TVR YAMAHA CHAMPIONS
Dealers
2010 Catalog
Oct 8th, 2009
Dual Championships Highlight 2009 Season for TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha
BRASELTON, Ga.—TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha concluded the 2009 WERA National Endurance Series season on Friday with two class victories during the four-hour finale at Road Atlanta. The Heavyweight Superstock and Mediumweight Superstock wins capped a championship year as the team clinched both titles.
For the finale, Jamie James, James Vanderhaar and Brett Champagne rode the TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha YZF-R1, finishing fourth overall and first in Heavyweight Superstock. The R1 team started 2009 on a high note with multiple wins. Shortly after introducing their new 2009 R1, though, Ivey had a violent crash that broke both bones and the bike.
Things only got more difficult when team rider Zac Chapman crashed in a sprint race at Virginia International Raceway. Chapman’s critical medical condition deeply affected the other TVR riders.
Nevertheless, the team soldiered on, continuing to earn top finishes en route to their championship. “The adversity we had this year was extraordinary,” said Ivey. “It feels good to say we stuck to it and finished the season. Every championship we’ve earned has been special, but this one is special in its own way. It’s been all about teamwork, trusting each other and getting the job done together. Our sponsors—like Michelin, Arai Helmets, EK Chains and Vortex—have proven to be a big contributor to our longevity, as well.”
“This season was exciting, it was adventurous, and it was a lot of fun,” said Champagne. “I knew TVR before, but I knew them as competitors. They’re a great group, and I’ve really enjoyed the year.”
At Road Atlanta, damp conditions at the start of the race meant that both TVR bikes were equipped with Michelin DOTs. The extra grip combined with the R1’s dominance allowed James to run up front. “The conditions just fell into our hands because the motor of the R1 is so smooth and predictable through the damp, sketchy areas. That smooth delivery allowed me to get up there and have some fun,” said James.
The riders of the TVR’s No. 136 Yamaha YZF-R6 had their own set of challenges this season. The year got off to a bad start, with two crashes in the first two races of the season. The shaky beginning prompted the team to rethink their strategy, and they were able to come into their own in subsequent races. Soon, instead of crashing, they were winning the Mediumweight Superstock class.
Reuben Frankenfield, James Dellinger and Ethan Ellis rode the VP Fuels-powered R6 at Road Atlanta, finishing fifth overall. A longtime TVR rider, Frankenfield piloted both the R1 and the R6 this year, giving him a hand in both championships. “I just really admire they way Chuck stuck with the race program this year, despite everything we had to deal with. Most people probably would have hung it up for a while. It just shows how dedicated he is as a team owner,” Frankenfield noted.
Vanderhaar had the opportunity to race at the Michelin U.S. Motorcycle Championship and the Isle of Man this year. He lists competing at the historic Isle of Man as one of the highlights of his racing career. “This was my first full season on an R1, and it was a lot of fun. It was great representing TVR at the Isle of Man and the Michelin Championship. I’m glad they gave me an opportunity to ride at those events,” said Vanderhaar.
TVR’s sponsors include EBC Brakes, Michelin, Yamaha, Aiken Motorcycle, XES Leather, MotoHeaven.com, Arai, Vortex, Repsol, EK Chains, VP Fuels, and Dyno Jet. Keep up with the team’s season and find pictures online at www.TeamVelocityRacing.com.
Beth Dolgner
2119 Marshalls Lane SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
678.485.1947