Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1022726
TEAM SRT HANGS IT UP T eam SRT Husqvarna, a powerhouse presence in AMA EnduroCross and other off-road series such as AMA West Hare Scramble and AMA East Hare Scramble Championships, announced they are calling it quits at the end of the 2018 season. The aftermarket parts company has funded one of the largest full-time race teams in off-road for the past six years, supporting riders such as Steward Baylor Jr., winner of the National Enduro and Sprint Enduro championships last year. "I could not be more proud of Team SRT and what we have accomplished in the short six years as an off-road team," said Team SRT owner Craig Thomp- son. "I would love for team SRT to become even big- ger, but I can't continue down this road due to finan- cial reasons. I love racing and it will always be a part of me, but I need to refocus my efforts elsewhere." Team SRT riders currently include Trystan Hart, Cory Graffunder, Kyle Redmond, Wally Palmer and nine other riders, including Thompson, himself. CN IN THE WIND P48 MOTUS MOTORCYCLES SHUTS DOWN A merican motorcycle manu- facturer Motus is no more, with the company shutting its doors on August 31. According to a post on the company's Facebook page, investment from financial back- ers finally dried up, meaning a permanent closure was the only option for founders Lee Conn and Brian Case. "After an amazing 10-year ride, Motus is forced to shut down op- erations, effective immediately," the post by Lee Conn and Brian Case read. "This week, Motus' financial backers unexpectedly informed management that they will not provide sufficient capital to maintain operations and grow the business. We were surprised and disappointed, especially because we have been working so hard prepar- ing an October 2018 product launch into a new and exciting seg- ment as well as new fea- tures on the MST series. This is very unfortunate timing and we will work to quickly find a new path forward for Motus Motorcycles and our American V4 powertrain division. "We are very grateful to Team Motus, truly the finest group of professionals and people, who have each dedicated so much of their hearts and soul to Motus. We are also thankful to our deal- ers and the many customers and supporters who have cheered us on and put gas in our tanks along the way. "For Motus owners, hang on to those motorcycles. As you al- ready know, they are heirlooms, unlike any other motorcycles ever built." Motus is the second American firm to be wound up in the last 18 months after Polaris closed the doors on Victory Motorcycles in January, 2017. CN Another American motorcycle company bites the dust. Farewell, Motus. This will be the last year for Team SRT, one of the biggest teams in off-road, which could leave many top racers without a ride.