Erik buell establishes erik buell racing

[Bigfattwin]

Milwaukee, Wis. -- (Friday, November 20, 2009) Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) announced today that following the company’s recent decision to discontinue the Buell motorcycle product line, Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company, will leave the company to establish Erik Buell Racing, an independent motorcycle race shop.

Erik Buell Racing will specialize in the supply of race-use-only Buell motorcycle parts and race preparation services for engines and motorcycles, and the building and sale of Buell® 1125R-based race-use-only motorcycles under license from Harley-Davidson, as well as providing technical support to racers of Buell motorcycles.

“I’m looking forward to helping Buell racers keep their bikes flying,” said Erik Buell. “We’ve got some exciting race development projects in the works and it will mean a lot to me personally to see Buell racers competing for wins and championships in the 2010 season and beyond.”

“I’m pleased that Harley-Davidson is assisting Erik in establishing this business to continue supporting the racing efforts he has had so much passion for over the years,” said Buell President and COO Jon Flickinger. “Harley-Davidson and the Buell Motorcycle Company will always be proud of their affiliation with Erik, and we wish him well in this new endeavor to support Buell racers.”

Erik Buell Racing will be based in East Troy, Wisconsin and will be staffed by Erik Buell and a veteran team of personnel. For more information, after December 1, 2009, contact:

Erik Buell Racing, LLC
2799 Buell Drive, Unit C
East Troy, WI 53120
www.erikbuellracing.com
info@erikbuellracing.com

[cravacor]

This is awesome! I knew Erik wasn't going to just disappear.

[bc2003uga]

this rocks. the biggest thing i was worried about disappearing was the race teams (since they tore it up last year)

[jimsuper420]

I am wondering if they will make parts and bikes for public, or just racing teams, like the RR. Have to wait and see I guess.

I really like that full fairing kit on them bikes in the pic on first post, nice.

[mcwonder]

I'm confused on how they will compete in races that are based off of current production bikes. Am I misunderstanding the rules of AMA racing. A lot of people already thought the 1125r was too much in the races it was in. How will, what is effectively, a prototype machine be allowed to compete. Are there some kind of grandfather clauses?

Don't get me wrong. I want to see Buell survive, I still can't afford one right now and see my chances slipping away. However, they aren't technically production bikes anymore.

I don't follow racing that well, I don't have cable, so I'm curious if anyone knows how this will work. Maybe they won't compete at the same levels.