TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha Third in Heavyweight Superbike at Miller

Posted by admin

May 28, 2010

TOOELE, Utah—For TVR / EBC Brakes Yamaha, Saturday’s six-hour WERA National Endurance Series race at Miller Motorsports Park was a true test of endurance. With only two riders and a limited pit crew, the team rode to a finish of fifth overall and third in Heavyweight Superbike.

Chuck Ivey and James Vanderhaar were the only two riders on hand to pilot the No. 131 Yamaha YZF-R1. They spent Friday’s practice session getting the R1 ready for the race around the 4.5-mile Utah track.

“We worked hard to get the R1 set up because the temperatures were much cooler this year,” remarked Ivey. “We had to adjust our tire compound and our suspension settings to accommodate the weather.”

Strong headwinds on race day proved to be a challenge, as well. “Between Friday’s practice and Saturday’s practice, our brake markers changed because the headwind going into turn one was so strong,” said Vanderhaar. “The wind made setup and gearing interesting, but we consistently had smooth, even wear on our Michelin tires in the race. They performed flawlessly.”

Vanderhaar started the race with a fresh set of Michelin tires and EBC Brakes pads, and he held down fourth overall during his stint. The running order changed little throughout the course of the race, as both Vanderhaar and Ivey maintained a top-three spot in class all day.

The two riders worked tirelessly, even when it came time to pit. Ivey and Vanderhaar handled tire changes, while veteran TVR crewmember Michael Dunn refueled the R1. “It really was about endurance this weekend,” said Ivey. “The cool temperatures, the wind, only two riders, and a limited pit crew: we faced a lot of factors, but did well with what we were given.”

The team’s second entry, TVR136, ran strong in Mediumweight Superbike for the first four hours. Ethan Ellis, Shane Williams and Neill Herbert were third in class before a crash in the fourth hour forced them to retire.

The next WERA National Endurance Series race for TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha will be on July 7 at Michigan’s Grattan Raceway.

TVR’s sponsors include EBC Brakes, Michelin, Yamaha, Aiken Motorcycle, XES Leather, MotoHeaven.com, Arai, Vortex, EK Chains, VP Fuels, and Dyno Jet. Keep up with the team’s season and find pictures online at www.TeamVelocityRacing.com

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