, MI on June 24^th-26^th.  The raceway is known for their world renowned street course where many national road race events take place every year.  Sitting adjacent to the road course is a national caliber motocross track which weaves in and out of trees, rails thru deep loamy berms and elevation changes.  Track owner Sam and his brothers, along with promoter Jeremy Way put together another awesome event which was also filled with great activities.  Again, Saturday afternoon was our time to shine.  This time we took the top 2 Suzuki riders out of 125 and 250 B, 125 and 250 C, and 4-Stroke Open.  The lineup was once again filled with blazing talent and the crowd was ready to see what these mini’s could do.  When the gate dropped, the riders were quick to spread out.  Tony Gallo jumped out in front and ran while Michael Picone and Darryn Durham battled it out for 2^nd place.  Picone stuffed Durham in an uphill left hander as the white flag flew.  Durham lost all momentum and had to settle for 3^rd.  Now setting his sights on Gallo for 1^st, Picone stepped it up holding it wide open off the downhill jump sending him half way down.  The crowd was on their feet in disbelief the lil’ 110 was able to take that hit so well.  Picone pushed that mini to its max desperately trying everything he could to catch Gallo but was unsuccessful.  Gallo finally got a win for the weekend and Picone finally didn’t win, (Picone had been dominating his “big bike” classes all weekend).  After the race, longtime pals Tony Gallo and Darryn Durham were caught sharing hugs.  Gallo had drawn number 1 and Durham was the lucky rider who went home with a new mini. 

Congratulations to all the participants in the Suzuki/Two Brother’s Racing DR-Z110 Challenge and a big thanks to the wonderful promoters and everyone involved in the series who made these awesome events happen.  For more information on these events, check out http://teamsuzuki.com/MotoCross/Contingency/AmateurNationals.aspx

See you at round 3!

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