|
KTM Twin Flat Tracker Enters Grand National Series
|
|
Albion, New York (April 21, 2008)-- For the past several months, a dream became a reality. Team owner, Dave Waters had a vision for his longtime racer, RJ Overholt.
”A trip to Daytona in 2004 got my imagination running wild after I was exposed to KTM’ s new LC8 power plant. After much deliberation, I pursued purchasing the new KTM Super Enduro that was released in 2007. Due to limited availability, I waited with anticipation. Finally , a call came from Matto Cycles, I was thrilled . I pulled in some resources and headed to Pennsylvania. At that moment I knew "Project K" was born.”
Project K will be the next generation bike, keeping it as stock as possible and to deem it competitive in the AMA Grand National Flat Track series. Bringing another manufacturer inside the sport will not only grow the sport, but allow for more start-up teams to get involved.
" I hoped by taking a stock manufactured bike and converting it relatively inexpensively to a GNC Twins flat tracker that it would peak the interest of more manufacturers to participate and hopefully get more promotion for our sport. NASCAR has exceeded expectations of promotion by selling the race on
Sunday, buy on Monday mentality. Our project took approximately four months to do from start to finish and is race ready with a minimal cost. The KTM motor and chassis combination is easily converted into a Grand National caliber bike while keeping the costs at a reasonable level. We are banking on it's durability to keep the costs down through out the season. Our plan is to make a main event during its first year and compete on the full twins race schedule in 2009. Our goal is to put KTM on the podium!" notes Waters.
Rider, RJ Overholt, will test "Project K" during the Annual Bike Days event in Canton, Ohio at Stark County Fairgrounds May 24-25. The official debut will be round two of the AMA Grand National Twins Series at Vernon Downs, New York May 31, 2008.
"I am very excited to be the rider selected for "Project K" using the new KTM 950 Super Enduro. I have ridden the bike and the power is perfect for dirt track racing. Dave Waters has been a great inspiration on the project and has spared no expense to make the bike just what I need to be competitive. I feel the bike will be a contender within the first year and with some more support we could be the team to watch in 2009. I would like to thank the people responsible for this great endeavor, first and foremost
Dave & Rhonda Waters for seeing the vision through and choosing me as there rider. I would also like to thank Stacy & Becki Spears for there generous support to make this all possible. Look forward to some dramatic racing to come from the Waters Auto Body / Five star Fab & Steel racing pits this season ", adds Overholt.
Although Project K was built with no factory support, the entire effort has been funded through Waters Autobody and Paint, 5 Star Steel and Fab, Matto Cycle of Pottsville, PA, D&D Power Sports, Steve Fortunato, andPhotos by Rox, Elf oils, Super Trapp and Shoei helmets. Because this is a grass roots effort, sponsorship is being heavily sought.
Grand National Flat Track racing has been prominently dominated by Harley-Davidson. Over the past few years more manufacturers have entered the circuit. KTM had plans for a twin bike for racing, but after GNC rider Joe Kopp rode it at Willow Springs, KTM had decided to park it.
Waters says, “Now that the frozen northeast is coming out of hibernation; we are anxiously awaiting getting Project K out of our shop and on to the local tracks for some more R&D. She looks fast and sounds awesome so we will see soon enough if I’ve done my homework.”
|
|
Project K Adds Three
Albion, New York ( May 19, 2008)-- Newly established Grand National Flat Track team, Project K, prepares for debut in Canton, Ohio Memorial Day weekend. One week later, the 950 KTM “stock” flat tracker will enter it’s first twins event of the series at Vernon Downs, New York.
During preparations Project K has been testing and training for the upcoming events. Changes had to be done to deem the bike competitive.
Three key product sponsors have partnered up to help the effort, Sudco, Vortex and G2 Ergonomics.
Sudco International is one of America's oldest and largest importers and distributors of motorcycle replacement parts and high performance accessories. For years have provided dealers with the best available parts and service. “We will do everything we can to make sure Sudco remains one of your main sources for quality replacement parts and accessories”.
Based in the USA, Vortex has been manufacturing top quality racing components for 10 years in Florida. Owned and operated by motorcycle racers, and focus on absolute quality. Each of the race components are made to the tightest tolerances with the best quality materials for the application.
The KTM, Project K Racing will also receive support through G2 Ergonomics using the Throttle Cam System.
The team feels confident with the newly added sponsors that the KTM is well prepared and competitive for the race season.
For more information and to follow the success, visit www.projectkracing.com
###
|
KTM Hits The Dirt.. Next up is the GNC
Canton, Ohio Memorial Day Weekend Race News
Project K Racing Just returned from the Bike day’s weekend at Canton Ohio for a two day AMA racing event. The team has planned to use Canton as a stepping stone to get the bike ready for the AMA Grand National circuit.
The team had some minor carburetor issues at their last outing and obtained another sponsor to help with the cost of the new Race Carbs, (Sudco). The team arrived at Canton to do more R&D to the chassis and the carburetors. The racing was a good way to see where we stack up against some other V-Twins and practice starts. The bike again worked pretty well, but because we were still testing we changed some suspension settings and went backwards a few times. No big deal and actually it’s good to find out these things at a local race vs. a Grand National…
From Rider RJ Overholt:“
I raced in the open pro and open money classes. The highlight of my weekend was my first heat race win in the first race I ever entered on the bike, (won by a straight away). A real close second highlight was the epic battle with young gun James Respoli, we changed the lead in every corner and every straight for 6-7 laps!!! It was awesome!!!! We race the bike three times in two days and we finished the weekend with a Second and two thirds at our first event… It was a great showing and there were some real fast guys there so we got an idea that we can run with the big guys as long as our setup is close. I got some more much needed seat time that just helps me get acclimated to the weight and power of the V-Twins. I felt more and more comfortable as the racing progressed, so that shows me I am only going to go faster the more I ride the bike. I can’t wait to ride it again!”
Well the bike is ready to go….The carb issue is resolved and the racing was fast and fun… We ended up having some great fun and gaining some valuable experience. The team came home with a ton of seat time and a ton of notes about chassis setup. We finished the weekend without any crashes and all our local western New Yorkers had great results. Special thanks to Photos by Rox, Jenna Waters, Staci Waters, Casey, Dave & Rhonda and Don Waters for all the help in the pits.. These people are the ground floor of our team!!!! |
 |
| photo by: flat track fotos |
|
Race report: Vernon Downs, NY
Well we just finished the first round of the Grand National Twins series at Vernon Downs, NY. We were the very first KTM Twin to enter this class so we really had no expectations.
The bike has been great so far at the tests but these are the Professionals and everyone who enters these races is super fast so we just want to make it through the day. Our goal is to get more R&D information and to go forward all day which we did. We were qualified 28th before the rain hit which is a great showing for our first time at this level. We changed a few things but due to the rain and the four hour delay to get the track back around (Great Job Buddy Ford, Steve Beattie, and the AMA) we were at a loss for what to do as far as set up goes..
We went fastest in the last timed session, problem is so did everyone else… We got over a second faster from the first session to the last which is a great improvement.
The program was being super rushed and we needed to make a gearing change and a jetting change but did not have the time. We opted not to chance missing the heats or semis and left the bike alone. In the heat race I was competitive and ran to 6th !!! Good enough for a front row in the semi!!! I knew that we were still a bit of the pace of the leaders but we were competitive or first time out. That’s an accomplishment all in itself.
I went out for the semi and off the start I blew the tire off and sat on the line spinning, (I blew the start big time). The bike has so much torque that you have to be careful how much throttle to give as not to just dig a trench and sit there. So I was last off the line, got roosted real a bad and could not see well. I was unable to make the passes needed to get into the big show. I stayed with the pack and looked respectable but it’s not how I wanted to end the night as we were better than that.
That’s that, we did well just not as good as I hoped for. We are working on it and we will get better. More track time, more knowledge about setting up this bike and some more weight savings and we will be in the hunt at Bedford, PA and Lima, OH.
Special thanks to Dave, Rhonda, Stacy, Jenna, Casey, Pete D., Steve F. for helping me get through the day and all the crew & family for coming out to see me go. We are planning on the next race being at Rochester, NH on June 13th.
Till Then… R.J.
|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
First Timer to Race Laconia
Albion, New York (June 10, 2008)-- Project K Racing heads to the New England Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Dealers Association, Ben Campanale’s Laconia ½ Mile Rally . Located in Rochester, New Hampshire, the race kicks off the 85th Anniversary Bike Week event scheduled June 13th.
Prior to race day, several flat track stars including Project K Racing’s pilot RJ Overholt will display their bikes, meet and greet the fans and deliver autographs at Heritage Harley-Davidson in Concord.
Coming off their first AMA Grand National Flat Track twins race in Vernon, New York; Project K prepares for the half mile working out the mishaps and striving for a successful finish.
New this year, Rochester will feature multi brands in the line up. The KTM, Aprilia, Suzuki ,Triumph and of course Harley-Davidson will take to the field showcasing their strengths for a favorable show amongst spectators.
Spectators will not only be treated to the best rumblings, roost flying, lead changing racing of it’s kind in the New England area; a new midway of vendors and food will be a must stop during the show. This action packed program prepared by Sideways Promotions will keep the fans entertained during the down time of track preparations with The Bay State Harley Pullers attempting to pull their weight transfer sled 200’. These custom made 2 and 3 wheelers are the perfect track addition
.
Project K Racing is overly excited to be a part of history, bringing their KTM twin machine to another race track. Eager to get back on track before hitting the next race on the schedule in Maryville, Tennessee will be beneficial in tweaking the machine for a half mile
Race today, buy on Monday has always been their philosophy. A project that became a reality in less than four months can bring more life to the sport with a more economical approach.
Visit
www.projectkracing.com for the latest news, reports and pictures.
###
|
| Project K Racing report, Rochester NH
We just returned from the Rochester New Hampshire ½ mile and we had a great time. We went to the race for the first time and were welcomed with open arms. This was our first request from a promoter to attend a race and it was well worth the trip. The fans were very interested in the bike and we handed out many autographed posters for souvenirs. We also spent some time on the prior day at Heritage Harley Davidson for some quality fan appreciation and were also well accepted. I can say that even during the R&D stages of Project K we have been well taken in by fans, media and promoters.
We started the day watching the amateurs and our team leader was even taking to the track in the senior “a” class. I was the tuner for the morning program and we again worked well together and learned more about the way we need to operate our Grand National Team. From there we went into the Pro night program getting the KTM 950 ready for the show. We set the suspension up very stiff as the track was the roughest we’ve seen so far. I went out in practice and we started to adjust gearing and such.
We pulled the second heat race and we off the line second to the Aprila. We were sticking to the rear wheel of their bike and with three to go I made my move for the lead out of turn two. I lead the next lap starting to pull a bit and then kayos let loose, I went into turn three a bit harder than the prior laps and one of the holes swallowed the front wheel. I rode it out and somehow saved the situation from a major high side! The crowd seemed to love as Dave said they went nuts for the quality riding. I even got an interview asking how I was able to pull it off! Nonetheless we were able to stay on the track and salvage a third and a front row for the main event.
Kenny Coolbeth the National Champion was in attendance and we were defiantly not going to be in his range of lap times. We were however looking for a top five as our lap times and heat race efforts were in that area. I lined up for the main as the last pick on the front row. I was unable to get a “clean spot” so I knew I was in a bit of troubles as this bike has so much torque I need a surface to grab. Well I was right and I blew another start. I was watching back row guys go buy as I was spinning to the first corner. I gathered things up rounding the second corner in last. I worked my way through the pack and ended up finishing sixth. I was completely out of tear offs and was running the high line to avoid the bumps. The bike worked well up in the high line but we were still struggling in the bumps at the bottom of the track. We need to look at some suspension changes and possibly different components.
Well we are getting better and better every time out, and the fans smothered the pits after the race to see the KTM 950 and to ask me how the heck I saved the potential high side! We were very pleased with the night and the fan response we are feeling like part of the series. I really hope you can all come out and see the bike at a race to see how well it looks and how well it works. !!!
The next race on our schedule is Bedford PA & Lima Oh. Bothe Grand National events and both a great place for us to make our first Grand National main event.
|
|
|
|
