New 1000S US Race Team!

[cdfisher]

MidAmerica PowerSports Plus is proud to announce their affiliation with the LARace Team (larace.com) running in the WERA Endurance Series. We urge all US MZ dealers to get behind this team and offer any help they can. James Henderson is the Team Captain, Steve Stricklin is the Chief Mechanic and the riders are Matthias Jezek and Kenny Ritchie. They are privateers running against many teams that have deep pockets and commercial interests.

Their first race at the 6 hour Jennings GP saw them finish 9th in their class after a minor crash. Those bullet proof German side cases came through again, and after the slide, the bike was picked up, restarted and continued back to the pits where the team got it sorted out and back on the track. The machine performed well on its maiden race and revealed advantages the MZ has when it comes to endurance racing. With far fewer refueling stops and less tire wear than any of the top finishing teams, the LARace team managed to pull out an overall 33rd place finish from 49 entries.

LARace learned that the front suspension of the 1000S is where short term improvements are needed for the track. The bikes that they have are pre-production bikes. The pre-production Marzocchi forks do not have any adjustments and these guys are trying really hard to overcome a major requirement that's not an option in racing. If there are any dealers out there (or individuals) who would like to help in a grass roots effort to get MZ on the map in North America, please contact us and we will coordinate with the team as a single voice. All of the team members have day jobs, are strapped for cash and spare time when it comes to resources and communication.

Dealer Challenge - I urge you to pool your resources with ours and together we can offer assistance to these folks across the US. They are in need of logistical help; are you located in an Eastern race region where they could store their race rig safely and securely for multiple races? That would enable them to save money and time to meet the demands of the schedule.

What about the South East? We have offered the same for the central and upper Midwest. Do you have any Michelin tires you could donate? If each MZ shop that carries a 1000S could send them a tire to race with, that should help a great deal. Being a 1st year startup, MAPSP is strapped for cash and will donate one set, but for every 4 shops that donate tires (that can be used by the team) I will pay for a matching tire out of my own pocket (my wife will kill me, but I am driven). I will have the types and sizes posted in another thread.

Enthusiast Challenge - Get to your nearby MZ dealer and tell him or her to read this thread, tell them it's time to stand up and support a group of extraordinary individuals who could of picked any other brand to race, but believe in the bike and want to see it succeed.

Anyone:

Plane Tickets - Anyone have any airline comps or other Southwest tickets that they are not going to be able to use, or just want to donate?

Gas money - Prices are not going down and the rig doesn't run for free. You know, $5-$10.00 from many people can add up quickly.

Services - We are located in Kansas City MO. We are working on a possible track day to be held the weekend before the May 6-8 race in Joliet IL that would include a professional road racing course from Matthias. If there are riders within the region that would be interested please let us know.

We will also sell dyno runs for contributions at a reduced rate. More on this as we move forward.

This is a fine forum for MZ riders. Regarding MZ, at MAPSP our focus is targeted at getting the brand recognized for its contributions to motorcycling history (read the history in the cycleconnections.com article) and the fine products it builds for the present. So far, the motorcycling mainstream press ignores MZ and pays homage to other more exotic brands of Italian decent, even if they are less established in the US as a market share. MZ is no less worthy and it's time the public became aware of this fine brand.

Have a credit card and want to donate? Call us and we will charge your card and send the entire amount to the team (this cost us 3% in CC charges). You will have a receipt and a personal call from me to verify your contribution has reached them. I will be happy to explain what the money went for.

Let's get the word out! Do something to help, anything will be appreciated...

Thanks MZRiders!

[phlat65]

very good!! I will pass the word, and if I can, will try to scrape some pennies for gas money! would love to see them have great success

[cdfisher]

Thank you phlat65! Your leadership in this forum is backed by action.

Come on MZ Riders, let's get MZ on the North American Map!

Just a few dollars per member will help LARace "Ride to the Future..." with our favorite underdog brand.

[jawzx]

Don't have much spare change, but I'd be happy help put a tank or two of gas through to help get MZ some more North American recognition.

[oldbeginner]

Saw these guys at VIR for WERA's Cycle Jam Endurance Race May 20th (4hour). Finished 9th in the HSB (HeavyweightSuperBike) class, 38th overall. Good lookin bikes, Sounds great. I wish I could have spent more time talking with the guys but they were very busy. and they had to leave right away.

Good luck guys, Hope to see ya'll again

[John Casimir]

I've got money in my PayPal account and I'd like to donate. Do you know if the race team has set up an account for deposits?