New 1000S US Race Team!

News and Gossip on the upcoming MZ 1000S.

Moderators: DAVID THOMPSON, phlat65

New 1000S US Race Team!

Postby cdfisher » Mon Apr 04, 2005 11:28 pm

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!
Attachments
after_the_race_2.jpg
The LARace Team and Howard from Motorrad North America
after_the_race_2.jpg (242.68 KiB) Viewed 4097 times
Curtis Fisher
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http://www.mapsp.com
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Postby phlat65 » Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:42 pm

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 :-D
2001 MZ Black Panther
2001 Suzuki RM125 (full Enduro)
Old Hondas- TT500 Ascott, 305 Dream Touring
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Postby cdfisher » Tue Apr 05, 2005 11:28 pm

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.
Attachments
larace_motorradna.jpg
Another Team Picture with John Stoddard of MZ North America (Man in Black)
larace_motorradna.jpg (335.77 KiB) Viewed 4074 times
Curtis Fisher
President
MidAmerica PowerSports Plus
816.777.1785
http://www.mapsp.com
cdfisher
MZ Dealer
 
Posts: 52
Joined: Sun Feb 06, 2005 8:14 pm
Location: Independence MO

Love to help

Postby jawzx » Tue May 10, 2005 1:56 pm

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.
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Postby oldbeginner » Mon May 30, 2005 3:10 am

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
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Postby John Casimir » Thu Jun 30, 2005 12:55 pm

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?
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