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/1058408
IN THE WIND P22 KAWASAKI TEAM GREEN OFF-ROAD RETURNS K awasaki Team Green is getting back into the off- road racing business again. It's returning in 2019 as Team Bab- bitt's/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green and is planning to field a two-man XC1 (450) team in the Grand National Cross Coun- try and Full Gas Sprint Enduro Championships. The new team has announced at least one of the two rid- ers—2010 GNCC Champion and current Full Gas Sprint Enduro Champion Josh Strang. Although Kawasaki did not announce a team manager, if rumors are true, Fred Andrews will lead the group. "I'm very excited for the oppor- tunity to ride the all-new KX450," said Strang. "It's exciting to join a team like Kawasaki who believe in the potential of my riding and my results. I rode Kawasakis in Australia for many years before moving to the U.S. to race, so it's really gone full circle for me. I can't wait to get back on a brand that helped start my career and continues to provide support, which is a big part of succeeding." The following is from Kawasaki… "In addition to the Team Babbitt's Online racing effort, Kawasaki Team Green will have a lot to offer off-road racers, including a $1.7 million racer rewards program with $427,700 dedicated to the GNCC series. The Team Green trackside support crew, featuring technical assistance and parts sales for cus- tomers will attend seven rounds of the 2019 GNCC series as well as other off-road race events across the country. "For GNCC events where the Team Green trackside support crew is not present, the Team Babbitt's Online semi will have a supply of OEM parts to assist KX customers in need. To further support our customer, racers can visit their Kawasaki Team Green dealer to earn up to a $1500 rebate for the purchase of a new 2019 KX model. Kawasaki Team Green dealers have until February 15, 2019 to submit Racer Support applications. CN HOBBS HONORED IN CANADA Y amaha's Rick Hobbs, crew chief for Cameron Beaubier's 2018 Mo- toAmerica Superbike Championship-winning Monster Energy/Yamalube/ Yamaha Factory Racing YZF-R1, was inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame in November. Hobbs was honored for a lifetime of contributions to road racing, from dealership service manager to Superbike Championship-winning guru. His accomplishments came in Canada and the United States. He has amassed a total of 20 Canadian and U.S. National Championships during his career. CN Josh Strang is the first member of the new Babbitts/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green squad. Cameron Beaubier's tuner Rick Hobbs was inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame.