Austin Stroupe To Sit Out Lake Whitney

IRVINE, Calif. (February 28, 2007) – Kawasaki Xtreme Team Green rider Austin Stroupe will miss the Lake Whitney AMA Spring Classic amateur national due to a thumb injury he sustained in January while practicing.

The multi-time amateur national champion has is still recuperating from the injury and will not have adequate time on the bike prior to the event.  

“Even though Austin felt like he has the speed to challenge for wins in Texas, Kawasaki and I felt it would be best to give him a little more time before racing,” said Todd Stroupe, Austin’s father. “We will be working hard to return at the GNC International Finals at Oak Hill (Decatur, Texas, March 13th – 18th) 100 percent ready to race.”

At the 2006 Lake Whitney AMA Spring Classic, the 15 year-old from Lincolnton, N.C. ran away with four titles in the intermediate and youth classes. Stroupe plans on racing the professional class for the remainder of this season.

The rest of the Kawasaki Xtreme Team Green squad will compete next week in Texas, including riders Hunter Hewitt and Michael Hall, who will be aboard the Kawasaki KX™250F and KX™450F model motorcycles.

For additional news and race results, visit www.kawasaki.com/racing.