Roadracing World
Updated Post: Assorted Recent Press Releases
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=23111

June 07, 2005

From a press release issued by Mad Kaw Racing:

Mad Kaw Racing stands on class podium during WERA National Endurance at Willow Springs.

Mad Kaw Racing had their best finish to date during the 6-hour WERA Endurance event at Willow Springs Raceway on June 4. The team brought home their CycleTires.com Kawasaki ZX6-R second in the Middleweight Superstock Class and Twelfth overall, and just as at VIR two weeks prior, they did it on remanufactured Tomahawk Tires.

"We made some changes to the rear tire profile after VIR that have given us more side grip" said Team Owner Ivan Messina. "We didn't want to come to Willow with what we had before, the long continuous right hand corners here are really tough on tires. I would go as far as to say that no other track in the country is more abusive on tires than Willow. We tested a few different compounds on Friday, and found one we thought would work." It got warmer on Saturday though, and the first tire the team used during the race didn't work very well. "It was too soft, and we ended up having to switch to a harder compound during the race, but that's why we're out here, to find out what works and continue to develop these tires." said Ivan. The team was ready for the rear tire changes, and they went well, but they were unprepared for the number of front tire changes.

We have never had to change a front tire in a 6-hour event. We changed two here, and with no front quick change equipment we lost some time in the pits." said Ivan. "The pit crew did a great job with what I gave them though. Phil Herrin volunteered to help us out, and he brought his own sprint crew over to assist. Without them we would have had a difficult time, and I have to give all of our volunteers a big Thank You."

The team brought in a new rider for this event, former WSMC racer Frank Nolan. James Toohey and Ivan Messina rounded out the riders. "Frank is a great addition to the team, consistent and fast." said Ivan. "We are all really starting to gel, and I think the result here shows that."