Racing

Team Velocity Racing

2009 Results

Road Atlanta 2009
Barber Motorsports Park 2009
WERA Cycle Jam - V.I.R. 2009
Summit Point 2009
Grattan Raceway 2009
Miller Motorsports Park 2009

Dual Championships Highlight 2009 Season for TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha

For Immediate Release: October 12, 2009
Contact: Chuck Ivey, (706) 294-5748, chuck@teamvelocityracing.com

BRASELTON, Ga.—TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha concluded the 2009 WERA National Endurance Series season on Friday with two class victories during the four-hour finale at Road Atlanta. The Heavyweight Superstock and Mediumweight Superstock wins capped a championship year as the team clinched both titles.

For the finale, Jamie James, James Vanderhaar and Brett Champagne rode the TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha YZF-R1, finishing fourth overall and first in Heavyweight Superstock. The R1 team started 2009 on a high note with multiple wins. Shortly after introducing their new 2009 R1, though, Ivey had a violent crash that broke both bones and the bike.

Things only got more difficult when team rider Zac Chapman crashed in a sprint race at Virginia International Raceway. Chapman’s critical medical condition deeply affected the other TVR riders.

Nevertheless, the team soldiered on, continuing to earn top finishes en route to their championship. “The adversity we had this year was extraordinary,” said Ivey. “It feels good to say we stuck to it and finished the season. Every championship we’ve earned has been special, but this one is special in its own way. It’s been all about teamwork, trusting each other and getting the job done together. Our sponsors—like Michelin, Arai Helmets, EK Chains and Vortex—have proven to be a big contributor to our longevity, as well.”

“This season was exciting, it was adventurous, and it was a lot of fun,” said Champagne. “I knew TVR before, but I knew them as competitors. They’re a great group, and I’ve really enjoyed the year.”

At Road Atlanta, damp conditions at the start of the race meant that both TVR bikes were equipped with Michelin DOTs. The extra grip combined with the R1’s dominance allowed James to run up front. “The conditions just fell into our hands because the motor of the R1 is so smooth and predictable through the damp, sketchy areas. That smooth delivery allowed me to get up there and have some fun,” said James.

The riders of the TVR’s No. 136 Yamaha YZF-R6 had their own set of challenges this season. The year got off to a bad start, with two crashes in the first two races of the season. The shaky beginning prompted the team to rethink their strategy, and they were able to come into their own in subsequent races. Soon, instead of crashing, they were winning the Mediumweight Superstock class.

Reuben Frankenfield, James Dellinger and Ethan Ellis rode the VP Fuels-powered R6 at Road Atlanta, finishing fifth overall. A longtime TVR rider, Frankenfield piloted both the R1 and the R6 this year, giving him a hand in both championships. “I just really admire they way Chuck stuck with the race program this year, despite everything we had to deal with. Most people probably would have hung it up for a while. It just shows how dedicated he is as a team owner,” Frankenfield noted.

Vanderhaar had the opportunity to race at the Michelin U.S. Motorcycle Championship and the Isle of Man this year. He lists competing at the historic Isle of Man as one of the highlights of his racing career. “This was my first full season on an R1, and it was a lot of fun. It was great representing TVR at the Isle of Man and the Michelin Championship. I’m glad they gave me an opportunity to ride at those events,” said Vanderhaar.

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

###

--
Beth Dolgner
2119 Marshalls Lane SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
678.485.1947
bdolgner@gmail.com
www.BethDolgner.com

Double Victories at Barber for TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha

For Immediate Release: September 14, 2009
Contact: Chuck Ivey, 706 294 5748, chuck@teamvelocityracing.com

LEEDS, Ala.—The riders and crew of TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha wrapped up Saturday’s four-hour WERA National Endurance Series race at Barber Motorsports Park in a celebratory mood: the team took two class victories and a second-place class finish.

TVR expanded to a three-bike team for the weekend, entering two Heavyweight Superstock Yamaha YZF-R1s and a Mediumweight Superstock YZF-R6. All three bikes were ready to go at race time with new Michelin tires and a fresh set of EBC brake pads, and the meticulous preparation—as well as stellar riding—paid off handsomely.

Roadracing legend Jamie James joined James Vanderhaar, Brett Champagne and Reuben Frankenfield on the No. 131 Yamaha R1. They took first in Heavyweight Superstock, finishing fifth overall behind a slew of Superbike-spec entries.

“We had a good race even though we didn’t get much practice time because of rain,” said Champagne. “I ran against Jamie last year at this race, so it was fun to ride with him for a change. The bikes were prepared really well: Chuck Ivey and Michael Dunn did a great job.”

“It was a steady race and the bike felt great,” added Vanderhaar. “I was on an old front tire during my stint, but the Michelins held up without any problems.”

The most significant victory of the weekend was the Mediumweight Superstock win. The No. 136 team—including James Dellinger, Reuben Frankenfield and Ethan Ellis—has been in a tight battle with Dalke Motorsports all year. The win finally allowed TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha to open up a points lead in that class, taking off a lot of the pressure heading into the season finale next month. The R6 riders finished seventh overall.

“I started the race, and just tried to pace Dalke at the beginning,” said Dellinger. “They ran out of fuel and we got an instant lead. After that, we had to stay clean and maintain our pace.”

The third TVR entry of the weekend was comprised of Isle of Man veterans Richard “Milky” Quayle and Craig Atkinson. Neither rider had been to Barber before, and the trip marked Quayle’s first visit to the United States. Nevertheless, the two riders finished second in Heavyweight Superstock on the No. 132 TVR Yamaha R1.

“It was good to see Milky and Craig having so much fun out there,” said TVR team owner Chuck Ivey. “I’m glad we could give them this opportunity. They’re sponsored by Arai, also, so when they showed up with their helmets we knew they were a perfect fit for our team!”

###
--
Beth Dolgner
2119 Marshalls Lane SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
678.485.1947
bdolgner@gmail.com
www.BethDolgner.com

WERA Cycle Jam - VIR

For Immediate Release: August 9, 2009
Contact: Chuck Ivey, 706 294 5748, chuck@teamvelocityracing.com

TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha’s Zac Chapman Critically Injured at VIR

LEEDS, Va.—Zac Chapman, a WERA racer and team rider for TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha, was critically injured in a sprint race on Saturday during WERA’s Cycle Jam at Virginia International Raceway.

Chapman supported TVR during the endurance race on Friday, although he opted not to ride. He is recovering from a broken ankle and felt the hour-long stints might be too strenuous. After the endurance race, Chapman stayed to compete on his own bikes throughout the remainder of the weekend. During his first race on Saturday, Chapman crashed in turn six; it was a single-bike incident.

Chapman received head and neck injuries in the crash. He was initially lucid, but he was taken to the hospital in nearby Danville as a precaution. After arriving there, however, his condition declined and he was airlifted to the Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia.

As of Sunday night, Chapman is in a coma due to his injuries—including fluid buildup inside his skull—and is listed in critical condition. He has already undergone two surgeries to relieve the pressure in his skull and to accommodate swelling. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Chapman’s family is by his side, and they, along with his TVR teammates, request prayers and thoughts for his recovery. “Zac is more than a teammate; he’s also a good friend,” said TVR team owner Chuck Ivey. “The whole team is pulling for him.”

Anyone who wishes to send cards should address them to:
Carilion Clinic
Zac Chapman, Room 972
P.O. Box 13367
Roanoke, VA 24033

###

Summit Point

TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha Overcomes Early Problems at Summit Point

SUMMIT POINT, W. Va.—The first lap of Saturday’s six-hour WERA National Endurance Series race at Summit Point Raceway was less than promising for TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha: the team’s Heavyweight Superstock Yamaha YZF-R1 lost the clutch at the start of the race. Undaunted, TVR went on to finish second in class while their sister team, TVR 136, took the Mediumweight Superstock win.

James Vanderhaar was on the R1 at the start of the race, and he made just one lap before pitting for a clutch change. In a display of the teamwork that has become TVR’s hallmark, the clutch was changed on pit lane and Vanderhaar returned to the track.

“We knew we were out of the running for an overall podium, so I tried to have fun, put in some good laps and not crash. We ran a good pace, and at that point it was more important to get laps than anything,” said Vanderhaar.

Vanderhaar shared the riding duties with Reuben Frankenfield and Brett Champagne. Frankenfield agreed with Vanderhaar, saying, “We had to get back as much lost ground as possible and accumulate mileage points for the championship. We still got a lot of points.”

“We had good pit stops, and we had fun,” said Champagne. “Virginia International Raceway is next, and that will be exciting—it’s a great track and I can’t wait for the race there.”

In addition to valuable championship points, TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha also went home with second place in the Heavyweight Superstock class despite their first-lap trouble. It marks the first time this season that TVR has not won their class, thanks to their previous five consecutive wins.

Meanwhile, TVR 136’s James Dellinger, Jeff Wrobel and Ethan Ellis had a stellar day on their Yamaha YZF-R6. The trio won the Mediumweight Superstock class after a flawless race, taking the sixth spot overall.

“We went out and had fun,” said Wrobel. “We told Ethan we’d shave his head if we didn’t win! Everyone rode well and we had a good time. We’re all working together well, and Ethan’s dad was a big help in the pits.”

This is the second victory this season for the TVR 136 team, and they were rewarded with more than just a trophy: the team took over the class championship for the first time this season.

###

Beth Dolgner
1270 Caroline St.
Ste. D120-380
Atlanta, GA 30307
678.485.1947
bdolgner@gmail.com
www.BethDolgner.com

Grattan Raceway 2009

For Immediate Release: July 14, 2009 Contact: Chuck Ivey, 706 294 5748, chuck@teamvelocityracing.com

TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha Wins Heavyweight Superstock at Grattan

GRATTAN, Mich.—Never a team to give up in the face of adversity, TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha came away from Saturday’s WERA National Endurance Series race at Grattan Raceway with the Heavyweight Superstock class win, skillfully overcoming the challenges of the weekend.

When team owner Chuck Ivey crashed earlier this month during a Sportsman Series event, the team was dealt a double blow: not only were they now out one rider, but their primary Yamaha YZF-R1 was out of contention, too. Despite nursing a broken foot, ankle and leg, Ivey prepared the backup R1, and the team headed to Grattan.

James Vanderhaar rode the TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha R1 with Reuben Frankenfield, who is filling in for Ivey. With a skeleton crew in the pits and just two riders for the six-hour event, the team was still able to secure the Heavyweight Superstock win and fifth overall.

“The whole team worked together on pit stops, and Reuben and I put in really consistent laps,” said Vanderhaar, who along with Frankenfield had to pitch in on front tire changes. “I just got back from the Isle of Man, and after racing there, Grattan felt as smooth as glass!”

Frankenfield has most recently ridden the team’s R6 in Mediumweight Superstock, but he’s no stranger to riding a TVR R1. “The bike is familiar to me, so I was able to just hop on and get back to it,” said Frakenfield. “The front Michelin tires were really working well for us, even when they were worn. I really enjoyed riding the R1 on Michelins.”

TVR’s second entry, the TVR136 Yamaha YZF-R6, took second in the Mediumweight Superstock class, finishing seventh overall. Ohio racer Jeff Wrobel joined TVR136 regulars Ethan Ellis and James Dellinger. Although new to TVR, Wrobel brought a lot of experience at Grattan to the team.

“Everything went well for us,” noted Wrobel. “We practiced a lot for our pit stops, and everything went as planned in the race. James and Ethan turned great times, and having all the right equipment really made a difference. Whatever we needed as riders was there for us; Chuck just makes it all happen.”

###

--
Beth Dolgner
1270 Caroline St.
Ste. D120-380
Atlanta, GA 30307
678.485.1947
bdolgner@gmail.com
www.BethDolgner.com

Miller Motorsports Park 2009

TOOELE, Utah—The long drive from Augusta, Georgia, to Miller Motorsports Park in Utah was well worth it for TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha owner Chuck Ivey, who led his team to a dual victory in Saturday’s WERA National Endurance Series race.

Team Velocity Racing

Ivey, Zac Chapman, Brett Champagne and James Vanderhaar rode the TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha YZF-R1 to the Heavyweight Superstock class win while notching a finish of second overall. Meanwhile, TVR136 sailed to victory in the Mediumweight Superstock class, with Reuben Frankenfield, Ethan Ellis and James Dellinger finishing fourth overall on a Yamaha YZF-R6.

The six-hour race went smoothly, both in the pits and on track. Michael Dunn was the only permanent crew member in attendance, and he deftly handled all of the prep work for pit stops. “It was pretty busy between mixing fuel, getting tires mounted and setting tire pressures for two bikes,” said Dunn. “The guys at Michelin really helped out, and Ethan’s dad worked the pit board. He did a great job keeping up with both bikes.”

The riders, meanwhile, each had a job to perform during stops. “It was a lot of hard work, but everybody had a job to do and they came together to get things done flawlessly,” commented Ivey.

The Michelin tires did their job flawlessly, too. “The Michelins were great, especially the front tires,” said Ivey. “We only had to change the front tire once on each bike, so we saved a lot of time in the pits. That’s a huge advantage for us as a Superstock team.”

“We tried a different strategy to make the tires outlast the tires used by the Heavyweight Superbike teams,” said Chapman. “I had to really watch my pace, especially when I saw Superbike teams pulling away from me, but it worked out perfectly because we saved time in the pits and came away with second.”

Champagne echoed the sentiment about the advantageous pit stops, saying, “The pit stops were excellent, the bike handled great, and the tires were superior. The communication in the pits was perfect and we had no hiccups.”

Vanderhaar said,

“Zac started the race and he really did the work of giving us a huge lead in our class, and I just had to maintain that. I went out again with 40 minutes to go, and the oil light went on. I slowed down because I realized it was better not to blow the bike up and just finish the race!”

Less than 48 hours later, Vanderhaar was on his way to the Isle of Man, where he is competing for the first time.

Fans who met the TVR riders during a promotion at a local Applebee’s the night before the race came to Miller to see the team Yamahas in action. They weren’t disappointed, thanks to the combination of skilled riders, quick pit stops and the handling abilities of the bikes.

TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha now has a seven-week “summer break,” during which time they will be making numerous promotional appearances and prepping the Yamahas for the next round at Grattan Raceway.

Racing

Team Velocity Racing

2009 Results

Dual Championships Highlight 2009 Season for TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha

Double Victories at Barber for TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha

WERA Cycle Jam - VIR

Summit Point

Grattan Raceway 2009

“The whole team worked together on pit stops, and Reuben and I put in really consistent laps,” said Vanderhaar, who along with Frankenfield had to pitch in on front tire changes. “I just got back from the Isle of Man, and after racing there, Grattan felt as smooth as glass!”

Miller Motorsports Park 2009

“Zac started the race and he really did the work of giving us a huge lead in our class, and I just had to maintain that. I went out again with 40 minutes to go, and the oil light went on. I slowed down because I realized it was better not to blow the bike up and just finish the race!”

JimmyV does the TT!