New 2009 Race Results and Analysis from www.teamvelocityracing.com

TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha on Endurance Podium in First Race on Michelin Tires.

POOLER, Ga.-Team Velocity Racing (TVR) began the WERA National Endurance Series season last weekend in style, earning the Heavyweight Superstock class win and finishing second overall in the four-hour race at Roebling Road Raceway. The race also marked TVR's debut as a Michelin-sponsored team.

Chuck Ivey, Zac Chapman and Brett Champagne piloted the TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha YZF-R1. Before the team ever arrived at the track, though, there was a lot happening behind the scenes.

EBC Brakes, a longtime sponsor and supporter of TVR, decided to increase their involvement with the four-time champions in 2009. "EBC brakes has been instrumental in helping us finalize our plans for this year," noted rider and team owner Chuck Ivey. He added that TVR's 2009 R1s are currently being tested, and will debut at round two.

In addition, TVR's switch to Michelin rubber marks the first time the team has changed tire brands since they entered the series six years ago. "We're always trying to move forward, and Michelin has a positive plan for the future, and a great tire," said Ivey. "They're focusing a lot of energy on this series, and we're excited about partnering with them. It felt great to put Michelin on the box in our first race, but we won't be satisfied until we're first."

As for the race itself, everyone agreed that it was the perfect way to start the season, with thorough preparation, quick pit stops, and riders who were in tune with the TVR Yamaha R1.

"I got the holeshot at the start, then it was a drag race to turn one and I led for a few laps," commented Chapman. "I took the lead again and got a good gap before I had to come in for fuel. The bike and tires worked well. The Michelins are great: the rear held up for the whole stint, and the tires were very predictable."

Champagne is making his TVR debut this year, but in the past he has been one of their fiercest competitors. "I've known these guys for a while, and being a part of the team was everything I expected. Everyone gets along, works well together, and we had fun," he said. "I feel I could have ridden better, but I hadn't thrown a leg over a bike since October. Hopefully I can give it some more next weekend."

BRASELTON, Ga. - Team Velocity Racing wrapped up the 2008 WERA National
Endurance Series season on Friday during a four-hour race at Road Atlanta, walking away with another Heavyweight Superstock championship and memories of a dramatic finale.

Nearly two days of rain cleared up in time for Friday's race, but Team Velocity Racing (TVR) got very little practice thanks to the soggy conditions. One practice the morning of the race was all the team had to make some basic adjustments to the setups of the Yamaha R1 and R6, and to get the riders used to the changes in Road Atlanta's turn 12 configuration. After that, there was just enough time to mount new EBC brake pads, top off the gas tanks with VP Fuel, and ensure that the Repsol oil and EK Chains were all ready for the long finale.

TVR had an impressive list of riders, all equipped with Arai helmets, including team owner Chuck Ivey, Zac Chapman, James Vanderhaar and Reuben Frankenfield on the TVR 131 Yamaha YZF-R1 in the Heavyweight Superstock class. The TVR 136 Yamaha YZF-R6 in Mediumweight Superstock included young talents Mike Wheelis, James Dellinger and Chad Lewin.

TVR 131 clinched the Heavyweight Superstock championship earlier this season, marking their fourth consecutive title in the class. There was little pressure on the team coming into Road Atlanta, but they still wanted to earn top results.

Chapman and Ivey kept the team in second overall during the opening of the race, but a difficult pit stop and an additional stop to replace an axle pin lost valuable time. Chapman, Ivey, Vanderhaar and Frankenfield fought to make up for the lost time during the remaining hours. Ivey even chose to double-stint the Pirelli tires to save time in the pits. It was a worthwhile gamble since the tires were holding up impressively and proved to be a great pairing with the YZF-R1. At the checkered flag, TVR 131 was first in Heavyweight Superstock, adding another victory to their successful season, and fifth overall.

The TVR 136 team had a dramatic pit stop early in the race, when gas lodged in the breather hose of their refueler spilled onto the bike and ignited. Frankenfield and Melissa Berkoff, from competing team Brand X, were able to get the blaze out quickly and the team eventually took the scorched R6 back onto the track. The setback lost the team's second-place class standing in the race, but Wheelis, Dellinger and Lewin still sewed up third place in the Mediumweight Superstock championship.

"Our season got off to a difficult start when our teammate Rory died in a sprint race at Roebling, and going into the year I knew that having two teams would be complicated," reflected Ivey. "But overall, getting the Heavyweight Superstock championship was our goal, and we were able to accomplish that. I'm also proud about TVR 136 wrapping up third in points. A lot of our riders on that bike are young, and several of them had no prior endurance experience, and they accomplished a lot this year."

Ivey credits efficient teamwork for the successful race season, but he adds that teamwork involves more than just the riders and pit crew. "Even with hard economic times, our sponsors have all stood by us. Without their support, we could never come out here and win championships. We're very grateful for their unwavering support," said Ivey. TVR's sponsors include XES Leather, Arai, Pirelli, EBC Brakes, Vortex, Repsol, EK Chains, VP Fuels, and Dyno Jet. Find out more about the team online at www.TeamVelocityRacing.com