American Honda Pulls Out of
ATV Racing for 2010
Joe Byrd, Harold Goodman, Josh
Upperman, Wayne Matlock Released
Torrance, CA (9/11/2009) - Several
Honda backed ATV racers, including Joe Byrd, Harold
Goodman, Josh Upperman and Wayne Matlock, got
the call today that they would need to be looking
elsewhere for support for the 2010 race season.
“Last year they cancelled their road racing
program and now this year it was the quads,”
stated a very disappointed Joe Byrd. “I’ve
got a very busy schedule for the off season and
now I’ll have to make time to look for support
for next year. I’ve been on a Honda for
23 years, so it’s going to be kind of weird
being on something other than red.”
“I never saw it coming so I really don’t
know what I’m going to do for next season
now. I guess I’ll have to start looking
for a new deal,” said Harold Goodman, who
was on his way to Unadilla to race his first GNCC
in five years when he got the news.
In the last year, Honda has undergone major restructuring,
and with the passing of Bruce Ogilvie, who was
the life blood of Honda’s ATV racing program,
some were less surprised than others when they
heard the news. However, all involved agree that
it will be tough to find support with other manufacturers
tightening their race budgets as well.
Budget issues have plagued the ATV industry since
the nations economy began to go downhill, and
it appears that is will also affect the dirt bike
side as cutbacks in that program are imminent
as well.
Even though times could be tough for next season,
Joe Byrd remains optimistic and is still thankful
for the support Honda has given him over the years.
“I really do have to thank Honda for everything
they have done for me in the past. They were good
to ride for and I am disappointed I won’t
be with them next season,” Byrd stated.
Honda has yet to release any details on their
decision to cut their ATV racing efforts, but
more information will be provided as it comes
available.
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