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Screamin' Eagle Riders Have Two Races Left in the AMA Flat Track
Season
MONTICELLO, N.Y. (Sept. 17, 2007) – Kenny Coolbeth earned his sixth victory
of the season Saturday, increasing his points lead in the AMA Flat Track Twins
Ford Quality Checked Championship season.
Coolbeth earned the top position on the podium at Monticello Raceway, giving
him a 19-point lead with two races remaining this season. The defending AMA Flat
Track series champion said the track surface didn't make anyone's job easy.
"This was the first time any of us had raced there and it was not easy
passing or moving out of the one-groove," Coolbeth said. "Fortunately my team
had given me such a great bike that I was able to pass on the straight-aways but
it took a lot of work to get around the other riders. You had to hit your marks
every lap and if you didn't, you had problems."
There were four red flags during the main event, giving Coolbeth and the rest
of the field plenty of chances to race for the lead.
"The restarts were the difference for me," Coolbeth said. "My mechanics Craig
Lager, Ryan Cross, Brad Bishop and Matt Hernigle gave me the best equipment on
the track and that took a lot of the pressure off me. A good start was critical
and that's what helped me get past Jared (Mees) and the rest of the field."
Wrecking Crew rider Mees finished second on his Blue Springs Harley-Davidson.
It was his ninth podium finish of the season. Mees has three wins and is still
hoping he can catch Coolbeth before the season ends.
"Kenny got the best of me again," Mees said. "We qualified well and we had
the fast time in the heat race and I got off to a good start. But then I slipped
in the groove and Kenny got past me on the restart. I've finished on the podium
at every race except for one and I'm very proud of my team for that.
"Five years ago if I had been on the podium nine times out of 10 I would have
clinched the championship already. But Kenny has been the difference. He's
riding so well and he's really stepped up in the second half of the season. It's
been a lot of fun racing against him in this championship hunt this year."
Wrecking Crew riders Bryan Smith (Pat Moroney's Harley-Davidson) and Joe Kopp
(Team Latus Harley-Davidson) finished in 10th and 16th place, respectively.
With just two races left Coolbeth is focused on maintaining his training
routine.
"I think I'm in a good position going into the final two events," Coolbeth
said. "The only pressure I have right now is the pressure I place upon myself.
Jared is right there in the standings and I know it's not over by a long shot so
I have to just be confident and consistent. It's nice knowing we have a weekend
off so I can train some more before the final two races.
"My team has the equipment to a near-flawless condition so it's up to me to
do my job and hold up my end of the bargain."
The next AMA Flat Track Twins event will be held Sept. 29 at USA Race Park in
Tucson, Ariz.
Monticello, NY Screamin' Eagle Wrecking Crew Race Summary
Main Event Finish Heat Finish Combined best time
Kenny Coolbeth 1st 1st 2nd (0:25.110)
Jared Mees 2nd 1st 4th (0:25.196)
Bryan Smith 10th 2nd 10th (0:25.382)
Joe Kopp 16th 3rd 14th (0:25.554)
AMA Twins Top 10 Point Standings
(Following 10 of 12 events. Number of wins in parenthesis)
1. Kenny Coolbeth, Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson (6) 206
2. Jared Mees,
Blue Springs H-D/ Screamin' Eagle H-D (3) 187
3. Bryan Smith, Pat
Moroney's/Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson 141
4. Jake Johnson, Suzuki 131
5. Chris Carr, Quality Pre-Owned Ford Harley-Davidson (1) 127
6. Shaun
Russell, Bartels' Harley-Davidson 113
7. Joe Kopp, Team Latus/Screamin'
Eagle Harley-Davidson 106
8. Glen Schnabel, American Suzuki 99
9. Jethro
Halbert, Harley-Davidson of Fresno 61
10. Nick Cummings, Harley-Davidson 53
All the action of this weekend's race and all AMA GNC Twins events can be
seen via web cast provided by Live I Sports (www.liveisports.com).
In addition to the direct team sponsorship, Harley-Davidson will also provide
support through professional flat track contingency and the Rider Support
Verification Program (RSVP). Under the Screamin’ Eagle banner the support will
total more than $140,000 throughout the 2007 season. This includes a contingency
program for qualified Harley-Davidson XR750 riders on the AMA Flat Track series.
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.
In exactly 20 minutes, 1 step away from the helm of command central to watch the season premiere of Prison Break! Yeeehawwww....
ENNIS, Texas (Sept. 17, 2007) –Texas Motorplex and the Dallas Stars have come together to the benefit of Texas sports fans. The Dallas Stars will host the Colorado Avalanche on Sept. 20 with some of the biggest names in NHRA drag racing on hand. The Texas Motorplex will play host to the 22nd annual O'Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals Sept. 20 - 23 and the press conference for the event will be held at American Airlines Center just prior to the puck drop for the Stars' preseason matchup with the Avalanche. NHRA racers and cars will also be on hand for an autograph session for fans as they enter the third of seven preseason hockey game for the Stars in 2007. Ashley Force, Robert Hight, David Grubnic, Greg Anderson, Richie Stevens Jr., Eddie Krawiec, Peggy Llewllyn and Andrew Hines are just some of the racers scheduled to appear on Thursday. "This is a fantastic opportunity for fans as they can take in a hockey game on September 20 against Colorado as well as have the opportunity to get autographs from some of the best in NHRA racing," said Dallas Stars Team President Jim Lites. "It's a win-win situation for everybody involved and we are thrilled to be a part of it." Hight, driver of the John Force owned Auto Club of Southern California Ford Mustang, will be at the Stars game. The current Funny Car points leader has earned two wins in five final round appearances and has been in the top three of the point standings all season. Hight won the O'Reilly Fall Nationals in 2006 by beating Mike Ashley in the final. His team owner, Force, has earned seven wins at the Motorplex is his legendary championship-winning career. “I love racing at the Motorplex," Hight said. "I like it a lot because of the success John Force Racing has had at the Texas Motorplex. We won there when I was working on John’s Funny Car and I won last season. Winning last year was great and we are looking forward to getting back. It is the only all-concrete track and that racing surface is something all the other tracks should look at.” This year the race at the Texas Motorplex has become even more important than usual. Starting this year, NHRA has developed a playoff format for all professional categories. The top eight competitors in each category advanced to the second round starting with the Aug. 29 U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis. The Texas Motorplex is the final stop in the second round of the Countdown to the Championship. Only the top four racers in each of the professional categories will be eligible to compete for the 2007 NHRA POWERade championships. If a racer isn't in the top four once the final pair of cars has gone down the Texas Motorplex track, the last two races of the year won't mean much. Hight said the Countdown has changed the way his team must approach the final three races of the season. "Now that we are into the Countdown you have to think about how you want to race," Hight said. "This stretch run is not where you go into test mode. You have to race smart to get into the top four so you can race for the Championship. You have to be consistent and go rounds. It is a different deal now. You always want to win races and we are going to be ready to try and repeat at the Motorplex." Richie Stevens Jr. is in a completely different position when it comes to the point standings but he has similar winning goals when it comes to this year's race at the Motorplex. Stevens didn't make the first cut of the Countdown but he is the defending winner at the Motorplex and has hopes of making that a habit in Texas. He may not have the added stress of the Countdown weighing on his team, but they want to win just as badly as any other Pro Stock team in the field. Stevens will also be on hand at the Stars preseason game on Thursday before he starts going to work on adding to his six career wins when qualifying starts on Friday. "I'm very excited to return to Dallas for the Fall Nationals," Stevens said. "My win there last season was huge. It put me on the road to two wins in the final four races of the year. I'm really focused on putting my Team Mopar/Valspar Dodge Stratus R/T in the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Top 10 and finishing the year on a high note. "A win at the Texas Motorplex would go a long way toward making that happen." Top Fuel racer Brandon Bernstein is a Dallas native. The driver of the Budweiser dragster is currently fourth in the point standings and knows the pressure to win a race is second to trying to maintain a top four position for one more race. "All of us who are battling for one of those four coveted positions are under a lot of pressure," said Bernstein. "First of all, you hold your breath until you're solidly qualified for the field. Additionally, your qualifying position is important because the points are so close that one point might mean the difference in holding more than one round advantage over the driver behind you in the point structure. And above all, you must go rounds. With two races remaining, we can't afford to stumble." Bernstein is hoping he can successfully defend his 2006 Texas Motorplex victory and have another hometown celebration when the event comes to a close Sunday afternoon. His mom, who resides in Dallas, his step-father, and many of his high school and college friends, will be cheering him on throughout the event. Brandon's father, Kenny, also hails from Dallas. "My mom doesn't attend every race, and my brother's home from college," Bernstein said. "It would be extra special to celebrate with them. Tim (Richards, crew chief), Kim (Richards) and the team have a good history at this track. So we're very optimistic going into this event." This year fans will be in for even more intense competition as the Pro Stock Motorcycle category makes its return for the first time since 2000. Eddie Krawiec is the newest member of the Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team. He's never raced at the Texas Motorplex and he's never been to a Dallas Stars game – something that will change next week. Krawiec has earned two runner-up appearances this season and is still searching for his first career victory. "Dallas is one of the places I've been looking forward to the most because the track surface is so unique in this sport," Krawiec said. "No other facility is all concrete and I think our Screamin' Eagle V-Rods are going to adapt very well to the Texas Motorplex. "It's the final stop before they cut the Countdown eligible racers to four and that just adds to the excitement. None of the teams have been there for so long that everyone is going to have to find a tuneup quickly. The team that finds the best tuneup first is really going to shine." If having the best hockey players and quickest and fastest racers all in one place at the same time wasn't enough, there will be discounts for fans when purchasing tickets. All Stars fans in attendance will receive an $8 discount for the O'Reilly Fall Nationals when they bring their Stars ticket stub from the Sept. 20 game to the Texas Motorplex and purchase NHRA tickets. "This is a great time of year to be a sports fan in Dallas," said Texas Motorplex General Manager Arthur O'Bright. "NHL is getting back in action, football has started and we're set to host the best that motorsports has to offer. Combining the speed of hockey with the speed of NHRA racing is a great idea and the fans are going to be the biggest winners." The Dallas Stars will be on site at the Texas Motorplex too. The Texas Motorplex was one of the first super-stadiums in drag racing and it might host another first on Sunday of final eliminations – a Zamboni race. "The Texas Motorplex continues to be one of the premier tracks in the country and this year should be even more exciting with the Countdown to the Championship points format," O'Bright said. "The fans come back every year because they know they are going to see the quickest and fastest racing possible. It's great competition every year and championships are always on the line. "When Billy Meyer built this in 1986 he had a specific vision in mind. He wanted to cater to drag racers and drag racing fans. More than 20 years later, we still do that." Sportsman qualifying begins at 10 a.m. on Sept. 20. The first of four rounds of professional qualifying is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. on Sept. 22, continuing at 6:45 p.m. that evening. Qualifying wraps up with sessions at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sept. 22. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sept. 23. The press conference for the NHRA event will start at 5:30 p.m. and the autograph session for all fans will begin at 6 p.m. on Sept. 20 at the American Airlines Center. Fans can get tickets to the Dallas Stars game by going to stars.nhl.com and tickets for all four days of NHRA racing can be purchased by phone at 800-MOTORPLEX (688-6775), at the track or online at texasmotorplex.com.
Tags: Racing News
Hello Members, I just wanted to make everyone aware of the very robust chat feature that is build in to the new site! Click on the chat link at the very top of the page to open the chat window. Check out all the features and the different ways that you can customize your chat experience! Have fun... Garry Wilmeth
Motorcycle Syndicate
Tags: Features Chat
Seminars and Free T-shirt for Harley-Davidson and Buell Demo Riders
MILWAUKEE (September 14, 2007) – Harley-Davidson and Buell recently announced
several activities as part of their involvement with Femmoto held at the Las
Vegas Motor Speedway October 5-7. In addition to providing a free T-Shirt for
each person who participates in the street demo rides on Harley-Davidson models
or track demo rides on Buell models, everyone will have the chance to win prizes
and enjoy interactive seminars and refreshments at the hospitality area.
In addition, Karen Davidson, Creative Director, General Merchandise and
great-daughter of one of Harley-Davidson’s founders, will be on hand to talk
about MotorClothes apparel designed specifically for women. She’ll also share
her unique insight on how the environment has changed for women riders through
the years. Two interactive seminars will be held Saturday and Sunday: “How Does
Your Helmet Measure Up?” to discuss the best helmet fitment for each rider and
“500 lbs. is Nothing!” to demonstrate the proper method to pick up a dropped
motorcycle.
Along with adding street demos as a new activity for 2007, the organizers of
Femmoto, Sportbike TrackTime, have also changed the format to include a track
day on Friday, October 5, for men and women riding their own motorcycles. Street
demo rides will run all three days, while track demos will run just Saturday and
Sunday, October 6-7. Seminar times and demo ride schedule are included below,
and updates will be posted on the Women’s Event Calendar at
www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders.
The cost for street demos is $25 and includes lunch. Additional fees apply
for Friday’s track day, the Saturday and Sunday track demos and the Saturday
night banquet. The banquet will include a Fashion Show and unique Moto-Mate
contest, similar in format to the Newlywed Game, but featuring
motorcycle-related questions. Four couples will compete, with the winning couple
taking home $1000 in motorcycle gear and accessories. For more details and to
register for any of the activities, visit www.femmoto.com. Interested
participants may also sign up at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the event
starting at 7 a.m. each day, but onsite sign up is dependant on space available.
Schedule of Events:
Friday:
7 - 9 a.m. - Registration
9 a.m.
– 4 p.m. - Track Day
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. - Street Demos
Saturday and Sunday:
7 - 9 a.m. - Registration
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. - Track
and Street Demos
10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - How Does Your Helmet Measure Up?
(Helmet-fitting seminar)
11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 500 lbs. is Nothing!
(Bike lift seminar)
11:30 a.m. - Meet H-D Flat Track Racer Nichole Cheza
(Saturday only)
Femmoto began in 2001 as a women only track day, but has quickly evolved into
much more. Today Femmoto is an organization that looks to fill the void for
women motorcycle riders who are looking not only to improve their riding skills
with on-track instruction, but who need information, contacts, and specialty
services/products. The event also raises money for The Susan G. Komen Breast
Cancer Foundation "Race For The Cure". A portion of Club Femmoto membership fees
go towards this cause along with a donation from the proceeds of the event.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle
manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle
parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit
Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.
Tags: Event News
Special Events in Milwaukee Scheduled for August 27-30, 2008
MILWAUKEE (September 12, 2007) – Harley-Davidson police motorcycles and the
officers who ride them have been helping protect and serve citizens around the
world for a century. The iconic image of a police officer on a Harley-Davidson
motorcycle will celebrate its 100th Anniversary when the Motor Company hosts a
variety of law enforcement activities in Milwaukee August 27-30, 2008.
Celebrating 100 years of Police Sales events will take place during the
Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary in Milwaukee. The Police Sales event is
expected to open on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 and run through Saturday, August
30, 2008 and will include law enforcement related training and seminars, drill
team exhibitions, riding skills training competitions, product demonstrations,
vendor displays and children’s activities. The events will be free and open to
the public, although there may be a registration fee required to participate in
the training and seminars.
More details regarding the event will be released on the Harley-Davidson
Police Sales website, in the fall 2007 and spring 2008 issues of The Mounted
Officer magazine and via other sources.
All housing for the Police Sales event will be coordinated through the 105th
Anniversary housing process. Please refer to www.harley-davidson.com for
specific instructions on securing accommodations.
Training registration instructions and any required fees for Police Sales
training classes, seminars and the riding skills competitions will be published
in the near future. Training and seminars are expected to be held on August
27-28 with riding skills training competition expected to be held on August 29.
Information on the Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration is on
www.harley-davidson.com/105th.
Harley-Davidson Police Sales History Background
The first
Harley-Davidson police motorcycle was delivered to the Detroit Police Department
in 1908. Right from the start, police departments recognized the tactical
advantage provided by more maneuverable motorcycles, along with
Harley-Davidson’s reputation for reliability. Harley-Davidson has maintained the
100-year relationship with law enforcement and military agencies through
technological innovation.
With the 2008 model year, Harley-Davidson begins its 10th decade of duty in
the police and military motorcycle business. Models include the FLHTP Electra
Glide, FLHP Road King, TLE Sidecar and XL 883 Sportster. The Electra Glide and
Road King feature the Twin Cam 103 engine, 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission,
six-gallon fuel tank, Electronic Throttle Control, Isolated Drive System, Brembo
brakes and optional Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). The Sportster features a
Electronic Port Sequential Fuel Injection (ESPFI) XL Evolution V-Twin powertrain
rubber-mounted to the frame.
Police and military organizations have long realized the advantages of
Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including benefits such as high resale value and
the ability of the motorcycle to enhance public relations. Today, more than
3,400 U.S. police departments ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles and they are used
by departments in 45 countries.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle
manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle
parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit
Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.
Screamin' Eagle Riders Ready to Kick Up Dirt at Monticello Raceway
MILWAUKEE (Sept. 11, 2007) – For the second time this season the Screamin'
Eagle Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew will be competing at a new track. None of
the four Wrecking Crew riders have been to the site of this weekend's race –
Monticello (N.Y.) Raceway.
Defending AMA Flat Track Twins champion and Harley-Davidson factory rider
Kenny Coolbeth said he is looking forward to racing so close to his Warren,
Conn., home.
"I've never been to the race track but it's only two hours away from my house
so I might sneak up there and check it out before the race starts on Saturday,"
Coolbeth said. "It's nice going into a new track because it evens out the field.
Chris (Carr) had so many more laps than I do at the Springfield (Ill.) Mile and
it makes him a greater threat every time we race there. All of that experience
helped him win last weekend for sure.
"When the race starts this weekend, everyone has to guess at everything first
and then adapt from there. No one will have an advantage."
Coolbeth has earned five wins in the first nine AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat
Track Championship races this season. With just three races left, he has a
15-point lead over Wrecking Crew teammate Jared Mees and the Blue Springs
Harley-Davidson team.
"It's crazy that we have won five races this season," Coolbeth said. "We're
working so well as a team and I think that's the biggest reason for the success
we've had. Last year was my first year with Harley-Davidson and mechanics Ryan
and Chris. We all learned a lot about each other last year and now we're
fine-tuning everything."
Mees has collected three wins this season along with five other podium
finishes. Before Carr won the Springfield race on Sept. 3, Mees and Coolbeth had
taken all the wins this season. Wrecking Crew riders Bryan Smith (Pat Moroney's
Harley-Davidson) and Joe Kopp (Team Latus Harley-Davidson) want to add their
names to the winning list before the year is out.
Smith is in third place, 51 points away from Coolbeth. Kopp – the 2000 AMA
Grand National champion – is in sixth place, 80 points away from Coolbeth.
"I grew up on limestone cushion tracks and it's more my style of race track
and that's what we're going to be racing on this weekend," Smith said. "I have
three more chances to win this year and I'm going to tracks that are similar to
the ones in Michigan and Canada that I spent my youth racing on. I think the
competition this weekend is going to be great and I know my team is going to
win."
Kopp is so anxious to get to Monticello Raceway he's even using a different
motorcycle this weekend.
"I've been riding my dirt bike at home a lot to train and I'm trying to do a
few other things that can hopefully help us win," Kopp said. "I like what I have
heard so far about Monticello. It's a cushion half-mile track and even though I
have not been there, I like it already. I'm a big fan of the cushion tracks and
I'm going to bring a bike that I have not used this year but does well on that
surface so I'm looking forward to the weekend."
AMA Twins Top 10 Point Standings
(Following 9 of 12 events. Number of wins in parenthesis)
1. Kenny
Coolbeth, Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson (5) 183
2. Jared Mees, Blue Springs
H-D/ Screamin' Eagle H-D (3) 168
3. Bryan Smith, Pat Moroney's/Screamin'
Eagle Harley-Davidson 132
4. Jake Johnson, Suzuki 121
5. Chris Carr,
Quality Pre-Owned Ford Harley-Davidson (1) 113
6. Joe Kopp, Team
Latus/Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson 103
7. Shaun Russell, Bartels'
Harley-Davidson 98
8. Glen Schnabel, American Suzuki 97
9. Johnny
Murphree, Coziahr Harley-Davidson 50
10. Jethro Halbert, Harley-Davidson of
Fresno 49
All the action of this weekend's race and all AMA GNC Twins events can be
seen via web cast provided by Live I Sports (www.liveisports.com).
In addition to the direct team sponsorship, Harley-Davidson will also provide
support through professional flat track contingency and the Rider Support
Verification Program (RSVP). Under the Screamin’ Eagle banner the support will
total more than $140,000 throughout the 2007 season. This includes a contingency
program for qualified Harley-Davidson XR750 riders on the AMA Flat Track series.
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.
Tags: Racing News
NHRA Riders Have Two More Chances to Advance in Countdown
MILWAUKEE (Sept. 11, 2007) – Andrew Hines and the Screamin' Eagle/Vance &
Hines Harley-Davidson V-Rod team have learned to love Memphis Motorsports Park.
Hines is the two-time defending champion at the O'Reilly Mid-South NHRA
Nationals and is aiming to make it three in a row when qualifying for the 13th
of 16 Pro Stock Motorcycle events kicks off on Friday.
Of course, he knows that won't come easy. But still, he also knows if anyone
has a chance of winning this weekend's race in Memphis, the Screamin' Eagle team
has as good a shot as any other team in the pits.
"Each year is a new season and just because we won last year doesn't mean we
deserve to have anything handed to us this year," Hines said. "You need the
right bike at the right time and we have had some success in Memphis so we have
good data to start with. It gives you confidence knowing you won last year, but
we have to work just as hard to even have a shot at winning it again."
And this year, there is more pressure to win than ever. This is the first
season of the new Countdown to the Championship points system implemented by
NHRA officials. The playoff system breaks the season into three sections. All
racers competed to earn the top eight spots (Round Two of the Countdown) before
the Sept. 3 U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
Now those eight racers are competing for the top four positions in the point
standings. Pro Stock Motorcycles, however, might be under more stress than any
other category. The top eight riders will have a total of just three races (the
U.S. Nationals, the O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals and the O'Reilly Fall Nationals
in Dallas) to qualify for the third and final round of the Countdown (the other
pro categories have four races).
The third round of the Countdown will feature the top four riders and they
will have two events (Las Vegas and Pomona, Calif.) to win the 2007 NHRA
POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle championship.
With three wins in four final round appearances this season Hines is in the
coveted fourth place position going into the O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals while
his Screamin' Eagle teammate – Eddie Krawiec – is in seventh place.
Krawiec has earned two final round appearances in his first full season of
professional NHRA racing and is still searching for his first career victory.
"We're still in the hunt for one of the final four Countdown spots," Krawiec,
a New Jersey native, said. "We didn't have a great weekend in Indianapolis, but
that's the beauty of racing – we can move on to the next event and try again.
I've been looking forward to going to Memphis because I think it's going to be a
great place to rebound from our Indy performance. This Vance & Hines team
has proven that they know how to win there and I'm anxious to get back on the
bike and make some great passes down that track."
Hines said the team is the reason he has been in contention for a Countdown
spot all season.
"I'm excited about taking my Screamin' Eagle V-Rod to the next track," Hines
said. "The team has been working so hard all season and we're not going to
change that now. We aim to be the most consistent team we can and that's
something we want to improve every weekend. That's how you win."
Krawiec agrees that the team can make anyone more confident.
"This will be the first time that I will race at Memphis and I have a team
behind me that knows how to win in general and has great experience at Memphis
specifically," Krawiec said. "We're going to Memphis with our focus and
attention on winning rounds. I'm glad I have this group working on my bike."
Qualifying for the O'Reilly Mid-South NHRA Nationals begins Friday with
qualifying at 3:45 and 6:15 p.m., continuing at noon and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Final eliminations are scheduled to start at 11 a.m. on Monday.
2007 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle point standings following 11 of 16 events:
* The top eight riders qualified for the second round of the Countdown to the
Championship and are competing for the 2007 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle
championship. The third and final round will include the top four riders. Riders
will compete for the top four positions through the Sept. 23 Dallas event.
1. Matt Smith, Buell 2165
2. Craig Treble, Suzuki 2114
3. Chip Ellis,
Buell 2108
4. Andrew Hines, Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson
V-Rod 2106
5. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki 2092
6. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki
2072
7. Eddie Krawiec, Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson
V-Rod 2051
8. Peggy Llewellyn, Buell 2043
9. Chris Rivas, Buell 591
10.
Steve Johnson, Suzuki 561
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/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored
by Ford Truck, Dunlop, Matco Tools and S100.
Tags: Racing News
Crevier is Second in ASRA Pro Superbike on Buell XBRR
SUMMIT POINT, W.V. (Sept. 9, 2007) – Deeley H-D/Buell Canada/Ruthless Racing
rider Dave Estok secured the 2007 American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA)
Pro Thunderbike Championship with a win aboard a Buell XB12R at the Summers End
Cyclefest at Summit Point Motorsports Park. It was Estok’s fifth Thunderbike
National win of the 2007 season. His only rival for the title, Hal’s
H-D/Buell/Hal’s Speed Shop rider Dan Bilansky, finished fourth on a Buell at
Summit Point, leaving Estok with an insurmountable 50-point lead with one race
left on the schedule.
“My goal this weekend was to beat Dan and build up the points lead,” said
Estok, who also won the Thunderbike national championship in 2005. “He put up a
great fight right until that last lap. The Deeley team was great all season and
always put me on a bike capable of winning. After losing the title last year at
the last race, it’s great to have it locked up early this season. We can go to
Daytona with no pressure and focus on beating the BMWs down there.”
Estok was fast qualifier for the 10-lap Thunderbike National, setting a new
record for the class with a 1:18.058 lap of the 2.0-mile main course at Summit
Point. At the start, BMW rider Nate Kern, who qualified second, jumped to a lead
of about eight bike lengths. Bilansky, the defending Thunderbike champion, and
Estok rode together and caught, and then passed Kern on lap three. The three
riders then engaged in a race-long battle at the front, with each passing for
the lead several times. On the final lap, the trio raced for the finish line
together with Estok leading and Bilansky second. But mid-way through the last
lap Bilansky’s motorcycle faltered with an apparent electrical problem, allowing
Kern and Deeley H-D/Buell Canada/Ruthless Racing rider Darren James to pass.
During the race, Bilansky set a new race lap record of 1:17.596 seconds.
Suzuki rider Arnold Hastings was fifth, followed by Buell riders Arthur Diaz
(Schaeffer HD/Buell), Joe Rozynski (Sound Waves/Hal’s Speed Shop), and Sam
Rozynski (Sound Waves/Hal’s Speed Shop).
After seven of eight ASRA Pro Thunderbike rounds, Estok has 218 points.
Bilansky is second with 168, and James third with 146.
In the ASRA Pro Superbike National at Summit Point, Deeley H-D/Buell
Canada/Ruthless Racing rider Steve Crevier finished second aboard a Buell XBRR.
Crevier qualified sixth, took the lead on lap three and led the 10-lap race for
three laps before being passed by Yamaha rider Jeff Wood, who went on to win the
race and the 2007 ASRA Pro Superbike title.
In Championship Cup Series (CCS) sprint racing at Summit Point, Diaz rode a
Buell XB12R to win in Expert Lightweight Superbike and Expert Lightweight Grand
Prix, while Crevier rode a Buell XBRR to win in Expert SuperTwins.
The final event on the eight-race 2007 ASRA series schedule is the 24th
Annual Race of Champions, October 19-21 at Daytona International speedway,
Daytona Beach, Fla.
Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, produces sport
motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about
Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure
streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. For
the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com.
Tags: Racing News
Milwaukee, Wis., September 7, 2007 -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG)
announced today that it expects to ship between 86,000 and 88,000
Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the third quarter of 2007. Shipments of between
91,000 units and 95,000 units were originally planned for the quarter. Shipments
for the full year are expected to be in the range of 328,000 to 332,000
Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
“Initial reports about our 2008 model year motorcycles from our dealers and
the media have been excellent, but this is a difficult time for the U.S.
consumer,” said Jim Ziemer, Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc.
“Coming off a negative U.S. retail sales trend in the first six months of the
year, we ran an effective promotion in July that increased retail sales and
reduced inventories of 2007 model motorcycles. However, our U.S. dealers’ retail
sales have fallen sharply during August. Against the current economic
background, we no longer expect worldwide dealer retail sales to increase during
the second half of 2007. As a result, the Company has decided to reduce its
planned shipments of motorcycles to its dealers for the remainder of 2007. The
Company expects its actions will result in fewer wholesale motorcycle shipments
than dealer retail sales during 2007,” said Ziemer.
The Company now expects a modest decline in revenue for 2007. Diluted
earnings per share (EPS) for the full year 2007 are expected to be down 4 to 6
percent, in the range of $3.69– $3.77, compared to 2006 EPS of $3.93.
Looking ahead to 2008, the Company anticipates the U.S. retail motorcycle
environment will continue to be challenging. It expects moderate revenue growth,
lower operating margins and EPS growth of between 4 and 7 percent.
The Company had previously provided guidance for 2009 as well, but will not
be providing that guidance at this time.
“Although this is a challenging time, Harley-Davidson is the worldwide
heavyweight motorcycle market leader,” said Ziemer. “We enjoy an enviable
position of financial strength, with a solid balance sheet, strong cash flow and
a history of returning value to shareholders. While a decision to reduce
shipments and expectations is never easy, it is clearly the right thing to do
for the long-term health of the brand and the business,” said Ziemer.
Company Background
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for
the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell
Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor
Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight
motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories,
apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport
motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides wholesale and retail
financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and their retail
customers.
Forward-Looking Statements
The Company intends that certain matters
discussed in this release are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify
for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be
identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such
as the Company “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” or “estimates” or
words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans,
objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance or goals are also forward-looking
statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
anticipated as of the date of this release. Certain of such risks and
uncertainties are described below. Shareholders, potential investors, and other
readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking
statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking
statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are only
made as of the date of this release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to
publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or
circumstances.
The Company’s ability to meet the targets and expectations noted depends
upon, among other factors, the Company's ability to (i) continue to realize
production efficiencies at its production facilities and manage operating costs
including materials, labor and overhead, (ii) manage production capacity and
production changes, (iii) manage supply chain issues, (iv) provide products,
services and experiences that are successful in the marketplace, (v) develop and
implement sales and marketing plans that retain existing retail customers and
attract new retail customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace, (vi)
sell all of its motorcycles and related products and services to its independent
dealers and distributors, (vii) continue to develop the capabilities of its
distributor and dealer network, (viii) manage changes and prepare for
requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products,
services and operations, (ix) adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates, interest rates, commodity prices and credit availability, (x)
manage regional and worldwide demographic trends and economic and political
conditions, including healthcare inflation, pension reform and tax changes, (xi)
anticipate consumer confidence in the economy, (xii) manage the credit quality
and recovery rates of HDFS’s loan portfolio, (xiii) retain and attract talented
employees, (xiv) detect any defects in our motorcycles to minimize delays in new
model launches, recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or litigation and
(xv) implement and manage enterprise-wide information technology solutions and
secure data contained in those systems. In addition, the Company could
experience delays or disruptions in its operations as a result of work
stoppages, strikes, natural causes, terrorism or other factors. Other factors
are described in risk factors that the Company has disclosed in documents
previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Company’s ability to sell all of its motorcycles and related products and
services also depends on the ability of the Company’s independent dealer network
to sell them to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability of its
independent dealers and distributors to develop and implement effective retail
sales plans to create demand for the motorcycles and related products and
services they purchase from the Company.
In addition, the Company’s independent dealers and distributors may
experience difficulties in selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles and related
products and services as a result of weather, economic conditions or other
factors.
Read the "Shipment Reduction
Announcement" Dealer Letter.
Screamin' Eagle Factory Rider Coolbeth Leads Pack with Second Place FinishSPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Sept. 3, 2007) -Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson factory rider Kenny Coolbeth didn't win the AMA Flat Track race this weekend. But the defending AMA champion did the next best thing. Not only did Coolbeth finish in second place at the historic Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds but he increased his points lead too. Going into the event Coolbeth had a six-point lead over his Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew teammate Jared Mees. Coolbeth's second place finish combined with Mees' ninth place finish on his Blue Springs Harley-Davidson have given Coolbeth a 15-point lead going into the final three events of the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship season. "It was such a good race. It was a fun, clean and safe race," Coolbeth said. "When you trust the people around you it's easy to race fast and good. That's what made it extra fun. I wanted to win so badly but Chris (Carr, race winner) has hundreds of more laps at Springfield than Bryan (Smith) or I have and he is always tough there. I drafted past Chris on turn three and was in the lead off the fourth corner. The checkered flag came out and I just came up short. I went low on the corner and I should have gone high and I lost my momentum. "The good thing is that Chris is a ways back in the points and Jared finished in ninth place and that helps us in the points chase. We just have to keep being consistent in the last few races." Either Coolbeth or Mees had won the first eight races of the season. Coolbeth has five wins in seven podium appearances so far this year while Mees has three victories. Chris Carr and the Quality Pre-Owned Ford Harley-Davidson team broke that streak Sunday by winning the second of two annual Springfield events. Wrecking Crew riders Smith (Pat Moroney's Harley-Davidson) and Joe Kopp (Team Latus Harley-Davidson) finished third and fifth, respectively. The second place finish for Smith was his second of the season and fourth podium finish of the year for the 2006 fall Springfield winner. Smith is in third place of the standings. "Kenny, Chris and I were going for it the entire race," Smith said. "We led every lap and I knew they would be the two guys that I would have to battle all race. On the last lap Kenny went down low and I tried going around on the outside before hitting the straightaway so I could go for it. I was trying to go around on turn three and four and I lost the run and my momentum and all I could do was follow them to the start/finish line." Kopp is in sixth place with one podium finish this season. He said he was especially pleased with the finish considering where he was just one lap before the checkered flag was waved. "It was a good race for me overall," Kopp said. "I was back in eighth place early in the race and I started to work my way back up to the front. Carr, Coolbeth and Smith were in the lead pack and they were about one or two bike lengths from the pack I was riding with. For some reason, we just couldn't seem to close the gap and draft off that lead pack. "When I saw the white flag wave, it caught me off guard. I thought we had more laps left and I passed two guys in Turn One just to get into fifth place. It was a great race though. I thought everyone was riding smart and it was just a clean, fast race." The next AMA Flat Track race is Sept. 15 at Monticello Raceway in Monticello, N.Y. Springfield, IL (2) Screamin' Eagle Wrecking Crew Race Summary Main Event Finish Heat Finish Combined best time Kenny Coolbeth 2nd 1st 7th (0:35.219) Jared Mees 9th 3rd 12th (0:35.325) Joe Kopp 5th 1st 6th (0:35.187) Bryan Smith 3rd 1st 4th (0:34.803) AMA Twins Top 10 Point Standings (Following 9 of 13 events. Number of wins in parenthesis) 1. Kenny Coolbeth, Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson (5) 183 2. Jared Mees, Blue Springs H-D/ Screamin' Eagle H-D (3) 168 3. Bryan Smith, Pat Moroney's/Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson 132 4. Jake Johnson, Suzuki 121 5. Chris Carr, Quality Pre-Owned Ford Harley-Davidson (1) 113 6. Joe Kopp, Team Latus/Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson 103 7. Shaun Russell, Bartels' Harley-Davidson 98 8. Glen Schnabel, American Suzuki 97 9. Johnny Murphree, Coziahr Harley-Davidson 50 10. Jethro Halbert, Harley-Davidson of Fresno 49 In addition to the direct team sponsorship, Harley-Davidson will also provide support through professional flat track contingency and the Rider Support Verification Program (RSVP). Under the Screamin' Eagle banner the support will total more than $140,000 throughout the 2007 season. This includes a contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson XR750 riders on the AMA Flat Track series. 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.
Krawiec and Hines Stumble in EliminationsINDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 3, 2007) - Andrew Hines and the Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team won the Ringer's Gloves Pro Bike Battle for the third time in five appearances. The bonus race is held annually at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. Hines beat Chip Ellis in the final of the bonus event on Saturday en route to a $25,000 payday for the win. Hines recorded a 7.005-second pass at 189.31 on his Harley-Davidson V-Rod to beat Ellis' 7.069 at 186.64 on his Drag Specialties S&S Buell. Unfortunately, Hines didn't manage to double-up this season by winning the U.S. Nationals main event. Hines beat teammate Eddie Krawiec in the first round of final eliminations on Monday but came up short in a second round matchup against Craig Treble and the Team Tigue Suzuki group. Hines ran a 6.974 at 191.39 to beat Krawiec's 7.067 at 187.44 in the first round. Hines fouled out in the second round against Treble. "My team did a great job and they kept me competitive all weekend," Hines said. "The second round loss didn't have anything to do with the motorcycle or anything else. I just made a mistake. But the team worked hard and it was a good weekend overall." Hines said the bonus race is more fun because there isn't any pressure associated with it - there aren't any NHRA POWERade points connected to it either. "We've had a lot of good success in that bonus race over the years," Hines said. "My brother (crew chief Matt Hines) won it four times and (former teammate) GT Tonglet won it once too. We try not to do anything special for the bonus event. We just race. "There isn't any pressure with the Ringer's Gloves battle. There aren't any points involved, just cash and that takes all of the pressure off the team. It's just fun. But we have to try and win it again next year so we can try and earn the double-up bonus from NHRA." Even though Krawiec lost in the first round, it was still a big weekend for the newest member of the Screamin' Eagle team. This was the first time Krawiec had qualified for the longest-running NHRA national event. "That was a big plus for me, qualifying for the U.S. Nationals for the first time," Krawiec said. "We struggled a bit throughout the weekend and unfortunately our struggles carried over into the first round. The pairings were tough because you never want to race your teammate, especially in the opening round. But we have four more races this season and we have a lot of rounds left to race so we just have to move on." Starting this year, NHRA has developed a playoff format for all professional categories. The top eight competitors in each category advanced to the second round starting with the U.S. Nationals. The Pro Stock Motorcycle category has two more chances to get into the top four - the third and final round of the Countdown. The third round of the Countdown will feature the top four riders and they will have two events (Las Vegas and Pomona, Calif.) to win the 2007 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle championship. "We're still in the hunt for a Countdown spot," Krawiec said. "I think this team is going to rebound and do just fine in Memphis in two weeks. We're going to be even stronger having gone through a tough weekend like this one." The next NHRA POWERade event featuring the Pro Stock Motorcycle category is the 20th annual O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park, Sept. 14-16. Hines Ringer's Gloves Pro Bike Battle E.T. MPH RT R1 7.007 189.18 .019 R2 7.037 187.60 .016 R3 7.005 189.31 .038 * Third career Ringer's Gloves Pro Bike Battle victory in five career appearances Hines at Indianapolis E.T. MPH RT Q1 10.063 84.50 Q2 7.007 189.18 Q3 7.037 187.60 Q4 6.968 191.40 Q5 6.969 192.58 No. 3 R1 6.974 191.38 .028 R2 7.001 185.21 -.013 Krawiec at Indianapolisp E.T. MPH RT Q1 7.115 183.47 Q2 7.115 185.95 Q3 7.078 183.84 Q4 7.085 186.10 Q5 7.069 187.70 No. 14 R1 7.067 187.44 .045 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/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Ford Truck, Dunlop, Matco Tools and S100.
Screamin' Eagle Riders Set for Springfield Mile
MILWAUKEE (Aug. 30, 2007) –Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson factory rider Kenny Coolbeth won the first AMA Flat Track race of the year held at the historic Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
One of his Wrecking Crew teammates, Bryan Smith, won the Springfield Mile event exactly one year ago and is the defending champion of the fall race there.
That means a Wrecking Crew rider has earned the win on the Mile in the last two events. If you ask any of the four riders if they want that streak to continue, you'll get a resounding nod of approval.
Of course, each of them wants to be the one standing on the top of the podium to make it happen. Round nine of the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship season is Sunday.
Coolbeth has earned five wins in eight races this season and has finished outside the top three just two times. He's also the AMA Flat Track Twins category points leader. This year's Springfield victory was his first on the Mile and he certainly would like to sweep the Mile events this season and add to his 14 career AMA wins.
Wrecking Crew rider Jared Mees and the Blue Springs Harley-Davidson team have collected three wins this season along with five other podium finishes. Mees is in second place in the standings, just six points back from Coolbeth. Mees has never won the Mile and would like to add that to his six career AMA victories.
Smith and the Pat Moroney's Harley-Davidson team have earned three podium finishes and are currently third in the point standings. Smith's first and only career win to date is the fall Mile win from 2006 and he's aiming to make winning that race a habit.
Joe Kopp – the 2000 AMA Grand National champion – has 11 career AMA victories but has yet to snag the title at the Springfield Mile. The veteran Team Latus Harley-Davidson rider knows a win on Labor Day Weekend would help him move up from sixth place in the standings.
Of course, there are going to be 14 other riders anxious to get the win too.
"I want to win that race again," Coolbeth said. "We proved to ourselves earlier this year that we can do just that and we have great notes from that race. We are going back with good notes and a great attitude. But even with that, you still have to be in the right spot at the right time to take advantage of that track.
"The Springfield Mile is the Indy 500 for dirt track racing and I think it's pretty special winning that race. My plan is to win but I know everyone else has the same exact plan in mind so it won't be an easy race."
Mees has steadily made improvements in his performances at the Mile. In the first Springfield event in 2006, he finished in eighth place. He finished fourth in the 2006 fall race and earned third place earlier this season.
"I am getting better and more comfortable every time I go to Springfield," Mees said. "It's such a fun event but it can be a chess match more than any other track. Kenny ran away with it earlier this year, but it's not normally like that.
"It's a draft race and usually you are with six other guys and that can help you finish at the top. But if you make one mistake or don’t position yourself well, you can find yourself in sixth place in a matter of seconds. I would love to win this race but there are a lot of guys itching to get some wins for their teams that want the same thing."
Smith finished in fourth place earlier this season but is anxious to earn a place on the podium at his favorite track.
"I love the Springfield Mile," Smith said. "The crowd makes it even more fun and it's a fast track. You can actually make up time at this track which is usually impossible anywhere else. You have to tip-toe around a lot of other tracks, but the Springfield track is one of the few places where the harder you ride, the faster you go."
Kopp has been on the Springfield Mile more than any of the other Wrecking Crew riders and he knows teamwork plays a big role in the way riders finish this event.
"Kenny flat out whooped the field at the first race of the year but that was pretty unusual," Kopp said. "You really have to draft for position at this track and if you don't have a drafting partner, it could mean the difference between a top 10 finish and last place.
"The Springfield Mile is such a historic event and everyone wants to win this race. It's eluded me so far in my career but hopefully that will change in just a few days. It's going to be a battle though. Everyone wants the trophy from Springfield."
AMA Twins Top 10 Point Standings
(Following 8 of 13 events. Number of wins in parenthesis)
1. Kenny Coolbeth, Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson (5) 164
2. Jared Mees, Blue Springs H-D/ Screamin' Eagle H-D (3) 158
3. Bryan Smith, Pat Moroney's/Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson 116
4. Jake Johnson, Suzuki 110
5. Chris Carr, Quality Pre-Owned Ford Harley-Davidson 90
6. Joe Kopp, Team Latus/Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson 89
7. Shaun Russell, Bartels' Harley-Davidson 86
8. Glen Schnabel, American Suzuki 82
9. Johnny Murphree, Coziahr Harley-Davidson 50
10. Jethro Halbert, Harley-Davidson of Fresno 43
All the action of this weekend's race and all AMA GNC Twins events can be seen via web cast provided by Live I Sports (www.liveisports.com).
In addition to the direct team sponsorship, Harley-Davidson will also provide support through professional flat track contingency and the Rider Support Verification Program (RSVP). Under the Screamin’ Eagle banner the support will total more than $140,000 throughout the 2007 season. This includes a contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson XR750 riders on the AMA Flat Track series.
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.
Effort raises the cumulative 27 year total to more than $65 million MILWAUKEE -- (September 3, 2007) Harley-Davidson 2007 fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association reached $5.1 million, bringing cumulative fundraising for MDA since 1980 to more than $65 million. The announcement was made during the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harley-Davidson Motor Company President and Chief Operating Officer, Jim McCaslin, presented the $5.1 million check on behalf of those who raised funds for MDA. “The Harley-Davidson family worked hard all year creating special motorcycle events to raise funds for research and to send kids to MDA Summer Camp,” said McCaslin during the telethon broadcast. “But just as important is the special bond we’ve developed with children and families served by MDA.” Joining McCaslin on the telethon broadcast were representatives from the Eastern Harley-Davidson Dealers Association who raised more than $1 million this year during their twentieth annual Ride for Life. Also participating in the broadcast were representatives from Kutter Harley-Davidson in Janesville, Wisconsin; Mitchell’s Modesto and Jamestown Harley-Davidson in California; Cycle Connection Harley-Davidson in Joplin, Missouri and Wild Boar Harley-Davidson of Grand Rapids, Michigan who also hosted top MDA fundraising events this year. Harley-Davidson fundraising activities for the Muscular Dystrophy Association took place over the 12-month period leading up to the Telethon and included pledge rides, dealer fundraisers, motorcycle raffles, Black and Blue Ball fundraising dinners and pin sales. Harley-Davidson has been a national sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association since 1980. The funds raised support life-saving research, comprehensive medical care for children and adults with neuromuscular disease, and MDA summer camps.
Milwaukee, Wis., September 7, 2007 -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announced today that it expects to ship between 86,000 and 88,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the third quarter of 2007. Shipments of between 91,000 units and 95,000 units were originally planned for the quarter. Shipments for the full year are expected to be in the range of 328,000 to 332,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
“Initial reports about our 2008 model year motorcycles from our dealers and the media have been excellent, but this is a difficult time for the U.S. consumer,” said Jim Ziemer, Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. “Coming off a negative U.S. retail sales trend in the first six months of the year, we ran an effective promotion in July that increased retail sales and reduced inventories of 2007 model motorcycles. However, our U.S. dealers’ retail sales have fallen sharply during August. Against the current economic background, we no longer expect worldwide dealer retail sales to increase during the second half of 2007. As a result, the Company has decided to reduce its planned shipments of motorcycles to its dealers for the remainder of 2007. The Company expects its actions will result in fewer wholesale motorcycle shipments than dealer retail sales during 2007,” said Ziemer.
The Company now expects a modest decline in revenue for 2007. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the full year 2007 are expected to be down 4 to 6 percent, in the range of $3.69– $3.77, compared to 2006 EPS of $3.93.
Looking ahead to 2008, the Company anticipates the U.S. retail motorcycle environment will continue to be challenging. It expects moderate revenue growth, lower operating margins and EPS growth of between 4 and 7 percent.
The Company had previously provided guidance for 2009 as well, but will not be providing that guidance at this time.
“Although this is a challenging time, Harley-Davidson is the worldwide heavyweight motorcycle market leader,” said Ziemer. “We enjoy an enviable position of financial strength, with a solid balance sheet, strong cash flow and a history of returning value to shareholders. While a decision to reduce shipments and expectations is never easy, it is clearly the right thing to do for the long-term health of the brand and the business,” said Ziemer.
Company Background
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and their retail customers.
Forward-Looking Statements
The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this release are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” or “estimates” or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described below. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are only made as of the date of this release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
The Company’s ability to meet the targets and expectations noted depends upon, among other factors, the Company's ability to (i) continue to realize production efficiencies at its production facilities and manage operating costs including materials, labor and overhead, (ii) manage production capacity and production changes, (iii) manage supply chain issues, (iv) provide products, services and experiences that are successful in the marketplace, (v) develop and implement sales and marketing plans that retain existing retail customers and attract new retail customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace, (vi) sell all of its motorcycles and related products and services to its independent dealers and distributors, (vii) continue to develop the capabilities of its distributor and dealer network, (viii) manage changes and prepare for requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products, services and operations, (ix) adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, commodity prices and credit availability, (x) manage regional and worldwide demographic trends and economic and political conditions, including healthcare inflation, pension reform and tax changes, (xi) anticipate consumer confidence in the economy, (xii) manage the credit quality and recovery rates of HDFS’s loan portfolio, (xiii) retain and attract talented employees, (xiv) detect any defects in our motorcycles to minimize delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or litigation and (xv) implement and manage enterprise-wide information technology solutions and secure data contained in those systems. In addition, the Company could experience delays or disruptions in its operations as a result of work stoppages, strikes, natural causes, terrorism or other factors. Other factors are described in risk factors that the Company has disclosed in documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Company’s ability to sell all of its motorcycles and related products and services also depends on the ability of the Company’s independent dealer network to sell them to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability of its independent dealers and distributors to develop and implement effective retail sales plans to create demand for the motorcycles and related products and services they purchase from the Company.
In addition, the Company’s independent dealers and distributors may experience difficulties in selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles and related products and services as a result of weather, economic conditions or other factors.
Read the "Shipment Reduction Announcement" Dealer Letter.
Tags: Harley Davidson Factory News
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