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11.05.2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WRECKING CREW RIDERS READY FOR FIRST ANNUAL
CALIFORNIA BIKE WEEK NATIONALS IN POMONA
Screamin' Eagle Riders Set for Springfield Mile
MILWAUKEE (Nov. 5, 2007) -Screamin' Eagle
Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew riders Kenny Coolbeth, Jared Mees, Bryan
Smith and Joe Kopp will all be at this weekend's California Bike Week
Nationals at the Pomona (Calif.) Fairplex fairgrounds.
The Pacific Coast Nationals flat track racing
series will make its debut on Saturday - something the Wrecking Crew
riders are more than anxious about racing in one last event this year.
Jared Mees, rider of the Blue Springs
Harley-Davidson, finished in second place this season. The final race was
the Sept. 29 event in Tucson, Ariz.
"Pomona used to be the big, legendary race
track back in the days when Scotty Parker and Jay Springsteen were ruling
the tracks," Mees said. "I'm really excited about racing there
because of all the history. Another benefit to this event is that racing
is usually over by now and I think it's great that we can race this far
into the year and still race against some of the best competition."
Joe Kopp couldn't agree more. Kopp won the Tucson
event on his Team Latus Harley-Davidson, but was looking forward to
getting back on the bike and using the winning momentum at another race.
"The season finale was supposed to be in Las
Vegas and it was canceled and that was a real let down for all of us
because it's just not the way you want to end the season," Kopp said.
"This is going to be a great event because there are a lot of racers
that want to end the season on the track."
Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso said it
was easy to get the team to participate in the exhibition race that will
be held on Saturday.
"Our guys were thrilled about the idea of
racing in California," Paluso said. "The closest we get to the
West Coast is Arizona and Nevada and it's nice to be able to race in front
of the die-hard racing fans of Southern California. We're proud to be part
of the first California Bike Week Nationals and we hope it becomes an
annual event."
Mees just wants to race - especially in an event
with wide-open regulations.
"It's great that Harley-Davidson found another
way to help us race before the year is over," Mees said. "I
couldn't be happier about this particular race because you can race
anything. It doesn't matter what kind of tire you use, what kind of fuel
you have. You can bring the best fire-breathing beast you have and race it
and fans are going to see a lot of different bikes, brands and everything
else. It's going to be a lot of fun."
Unlike the rest of the Wrecking Crew, Kopp has
raced in Pomona before. He hopes that translates into an advantage on the
track.
"We haven't raced in Pomona since about 1999
so it's been a while," Kopp said. "The fans are great in
Southern California and I can't wait to get back there and put on a good
show. I've been looking forward to being able to get back on the track and
this is the perfect way to end the season."
The flat track race is just one a dozens of events
that make up California Bike Week. The 24th annual Love Ride - the world's
largest one-day charity motorcycle ride - will take place on Sunday.
The AHDRA racers will be blazing down the Auto Club
Raceway surface on Friday and Saturday. More information can be found on
the event website: www.calweek.com
- California Bike Week/Love Ride auction in conjunction with Bonham
& Butterfield's Friday, Nov. 9 at the world-famous Petersen
Automotive Museum
- All Harley-Davidson Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) racing on the
famous NHRA drag strip, with exhibitions by the Harley-Davidson®
Screamin' Eagles team, Friday and Saturday
- Music and festivities each day of California Bike Week
- Debut of The Pacific Coast Nationals flat track races Saturday night
featuring the Harley-Davidson® Wrecking Crew and notable racers of
AMA fame. This event is open to all pro-level competitors, American
and metric. This event will be produced by legendary flat track racer
Gene Romero - an anticipated event not to be missed!
- Exhibitions by the Victor McLaglen Motor Corps Stunt Team
- "Ball of Steel" freestyle stunt team demonstrations
- Demo rides provided by the top major original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs)
- Enthusiast trade show with hundreds of quality vendors, including
the interactive Harley-Davidson® Village and traveling museum...their
first time in Pomona
- Sunday's 24th annual Love Ride,® and anticipated headlining concert
benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Reading by 9 and Cure
Autism Now (entertainment announcement coming soon!)
- Huge complimentary barbecue for Love Riders
- A Veteran's Day tribute ceremony
- AND FREE PARKING ALL WEEKEND FOR ALL MOTORCYCLISTS!
Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by
and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle
racing. Screamin' Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use
applications, while Screamin' Eagle parts offer street-use performance
options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit
www.harley-davidson.com for more information.
The Screamin' Eagle Flat Track team is sponsored by
Matco Tools.
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