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/650535
IN THE WIND P40 EBR BACK IN PRODUCTION T he first Erik Buell Racing machines, under new owners Liquid Asset Partners, are set to roll off the production line in East Troy, Wisconsin by March 17. According to the press release from Liquid Asset Partners, there will be a launch partner for the revived brand on March 18 in East Troy that is open to anyone to attend, with free food, an EBR team meet-and-greet, tours of the production line, and other events at venues in the historic down- town village. "This would not be possible without the EBR team. All the credit goes to them for waiting out the storms during the last year," said Bill Melvin Jr. "Now the clouds have cleared; EBR is able to shift into gear know- ing that it has financial stability, a profitable multi-year plan, and a 5-10 year vision. We feel there is still room for new partnerships or investment, but it is not critical. EBR is on solid ground and mov- ing forward. We are turning the key and twisting the throttle!" "I am really looking forward to the launch and the press day. I have dedicated my life to this and want to get the word out on how great our motorcycles are," said Erik Buell, Founder and CTO. Ed Laben, Director of Sourcing said, "It is so good to see the factory coming back to life! The energy, talent, and enthusiasm of this team are unparalleled, and I can't wait for the world to see what's coming down the road." EBR's raring to go again. Let's hope it stays that way. RENNER WINS PRO CIRCUIT OPEN T he inaugural Pro Circuit Open presented by BTO Sports took place at Tampa MX the Thursday, March 3, just before the Daytona Supercross. New track owner Zack Freeberg put up a $10,000 Pro purse with the help of many of his former sponsors. With the Atlanta SX and Daytona SX a week apart many privateers took advantage of the Florida weather to do some training in the sunshine state. With a great purse paying all the way back to 10th place many riders came out for a piece of it. Freeburg also had support rac- es for amateurs and a women's class that paid 100% payback. The amateur open- class winners were awarded products from the race spon- sors including tires and gear. With a packed house of riders and spectators, the Pro class used an SX format for qualify- ing for the main event. Michael Byrne grabbed the main event holeshot and led the 11 of 12 laps, as local pro Ricky Renner battled through the pack after a bad start to pass Byrne on the last turn before the finish. The local favor- ite was greeted with a big cheer from the fans after putting on such a great charge through the pack and hunting down Byrne. Third place went to Heath Har- rison while Kylie Fasnacht won the open women's class. Rob Koy Ricky Renner chased down Michael Byrne to win the inaugural Pro Circuit Open at Tampa MX. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB KOY