08 honda erion racing

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2008 Erion Racing Honda

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Page 1: 08 Honda Erion Racing

2008 Erion Racing Honda

Page 2: 08 Honda Erion Racing

2 Erion Racing Honda

4 The Team

8 Erion Racing Honda Facts

12 The Sport

16 The Machines

24 Josh Hayes

36 Jake Zemke

48 The Team Behind the Team

52 Team Sponsors

58 Honda Road-Racing Results

64 2008 AMA Superbike Schedule

65 2008 Erion Racing CD Key

Table of Contents

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The longevity of the association between Erion Racing and

American Honda is not hard to understand. Honda has

always sought excellence in its competitive endeavors, and

the Erion team has produced numerous championships

from one of the most formidable teams in all of American

road racing—with the latest win being the 2007 Formula

Xtreme title, with champion Josh Hayes taking his second

consecutive title and, along with ’07 teammate Aaron Gobert,

winning nine out of ten races in the series.

Headed by Kevin Erion, a former racer and AMA national

title holder, and anchored by Technical Director Rick Hobbs,

the Erion team has amassed an impressive win record over

the years, one that will likely never be equaled, including six

Formula Xtreme Championships between 1997 and 2007

(1997-2000, 2006, 2007), four consecutive Formula Xtreme

titles from 1997 to 2000, two SuperTeams Championships in

1994 and 1996, a perfect season in 1999 (the team won all

nine races) and back-to-back AMA 600 Supersport crowns in

1999 and 2000.

The Erion team continues to prove the dominance of

Honda’s mighty CBR600RR®. On this machine, Honda and

Erion riders on CBR600RRs have won every Formula Xtreme

title since the class went to 600cc in 2004. CBR600RR-

mounted riders on the Honda and Erion teams won every

Among the many teams that share the AMA paddock with the factory racing teams, no other organization can boast the success of

the Erion Honda team. Celebrating its 15th anniversary as Honda’s premier support team, the Parts Unlimited Pro Honda Erion

Racing team personifies professionalism in every aspect of its effort.

The Team

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one of the 21 races in 2004 and 2005. Since 2004, the CBR600RR has won 34 out of 42

Formula Xtreme races, including three Daytona 200 victories.

For 2008, Josh Hayes returns to defend his Xtreme title, and to win the 600 Pro Honda Oils

Supersport Championship aboard the CBR600RR, a title he narrowly missed winning in 2007.

His teammate this year is Jake Zemke, who has a winning history with the Erion team.

Zemke will also compete on Honda’s CBR600RR in both the Xtreme and Supersport classes.

As American Honda’s official factory-supported race team, Erion Racing taps directly into

the factory pipeline for access to motorcycles, parts and technical support. In return, Erion

delivers an impeccably organized team that perfectly complements Honda’s strategy for

racing success. Notably, Erion has nurtured some exceptional talent over the years,

including 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden, Jake Zemke, Eric Bostrom and

Kurtis Roberts.

What is the secret to the Erion team’s success? In Kevin Erion’s words, “No one person has

brought us success. Our relationship with Honda is key, as are the relationships we establish

with everyone on our team. Our philosophy is to always give people more than they expect.”

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+ In 2007, Erion Honda’s Josh Hayes won his second consecutive Formula Xtreme championship on Honda’s CBR600RR.

This was also Honda’s fourth consecutive title in the class with the CBR600RR.

+ Hayes and teammate Aaron Gobert won nine of ten races in the 2007 Xtreme championship on their CBR600RRs.

+ Since the inception of the Formula Xtreme class in 1997, Erion has won six titles.

+ After the AMA instituted the big-bore Formula Xtreme class in 1997, Honda-supported Erion Racing dominated the class,

winning nine of nine races in 1999; the most consecutive races won by a single rider (six in 2000); and the most

consecutive pole positions (eight in 2000).

+ Hayes won four Supersport races en route to third in the 2007 championship.

+ In Formula Xtreme competition in 2004 and 2005, Honda’s mighty CBR600RR won every race.

+ In AMA Formula Xtreme and Supersport competition, no other motorcycle has won more races and titles than

Honda’s CBR600.

Erion Racing Honda Facts

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+ In 2006, Honda Racing’s Jake Zemke won the Daytona 200 on Honda’s CBR600RR—his first and

Honda’s ninth Daytona 200 win.

+ At Daytona, Honda has amassed eleven Superbike wins, eleven 600 Supersport wins (Honda has

not competed in the Supersport class since 2003) and two Formula Xtreme wins, more than all

other manufacturers combined.

+ Winning 10 of 13 races, Honda VFR750F-mounted Fred Merkel captured Honda’s first AMA

Superbike Championship in 1984.

+ In 1980, then-18-year-old Freddie Spencer helped kick off Honda’s Superbike effort by winning

three races and finishing third overall in the points standings.

+ In AMA Supersport racing, Honda has won the most championships (nine of 19), the most races

(83) and the most consecutive race wins (10).

+ Honda’s Hurricane 600 and the AMA 600 Supersport class debuted in 1987. The Hurricane swept

the series, and Doug Polen won seven consecutive races en route to the championship.

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The elevated levels of factory support result in exquisite

handbuilt machines that are at once gorgeous in appearance

and stunningly brilliant at speed, and the racers rank among

the best in the world. Yet the riders, teams and sponsors go

to great lengths to encourage close contact with their

legions of fans. Appearances at dealerships on race week-

ends are common, autograph sessions hold forth every race

weekend and it’s not unusual for a racer to stop and pose

with a fan for a photo op or to sign a T-shirt between prac-

tice sessions. Overall, it’s a race fan’s dream come true.

It’s easy to understand the appeal. Competitors ride at the

limit of their seemingly superhuman skills, often nose to

tail as they blast down straightaways at speeds approach-

ing 200 mph. They slide and drift through corners on the

brink of catastrophe, then pass one another in daring dis-

plays of athleticism.

Driving this drama is a surge in motorcycle technology that

has produced engines that, in Superbike trim, top 200 horse-

power, and chassis refinements that, together with advances

in tire design, have substantially improved stability and

2008 AMA Superbike Series

Consider this pleasant dichotomy: The AMA Superbike Championship and its three support classes—Formula Xtreme, Supersport

and Superstock—arguably present the most competitive and thrilling racing spectacle in the entire USA, yet the stars of this sport

remain refreshingly accessible to the track-going public as a whole.

The Sport

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cornering capability. The culmination of this commitment by

America’s race teams is close-quarters racing that is every bit as

intense and competitive as World Championship competition.

The Daytona 200, a part of the AMA Superbike Championship

as recently as 2005, today utilizes 600cc Formula Xtreme

machines. The modification was made by the AMA in

response to concerns that had arisen regarding Daytona

International Speedway’s high-walled, steeply banked oval

layout and the associated high-speed risk to riders.

Superbikes continue to compete at Daytona in a sprint-race

format, consistent with the rest of the Superbike events that

comprise the championship.

2008 AMA Formula Xtreme

A significant change to the popular AMA Formula Xtreme

series—the lowering of displacement limits from 1000cc to

600cc for four-cylinder machines—attracted the full attention

of the Honda Racing team in 2004 and 2005. The result was

two consecutive Honda championships for Miguel Duhamel,

while his teammate Jake Zemke rode a CBR600RR to second

place overall each year. Honda was so dominant that Red

Riders won every race in both seasons, 21 in all. In 2006,

Erion Honda-mounted Josh Hayes brought home Honda’s

third class title in as many years, and in 2007 Hayes earned an

unprecedented fourth consecutive Formula Xtreme title for

Honda in dominating fashion, winning seven of the nine races

he contested. The 2008 season will see Erion Honda’s Hayes

and Zemke vie for the Formula Xtreme championship in 2008.

Honda Racing’s Duhamel and Neil Hodgson will tackle the

Daytona 200 on Formula Xtreme equipment in an effort to

help garner the company’s third 200-mile victory (and tenth

total Daytona 200 win) since the AMA designated the race as

a Formula Xtreme event in 2005.

2008 AMA Supersport

Erion Racing’s Josh Hayes and Jake Zemke will carry the

Honda banner forward in 2008 in a second 600cc class,

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Supersport, aboard Honda’s

much-heralded CBR600RR.

Hayes narrowly missed

doing the double and adding

the 600 Supersport crown to

his laurels in 2007 as he won

four races during the year.

Honda has built a reputation

as the winningest manufac-

turer in the history of AMA

Supersport racing, having

captured more than 45 per-

cent (88 of 193) of all 600

Supersport victories and

eight championships.

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Is it any wonder that the CBR600RR stormed to the 2007

AMA Formula Extreme title, as well as won the World

Supersport Championship?

The new RR furthers a long heritage of winning: Dating back

to its introduction in 1987, the CBR600 has amassed a

record as the winningest 600-class sportbike ever made,

with a record of AMA and World titles that no other manu-

facturer comes close to.

For 2008, Honda-supported Erion Racing defends its second

600-class Formula Xtreme title (and the team’s sixth Formula

Xtreme championship since the AMA created the class in

1997) with the race-proven CBR600RR platform. This phe-

nomenal machine will also anchor Erion’s assault on the

2008 Supersport title; last year Josh Hayes narrowly missed

winning that championship.

Hayes took home Honda’s fourth consecutive FX title in

2007, and his second in a row. The 2008 Erion Honda effort

Erion Racing Honda CBR600RR (Formula Xtreme, Supersport)

Honda’s CBR600RR is a remarkable machine. But don’t just take our word for it. In 2007, the all-new CBR600RR went undefeated in

600cc class comparisons in every major U.S. motorcycle publication and web site. It also won Cycle World’s Best Middleweight,

Motorcyclist magazine’s Best Sportbike, Sport Rider magazine’s Middleweight of the Year, Rider magazine’s Best Sportbike, and

Bike (England’s largest motorcycle magazine) Bike of the Year award.

The Machines

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will be anchored once again by Hayes and teammate Jake Zemke. Of note, Honda

Racing’s Miguel Duhamel and Neil Hodgson will also straddle CBR600RRs for the

Daytona 200 Formula Xtreme race in March.

The MotoGP-inspired CBR600RR has compiled an impressive resume since it swept the

2003 World Supersport Championship in its first year of world competition.To under-

score the dominance of its racing pedigree, the CBR600RR secured the World

Supersport title again in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Technical Credentials: Honda CBR600RR

The CBR600RR that lines up for Formula Xtreme and Supersport competition in Erion

trim in 2008 is a proven formula. Introduced in 2007, Honda’s next-generation

CBR600RR delivers lighter weight (more than 16 pounds lighter), more compact dimen-

sions and reduced drag everywhere compared to previous models. A smaller engine

permitted more effective positioning within the frame for optimal weight distribution,

and a shorter wheelbase with a longer swingarm tap into MotoGP-inspired designs that

optimize traction at the rear wheel. Stronger engine performance throughout the

powerband with a more linear power delivery also helped make the new Honda

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CBR600RR a winner. The new engine features a noticeably fat-

ter torque curve between 7000 and 10,000 rpm, and peak

horsepower has significantly increased.

Smaller, lighter, more powerful and amazingly agile compared

to all machines that have come before, the CBR600RR follows

the development doctrine of Honda Racing Corporation’s next-

generation 800cc MotoGP racing platform. In keeping with the

MotoGP race team’s mission to create a smaller and lighter

racer that will still outperform the current generation of lead-

ing-edge designs, Honda’s CBR600RR engineering team

focused on achieving a superior power-to-weight ratio with all

its inherent benefits.

The new CBR600RR incorporates next-generation Fine Die-Cast

technology that allowed the frame to be smaller and drastically

lighter. This advanced manufacturing technique helps create

an organically formed structure that offers an optimal balance

of light weight and rigidity. In order to both reduce weight and

enhance mass centralization, the number of component parts

and welds used to build the frame dropped significantly. For

example, the 2006 CBR600 frame was comprised of 11

welded-up sections, while the new frame is made of only four

larger castings. This new frame is more than 1.1 pounds

lighter than the unit it replaces, as well as stronger, slimmer

and more compact.

The CBR600RR is also a powerhouse, thanks in part to its

innovative two-stage PGM-DSFI fuel-injection system. One set

of injectors installed at the entrance to the intake ports

provides an ideal air/fuel mixture for strong, smooth accelera-

tion at low- to mid-range settings. At higher engine speeds,

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the system’s second set of “showerhead” injectors installed in

the roof of the airbox kicks in to deliver extra fuel to cool the

high-volume air intake. The CBR600RR sports an impressively

large air-intake port built into the nose of the front cowl, pre-

cisely where the airstream hitting the fairing flows at its

strongest. Modeled after the system developed for the World

and AMA Superbike Championship-winning RC51, this new

fresh-air port feeds directly through the new frame’s open

steering-head casting and into the CBR600RR’s larger-volume

airbox. As a result, engine performance is not only stronger

throughout the powerband, but the power curve is also more

linear. In Supersport trim, the new engine now features a

noticeably fatter torque curve between 7000 and 10,000 rpm

and peak horsepower is significantly increased, with the peak

output coming at 13,500 rpm. Where the Formula Xtreme

class rules allow more substantial modifications, the engine

architecture provides substantially more potential for Erion’s

tuning masters.

In the suspension department, Erion Racing’s Supersport

machines utilize a fully adjustable 41mm inverted Honda fork

with an Öhlins cartridge kit that provides smooth, responsive

performance coupled with excellent rigidity and low unsprung

weight. Formula Xtreme-spec bikes get the full championship-

winning Öhlins fork. Integrated into the CBR600RR’s rigid but

lightweight swingarm is the Honda Unit Pro-Link® rear

suspension system pioneered on the race-winning RC211V®

MotoGP racer. For Supersport, an Öhlins rear damper features

a built-in remote gas reservoir and offers full spring-preload,

rebound and compression-damping adjustability. Formula

Xtreme-spec bikes also incorporate the race-proven Öhlins

rear damper.

Following on the heels of an unbroken string of Formula

Extreme and World Supersport championships, the 2008

season promises to be another showcase of the CBR600RR’s

ability to dominate.

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JoshHAYES

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“It was awesome to repeat as champion in the Formula

Xtreme class for 2007, especially considering the dominance

we had, that was fantastic,” reflects the 33-year-old racing

veteran. “But the spirit of the fight in the first {2006} cham-

pionship, racing in such a close battle, it was pretty sweet to

come out on top in the last race that year as well.”

Hayes utterly dominated Formula Xtreme in 2007 with seven

wins in 10 rounds, sitting out the last race due to injury, but

with the title firmly in hand. He also competed in Supersport

last year, marking Honda’s return to the class after a three-

year hiatus. He was immediately a factor in that fiercely

competitive class, a performance he credits to his team and

Honda’s CBR600RR. “When I came back to Erion in 2006,

Rick Hobbs and I were both able to take our knowledge,

understand each other’s needs, and move forward and be

very successful. I came into 2007 supremely confident in my

abilities to go out there and repeat. And then Honda

stepped up their game by giving us the new 2007

CBR600RR. Honda has won more races than anybody else

in the Supersport series and the new CBR is a wonderful

weapon.”

That’s an understatement. In his second year with Erion

Two years, two AMA Formula Xtreme championships. For Erion Honda’s Josh Hayes the results are very satisfying, especially since

the road to his racing success has been as challenging as racing around Laguna Seca in the blazing July sun.

Josh Hayes

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after a four-year hiatus, Hayes was in contention for the Supersport title all season, winning four

of the eleven rounds (more than anyone else), including two of the last three. Unfortunately, a

crash at Laguna Seca was too much to overcome and Hayes finished third in the season.

A native of Gulfport, Mississippi, Hayes knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity. A

latecomer to road racing, he competed for the first time as a teenager against riders who had

years of experience. But he learned quickly, winning three WERA titles in 1994 and capturing six

more in the next four years. He turned pro in 1999 and immediately got everyone’s attention

when he won the opening round at Daytona in 750 Supersport. That year he finished third over-

all in Formula Xtreme and was on his way to even greater success with Erion Racing Honda in

2000, when he was in a terrible crash at Daytona the following spring in the 600 Supersport race.

Nerve damage in his right arm would take years to heal, yet in 2000 he still managed third over-

all in the AMA Formula Xtreme series that year. In 2001 with Honda-supported Bruce

Transportation, Hayes—with very little feeling in his throttle hand—finished fifth overall in both

600 Supersport and Formula Xtreme. He was on his way to regaining his old form in 2002 when

he seriously injured his hand in Fontana. Surgery was required to repair broken bones and he sat

out most of the remaining season. Undeterred, Hayes finally made good on his promising career

when in 2003 he won the 750 Superstock title. Now with two more titles to his credit, no one

would blame him for being a bit cocky, but that’s not in Hayes’ nature.

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“It’s great fun to race against your fellow man. I really enjoy the sport and I enjoy seeing the

young kids putting out the same kind of effort that I put out trying to make a successful rac-

ing career for myself. Anytime I ever needed help, I could go to Miguel Duhamel and he was

very open with me. Every one of us has the same goals and we all respect that we’re after

the same prize. When it’s time, you go for everything. At the end it’s fun to revel in the race

and the competition. It all comes down to not how much you know, but your race craft.”

As he looks toward 2008, Hayes is confident—and armed with the best motorcycle on the

grid, Honda’s CBR600RR. “Honda did an amazing job of improving the bike’s positive attrib-

utes without taking away the characteristic Honda feel. The addition of the midrange power

really helped our game with the Formula Xtreme bike. And by making the bike so much

lighter and shortening the wheelbase, it made it easier to change direction and also gave us

amazing front-end feel.”

If anyone doubts Hayes’ sincerity, he puts his money where his mouth is. “I’d ridden the

CBR600RR mostly in modified version, but when we went into Supersport, I thought, ‘Wow!

This is really an amazing motorcycle.’ Enough so that I went and bought two: one for my

wife to race, and one for myself to have a practice bike.” On the track or in the garage, Josh

Hayes and Honda are an unbeatable combination.

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20071st AMA Formula Xtreme3rd AMA Supersport

20061st AMA Formula Xtreme5th AMA Superstock

20059th AMA SuperbikeWinner, 4th Annual Willow Springs MotorcycleClub 200

20048th AMA Superbike8th AMA SuperstockWinner, 3rd Annual Willow Springs MotorcycleClub 2005th Macau Grand Prix

20031st AMA 750 Superstock4th AMA Formula XtremeWinner, 2nd Annual Willow Springs MotorcycleClub 200

2002Injured at the second race of the season, Hayes wasout of action for much of the year. He came back toearn a second-place podium finish at the finalSupersport race at VIR

20015th AMA 600 Supersport5th AMA Formula Xtreme

20003rd AMA Formula Xtreme12th AMA 600 Supersport

19993rd AMA Formula Xtreme6th AMA 600 SupersportWinner AMA 750 Supersport, Daytona

19981100cc Suzuki Cup Champion600cc Suzuki Cup ChampionFormula USA 600cc Class 103 ChampionWERA National 600 Superstock ChampionWERA Sportsman B Superstock ChampionWERA Sportsman C Superstock Champion

STATISTICS

JOSHHAYES

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BORN: 1975, Gulfport, MS

RESIDENCE: Gulfport, MS

NATIONAL #: 1

BEGAN RIDING: 1986, age 11

FIRST RACE: 1994, age 19

TRAINING: Road bicycling, motocross, weights

HOBBIES: Motocross, bicycling, snowboarding

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5’10”/160 pounds

MARITAL STATUS: Married, wife Melissa

CURRENT RACEBIKE: Honda CBR600RR

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Rick Hobbs

LEAD TECHNICIAN: Rick Hobbs

TECHNICIANS: Masahiro Iizuka, Matt Zurbuchen

19971100cc Suzuki CupChampionWERA National EnduranceCo-Champion

1996WERA National EnduranceCo-Champion

1995WERA National HeavyweightSupersport EnduranceChampion

1994WERA National 1100 NoviceProduction ChampionWERA National 750 NoviceProduction ChampionWERA National 600 NoviceProduction Champion

PROFILE

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JakeZEMKE

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Looking back on those times brings a big smile to the face

of the affable Californian. “My first Supersport race win

came on a Bruce/Erion Honda CBR600,” Zemke recalls. “And

my first Formula Xtreme win was aboard an Erion Honda

while I was still riding for Bruce Transportation. Kurtis

Roberts had already locked up his FX championship, so

Kevin Erion let me ride Kurtis’ bike and I won the race. Later,

my first Superbike win came with Erion. Lots of good times,

lots of success, so now I’m looking for my first AMA

championship with Erion.”

That last statement is actually a bit surprising, considering

the prominent place Zemke holds in the road-racing

paddock. However, an examination of the records shows

that while he finished a highly respectable third in last year’s

AMA Superbike championship and as the runner-up in five

AMA series in the past decade—he once finishing tied for

first in points, but lost the title on a tie-breaker basis, and

also won the Daytona 200 in 2006—Zemke has yet to claim

his first championship. But by his reckoning, all that’s about

to change in 2008.

“I’m really happy that Kevin and the boys have the faith in

me to put me back on their bikes,” Zemke says. “I know

The return of Jake Zemke to the Honda-supported Erion Racing Team marks a definite homecoming, a reunion of rider and team rich

with past racing success. Early in his career, Zemke earned a ride with the Bruce Transportation Group team, which began life

literally working out of the Erion shop. As Zemke found more and more success, he soon found himself riding for the Erion team.

Jake Zemke

41Erion Racing Honda

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most of the guys on the team, I’ve worked with them and Kevin runs a great program. Kevin and Rick

Hobbs have nailed down the formula for success; they go out and beat factory teams on a regular

basis and that says so much about their program and their dedication to winning. You don’t see that

happening with any other team in the paddock. It was a bit of a tough decision for me to move out of

Superbikes, but I’m glad that this year I’ll be racing in Formula Xtreme and Supersport aboard this

latest generation Honda CBR600RR.”

With that, the discussion turns toward machinery, both new and old. Zemke says, “Honda’s latest

CBR600RR is very impressive. I especially like that it turns well and transitions side-to-side

amazingly fast.

“My career has pretty much been all Honda, and I’ve ridden a lot of different models: the CBR600F4

and F4i, CBR600RR, CBR929RR, CBR954RR, RC51, CBR1000RR. Over the years I’ve found that Hondas

generally have the same feel; they fit pretty much the same, and the way the bike reacts with impres-

sive consistency, no big departures so you don’t have to make any big adjustments. That consistency

that Honda brings to the table makes you feel comfortable as a rider and makes it easier to win.”

43Erion Racing Honda

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Although Zemke will be riding Honda’s CBR600RR exclusively

in 2008, his weekend will be divided into two different races on

bikes in distinctly different stages of tune, Formula Xtreme

trim—a heavily modified machine—and Supersport trim, which

is very close to the stock specification.

“The Erion team has done a great job of getting all the controls

on my two bikes feeling similar—handlebars, footpegs, seat,

levers and so on. Once I have that same basic fit, I find I can

adapt well from one bike to the other. The Formula Xtreme

bike has more power, bigger brakes and Ohlins suspension, so

I can use more of a point-and-shoot riding style with it. The

Supersport bike is very close to stock configuration in engine,

suspension and brakes, so I have to maintain more cornering

speed on that bike to turn fast lap times. But they’re both still

Honda CBR600RRs and that means I can win on either one.

“Another reason this transition has worked so well is because

I’m working with John Ethell again as my crew chief. For many

years I’ve had a new crew chief every single year and it takes

time to build up that working relationship. I’ve worked with

John in the past and we’re familiar with each other, we’ve

done this before, he knows what I need and like. We have the

communication down pat; when I describe what the bike is

doing he understands what needs to be adjusted on the bike.

Our close level of communication just puts me that much

further ahead come race day.

“Overall, we’re in a strong position to win on the CBR600RR.

Our team has two riders who can win at every race, and our

team is rock solid. My goal is to win two championships.

But I figure the toughest thing will be beating my teammate

Josh Hayes!”

A family man with four children and a true love of the

sport, Zemke has unfinished business to tend to in 2008.

Don’t be surprised to see him bag his first title when the

dust settles.

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20073rd AMA Superbike

2006Wins first Daytona 2007th AMA Superbike

20052nd AMA Formula Xtreme11th AMA Superbike

20042nd AMA Formula Xtreme3rd AMA SuperbikeWins first Superbike victory atBrainerd International Raceway

20033rd AMA Formula Xtreme5th AMA U.S. Supersport

20022nd AMA Formula Xtreme (tied for first in points)8th AMA 600 Supersport

20014th AMA Formula Xtreme6th AMA 600 Supersport

20002nd AMA Formula Xtreme8th AMA 600 Supersport

19992nd AMA 750 Supersport15th AMA 600 Supersport

199810th AMA 750 Supersport

19973rd AMA Harley-Davidson SuperTwins

STATISTICS

JAKEZEMKE

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47Erion Racing Honda

BORN: 1975, San Francisco, CA

RESIDENCE: Paso Robles, CA

NATIONAL #: 98

BEGAN RIDING: 1982, age 6

FIRST RACE: 1985, age 9

TRAINING: Motocross, trail riding, mountain

and road bicycling, running

HOBBIES: Motocross, trail riding, wake boarding,

running, snow boarding

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5’5”/150 pounds

MARITAL STATUS: Married, wife Rebecca, children

Derrek, Shawn, Gavin and Sachiko

CURRENT RACEBIKE: Honda CBR600RR

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Rick Hobbs

LEAD TECHNICIAN: John Ethell

TECHNICIANS: Lee Vaughan, Kei Maeda

PROFILE

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Kevin Erion, Team Owner

Erion Racing’s Kevin Erion is the most successful independent team owner in the AMA paddock. With two AMA titles under his

belt as a rider in the late 1980’s, Erion went on to win more national titles as a team owner than anyone in AMA road racing. As

Honda’s primary support team for more than a decade, Erion Racing has forged one of the most impressive records in AMA road

racing. A family man with three daughters, Erion understands every aspect of his team’s operation. He’s even been known to drive

his own team transporter from coast to coast, just to keep a watchful eye on things. Most importantly, he recognizes emerging

young talent, knows what the riders and mechanics have to do to win and organizes the team’s resources with the precision need-

ed to achieve that goal.

Rick Hobbs, Team Technical Director and Lead Technician for Josh Hayes

Rick Hobbs leads the Erion team’s day-to-day operations, and that includes all the research and development that goes on

between races. Hobbs spends endless hours running Erion Racing’s bikes on the dyno, searching for the perfect settings for the

fuel-injection systems and ignition mapping to give his riders seamless throttle response. Hobbs is a natural at what he does, and

the success of Erion Racing owes much to his guidance; in the 10 years he’s been with the Erion team, Hobbs has helped guide

his riders to seven AMA championships, including the last two consecutive Formula Xtreme championships in a row.

The Team Behind the Team

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Masahiro Iizuka, Supersport Technician for Josh Hayes

Masahiro Iizuka begins his third year with Erion Racing after

three years on the factory Honda Racing team, most recently for

Superbike pilot Jake Zemke. In 2008, he will be responsible for

the development of the Supersport CBR600RR for Josh Hayes,

the current Formula Xtreme Champion. Iizuka is well known for

his tremendous work ethic. A Tokyo native, Iizuka is a former

NASB 125 road-race champion, and he also won four 125-class

AMA races in 1995, earning third in the series. Watch for his

expertise to pay off as Hayes competes for his fourth AMA title.

Matt Zurbuchen, Formula Xtreme Technician for Josh Hayes

Matt Zurbuchen returns for his third year to the Erion team.

Zurbuchen is a former top OMRRA road racer, who also raced in

the AMA series. He has spent time with other squads in the AMA

paddock and brings a considerable amount of knowledge and

expertise to his work. In 2008 Zurbuchen will take primary

responsibility for Josh Hayes’ potent Formula Xtreme CBR600RR

in an attempt to win a third consecutive championship.

John Ethell, Lead Technician for Jake Zemke

For years, John Ethell has been a regular fixture in the AMA

paddock, having served on a number of top-ranked teams,

including Team Honda and Erion Racing. Ethell has earned a

deep background and vast knowledge regarding all that goes

into a winning race program. In 2008 Ethell assumes oversight

for Jake Zemke’s racing efforts. The duo has been teamed

together with great success before on the Erion team, and this

relationship is sure to bring more success in 2008.

Lee Vaughan, Formula Xtreme Technician for Jake Zemke

Lee Vaughan began his wrenching career as a dealer techni-

cian in Florida, and he reckons that experience formed a solid

foundation for the many things he has accomplished in the

ensuing years. After working for another factory-supported

racing team, Vaughan joined the Erion Team in 2006. In 2008

he will assume the main responsibility for tuning Jake Zemke’s

powerful CBR600RR-based Formula Xtreme machine.

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Kei Maeda, Technician for Jake Zemke

Hailing from Yokohama, Japan, Kei Maeda earned his technical

chops at Technical Sports Racing (TSR), a top-level tuning,

parts and racing program in Japan that is active in the All

Japan Championship series, Suzuka 8-Hours and more. Maeda

first came to the United States in 2006 to serve a brief intern-

ship with Erion Racing, and that tryout led to a spot on the

team roster in 2007. “Kei is very thorough in his work and is

also easy to get along with,” said Rick Hobbs.

Yuichi Sato, Formula Xtreme Engine Development

Now serving his sixth year on the squad, Yuichi Sato has

become a mainstay on the Erion team. His forte has always

been engine development, so this year Sato is focusing his

attention solely on deriving the most from the powerplant of

the Honda CBR600RR. He began his wrenching career in 1985

in his native Japan, designing camshafts, pistons, valve seats

and other racing parts. In 1996 he joined Honda Racing

Corporation (HRC) in Japan and soon became a race-team

mechanic, working on the RC45 and RC51. Sato started with

Erion Racing in 2002, and his hard work and dedication contin-

ue to inspire the entire team.

Sam Line, Tire Support

A native of Dallas, Texas, Sam Line is no stranger to racing

success. After 13 years of professional road racing, Line decid-

ed to stay active in the sport by taking a job on the other side

of the pit wall. The ensuing years have seen him team up with

many topline racers in the AMA paddock. Line returns to Erion

Racing for his fourth year, and in 2008 will fulfill a number of

roles at the track, with his primary duties in tire support for the

entire team.

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American Honda

As a sponsor of Erion Racing, American Honda is committed to continuing its dominance on the racetrack in

2008. By supplying the championship-winning CBR600RR for the Supersport and Formula Xtreme classes,

Honda reaffirms the productive teamwork that the factory and Erion have enjoyed for more than a decade.

Erion Racing

The 2008 season marks Erion Racing’s 15th year as a Honda-supported team. This pairing between the

two companies stands as one of the most successful in all of AMA racing. With 10 AMA National cham-

pionships to its credit—including back-to-back Xtreme titles in 2006 and 2007—Erion Racing boasts

championship credentials as a developer of high-performance products for Honda motorcycles.

Parts Unlimited

This is the eighth year of team sponsorship by Parts Unlimited®, a company with more than three

decades of experience in the motorsports realm. Parts Unlimited remains the world’s leading wholesale

distributor of parts and accessories, and the company slogan “We support the sport” is certainly justified

by its ongoing support for Erion Honda Racing.

2008 Team Sponsors

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Pro Honda Oils and Chemicals

Pro Honda® Oils and Chemicals has supported

Honda racing teams for 27 years, supplying a

full line of lubricant and motorcycle products.

In 2007, Pro Honda stepped up as a primary

sponsor of the Erion Honda team, and that relationship contin-

ues in 2008. Pro Honda products are approved by Honda R&D,

and they are available at Honda dealerships across the country.

Dunlop

Dunlop® has dominated the

American pavement racing scene like

no other tire manufacturer, winning 39 out of a possible 40

AMA Supersport and Superstock championships and 22 AMA

Superbike titles—including the last 18 in a row. That’s in addi-

tion to Dunlop’s success in every other theater of racing around

the world. Erion Racing sources all of its tires from Dunlop.

Honda Rider’s Club of America (HRCA)

For 15 years as a Honda racing

sponsor, the Honda Rider’s Club

of America® has offered its

Members a wide variety of activities and services, such as spe-

cial appearances, autograph sessions, pit tours, VIP hospitality

and even dinners with Honda’s racing teams. The HRCA®

boasts more than 550,000 Members and regularly offers them

an inside look at Honda racing through its bimonthly member

publication Honda Red Rider™ magazine in addition to a

Members-Only Web site (www.hrcahonda.com).

Dynojet

Dynojet Research, Inc. is the world

leader in the development and

manufacture of performance-enhancement products and tools.

Its fuel-management and diagnostic products, coupled with

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personalized services, give consumers the resources to maxi-

mize performance and increase efficiency. With over a decade

of experience, Dynojet has relied on state-of-the-art technolo-

gy to provide the best products available.

K&N

K&N Engineering® of Riverside,

California, is the leading innovator of

reusable, cotton-gauze filter technolo-

gy for automotive applications. From humble beginnings as a

family-run business more than 35 years ago, K&N Engineering

is now a truly global company, with offices in the UK and the

Netherlands.

SBS

One of the first motorcycle aftermarket

specialty-brake-pad companies, SBS® was

the first to offer asbestos-free brake pads for motorcycles. The

Scandinavian company’s road-race compound pads see wide-

spread use in AMA competition, and that’s what the Erion

team will be using again in 2008.

Renthal

Perhaps better known in the off-road

world for its handlebars and handgrips,

Renthal® also specializes in the sophisticated tooth profiles

needed for front and rear sprockets. Renthal’s championship

roots run deep into the off-road world but also include the

2000 and 2002 World Superbike titles won by the Castrol

Honda team.

S.T.M.

Established in 1981 by brothers Vito and Oronzo

Strada, S.T.M. has been a leader in two-wheel

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competition development, including bicycles and motorcycles.

Since 1994, S.T.M. has specialized in the production of clutches,

and today is the world leader in slipper-clutch technology. This

marks the second year of the company’s association with Erion

Honda Racing.

NGK

When it comes to spark plugs, NGK® is the

world leader. Maker of spark plugs for virtu-

ally every automotive, motorcycle, marine

and small-engine application, NGK dominates. With state-of-the-

art manufacturing, inventory and distribution facilities in Irvine,

California; Sissonville, West Virginia; and Chicago, and with ISO

9002/QS-9000/ISO 14001 certification, NGK is dedicated to provid-

ing customers with the finest products and service possible.

D.I.D

With a long history in motorcycle racing

and dozens of national and world champi-

onships to its credit, D.I.D® is a world leader in chain and wheel

technology, and also an original-equipment supplier of chains to

Honda. D.I.D is a longtime sponsor of Honda race teams, and for

2008 is proud to supply chains for Erion’s CBR600RR racing

machines.

VP Racing Fuels

VP Racing Fuels® of San Antonio, Texas,

has 30-plus years of experience in blending

motorsports fuels as well as other petrole-

um products. VP’s resume includes more than two decades of

NHRA Pro Stock championships as well as titles in offshore, off-

road, circle-track and aircraft competition. VP rejoins Erion Racing

for the sixth season in 2008.

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MotoWear

Since before the first running of the

Indianapolis 500 in 1911, MotoWear has pro-

duced high-quality apparel for American

industry. From NASCAR to CART, NHRA to

IMSA, and SCORE to the World of Outlaws, MotoWear has thread-

ed its way through the entire world of racing.

Constructors Racing Group

Constructors Racing Group (CRG) manufac-

tures precision components for the motor-

sports industry. All CRG products are man-

ufactured in-house, using solid billet aluminum and CNC machining

processes, and are assembled utilizing precision ball-bearing pivots

and stainless hardware. CRG Control Levers have been campaigned

by championship-winning AMA and World Supersport teams since

2001 to consistently put riders on podiums.

Mettec

Mettec produces lightweight compo-

nents and parts from metallurgical com-

plex alloys, using sophisticated process-

es and treatments. The primary focus

has been titanium alloys, however Mettec also manufacture parts

from aluminum, chromoly and more exotic steels like 300M. The

company’s engineering background in and knowledge of the

design of lightweight non-magnetic, durable products give racers

a decided advantage.

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2007AMA Superbike 3rd/8thAMA Formula Xtreme 1st/3rdAMA Supersport 3rd/10th

2006AMA Superbike 3rd/7th (1)AMA Formula Xtreme 1st (1a)

2005AMA Superbike 5th/11th (1)AMA Formula Xtreme 1st/2nd (2, 2a)

2004AMA Superbike 2nd/3rd (3)AMA Formula Xtreme 1st/2nd (2)

2003AMA Superbike 3rd (4)AMA 600 Supersport 4thAMA Formula Xtreme 3rd

2002AMA Superbike 1st (5)AMA 600 Supersport 5thAMA Formula Xtreme 2nd

2001AMA Superbike 3rdAMA 600 Supersport 3rdAMA Formula Xtreme 4th

2000AMA Superbike 2ndAMA 600 Supersport 1stAMA Formula Xtreme 1st

1999AMA Superbike 7thAMA 600 Supersport 1stAMA Formula Xtreme 1st

1998AMA Superbike 1st (6)AMA 600 Supersport 3rdAMA Formula Xtreme 1st

1997AMA Superbike 2ndAMA 600 Supersport 1stAMA Formula Xtreme 1st

1996AMA Superbike 2ndAMA 600 Supersport 1stAMA SuperTeams 1st

Honda finishes in AMA Superbike, AMA 600 Supersport, AMA Formula Xtreme and AMA Formula 1 since 1980.

Honda Road-Racing Results

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1995AMA Superbike 1st (7)AMA 600 Supersport 1st (8)AMA SuperTeams 3rd

1994AMA Superbike 8thAMA 600 Supersport 2ndAMA Unlimited Team Challenge 1st

1993AMA Superbike 7thAMA 600 Supersport 3rdAMA/CCS GTO National EnduranceChampionship 1st

1992AMA Superbike 7thAMA 600 Supersport 1st (9)

1991AMA Superbike 3rd (10)AMA 600 Supersport 1st (11)

1990AMA Superbike 2ndAMA 600 Supersport (no placement)

1989AMA Superbike 6thAMA 600 Supersport (no placement)

1988AMA Superbike 1stAMA 600 Supersport 2nd

1987AMA Superbike 1stAMA 600 Supersport 1st (12)AMA Formula 1 series discontinued

1986AMA Superbike 1stAMA Formula 1 1st

1985AMA Superbike 1stAMA Formula 1 1st

1984AMA Superbike 1st (13)AMA Formula 1 1st

1983AMA Superbike 2ndAMA Formula 1 1st

1982AMA Superbike 2ndAMA Formula 1 1st

1981AMA Superbike 2ndAMA Formula 1 3rd

1980AMA Superbike 3rd

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Highlights

(1) 2005-2006 is a development period forHonda Racing’s AMA Superbike program asAmerican Honda assumes the lead role forthe bike’s evolution.

(1a) Although Honda Racing does not con-test the 2006 AMA Formula Xtreme series,Honda-supported Erion Racing’s Josh Hayestakes the title, Honda’s third in a row. JakeZemke wins his first Daytona 200 aboard anAMA Formula Xtreme—spec CBR600RR.

(2) 2004-2005: Miguel Duhamel and Zemkewin all but one of the AMA Formula Xtremeraces (Honda’s Ben Bostrom won the 2004Laguna Seca round). In the last race of 2005at Road Atlanta, Duhamel edges Zemke towin the championship and increases hisAMA career victories to a record 86.

(2a) Duhamel wins his AMA record-tyingfifth Daytona 200 on an AMA FormulaXtreme—spec CBR600RR.

(3) Duhamel increases his career AMASuperbike wins to 32 and takes eight victo-ries to win the AMA Formula XtremeChampionship. He also wins three AMAraces on two separate weekends. His sec-

ond three-peat, winning two AMASuperbike races and one AMA FormulaXtreme race at the final round at VirginiaInternational Raceway, occurs on the sameday, a feat never before accomplished inAMA road-racing history. Zemke finishesthird in his rookie AMA Superbike season,posting two wins. He also finishes secondto Duhamel in the AMA Formula XtremeChampionship, winning two races.

(4) Duhamel posts new AMA all-time careerwin records, scoring his 26th AMA Superbikewin and his 41st Supersport win in 2003.

(5) At age 21, Nicky Hayden becomes theyoungest AMA Superbike champion ever,and he does so with an impressive ninewins in a single season. He’s also theyoungest Daytona 200 winner. Duhamelwins both rounds of the Road America dou-bleheader, raising his career AMA Superbikewin count to 25. The Honda RC51 takes 11of 16 rounds in AMA Superbike competition.

(6) Ben Bostrom captures the coveted num-ber-one plate in the final AMA Superbikerace of the season. Duhamel breaks FredMerkel’s AMA record for most career AMASuperbike wins, with Duhamel’s 21st victoryat Road Atlanta.

(7) Duhamel posts a record-setting six con-secutive AMA Superbike wins and becomesthe first rider in history to win both the AMASuperbike and AMA 600 Supersport titles inthe same year.

(8) Honda’s CBR600F3 wins every AMA 600Supersport race.

(9) Honda’s CBR600F2 occupies the top fiveoverall points positions in AMA 600Supersport.

(10) Duhamel wins the Daytona 200 onan RC30.

(11) Honda’s CBR600F2 wins all nine AMA600 Supersport races. Duhamel wins sevenof those nine.

(12) Honda’s original CBR600F Hurricanewins every AMA 600 Supersport race andholds all top 10 positions in points.

(13) Honda’s VF750F Interceptor wins 12 ofthe 13 AMA Superbike series races.Honda’s Merkel wins 10 of the Interceptor’s12 victories.

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March 5-8Daytona 200 by HondaDaytona International SpeedwayDaytona Beach, FL

April 18-20Honda Superbike ClassicBarber Motorsports Park(Superbike Doubleheader)Birmingham, AL

April 25-27California Speedway(Superbike Doubleheader)Fontana, CA

May 16-18Infineon Raceway(Superbike Doubleheader)Sonoma, CA

May 29-June 1Honda Summit of SpeedMiller Motorsports Park(Superbike Doubleheader)(in conjunction with the FIM WorldSuperbike race)Tooele, UT

June 6-8Road America(Superbike Doubleheader)Elkhart Lake, WI

July 18-20Mazda Raceway Laguna SecaMonterey, CA(in conjunction with the U.S. Grand Prix)

August 1-3Honda Super Cycle WeekendMid-Ohio Sports Car Course(Superbike Doubleheader)Lexington, OH

August 15-17Virginia International Raceway(Superbike Doubleheader)Alton, VA

August 29-31Road Atlanta(Superbike Doubleheader)Braselton, GA

September 27-28Mazda Raceway Laguna SecaMonterey, CA

2008 AMA Superbike Schedule