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Can-Am LTE Racing's GNCC Pro ATV Racer Brent Sturdivant
Claims 2nd local ATV Race Win on CanAm DS450

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Brent Sturdivant - Can-Am DS450 ATV
Can-Am LTE Racing's GNCC Pro ATV Racer Brent Sturdivant
Masontown, WV (1/3/2008) – Can-Am Factory backed Pro ATV GNCC racer, Brent Sturdivant, braved the elements for one last race during the 2007 season as he competed aboard his Can Am DS450. The weather in the region had set the stage for one of the most brutal races one could face, with slick mud and freezing water turning the course into quite a challenge for any rider. The 23 year old West Virginia native is no stranger to rough conditions, and this would prove to be a great test session as he dials in his new machine.

Sturdivant was picked from the Pro ranks of the CanAm GNCC series to pilot the new model DS450 ATV for Looney Tuned Exhaust ATV Team, and he will be joined by Duane Johnson. Also, Warnert Racing has signed Chris Bithell & Chris Jenks earlier this winter, and they have been wringing out the DS 450 in hopes to finding any weakness prior to the start of the 2008 season.

Speaking with Sturdivant about his new race machine, he hasn’t had any real issues while testing and racing, and most of his riding time had been spent setting up his Custom Axis suspension that now are fitted to his machine.

Custom Axis DS450 ATV Racing Suspension
Custom Axis DS450 ATV Racing Front Suspension

“Axis took the DS450 from us and the next day the shocks were built and installed. I couldn’t be happier with the way they perform and now I can push even harder," recanted Sturdivant prior to the race.

This race would soon see just how well the suspension and power would work as the green flag flew and Sturdivant was off and racing. Starting from almost a dead last position due to an issue with how the DS450 starts put Sturdivant at the back of the pack as the first turn was cleared. By turn two, the young rider was already looking at a long day as this tight and rough track would be a passing nightmare.

With the first lap completed, Sturdivant was still at the tail end of the class as a mud-hole grabbed him and cost him time getting the ATV unstuck. Rumors and chatter quickly consumed the spectators as the coveted Pro looked to be having issues at a race he was a favorite to win. By the second lap however, Sturdivant had settled into a pace that soon found him clawing his way through the field of riders and was soon in the lead and pulling away. The rider and machine were now fluid and it appeared that the DS 450 was indeed a runner! There was no holding back or showing mercy as the speeds continued to increase as the track conditions worsened. This was the perfect place to make or break the quad and if it could survive the onslaught of abuse it was receiving, it could be called race ready at the end! Just shy of the two hour mark, Sturdivant pulled his Can Am DS450 to the finish line taking the checkered flag and overall win.

Custom Axis DS450 ATV Racing Suspension
Custom Axis DS450 ATV Racing Suspension

"I had some problems the first two laps with arm pump and getting hung up on the first lap, but I just put my head down and went to the front of the pack," stated Sturdivant at a post race interview.

Power from the Can-Am DS 450 from the factory is on par with any machine that is raced in the pro class, and with only the addition of a LTE exhaust system, Sturdivant feels he is getting close to a set up that will allow him to compete with anyone at anytime aboard a machine with virtually no upgrades as compared to other models. Other add-on items include a Precision steering stabilizer, Hiper Tech wheels, and Super Grip tires to round out a very basic platform which can perform at the Pro level. Discussing the machine with Brent and his father Don, found both extremely satisfied with the set up they have in place.

Brent Sturdivant presented his win trophy to one of his race fans
Brent Sturdivant presented his win trophy to one of his race fans
"The suspension and power work really well together, and the handling of the DS450 is great," exclaimed Sturdivant.

With the win, which marks two in a row for Brent Sturdivant and the DS 450 in as many events, the outlook for the 2008 season looks bright. Heading into the season aboard a machine that inspires confidence and has the reliability to win will be a huge step for this riders goal of improving his year end position in the GNCC series.

Brent finished out 2007 in the 12th place position and wants badly to get himself and his new machine on the podium at every round. With dedication and hard work, combined with his growing talent, his goal is obtainable and with backing from Can Am and LTE among other highly coveted sponsors he is well on his way to what could be his best possible season yet.

Looney Tuned Exhaust
www.lteracing.com
850 Laughlin Way
Redwood Valley, CA 95470
(707) 485-7438

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