Richie Owens To WORCS

May 23, 2007, 5:51am

Chino, CA – May 22, 2007 – Seasoned MX/SX Racer Richie Owens is making the transition to off-road racing and teaming up with Gary Jones and Yoshimura for the 2007 season.

"We are really pumped to have Richie Owens riding for the team," Gary Jones said. "He's a great kid and really quick. Richie has always been one of the most physically fit riders on the circuit which will transfer well to off-road racing."

Richie has been racing pro for 4 years including working with Yoshimura when he rode with Team WBR in 2005. He's training hard right now to make it through the grueling two hour WORCS races.

"Basically, I'm just doing all my regular training... only longer," the Menifee, CA resident explained. "The biggest difference between motocross and off road racing is to ride at a consistent pace instead of at 100% the whole time. The biggest challenge will be to mentally get through the first race. Once I have the experience behind me and figure it all out, I'm sure I can do well."

Team Gary Jones Racing/Yoshimura is a first year effort for both sponsors and has a full line up of amateurs in addition to Richie. "This team is a lot of fun," Jones commented. "Our goal is to get our feet wet this season and really hit it hard next year. There's some really tough competition out there and our goals are long term."

Richie's first race was the WORCS event in Los Olivos, CA. "It was a bit of a mess," Richie said. "But I learned a lot. I got together with another rider coming down the downhill and cartwheeled. Once I got going again I rolled into the log section and had to just sit there as there was a huge pile-up. I had no idea how to get through those logs but by the end of the race I had them figured out."

With the knowledge gained at this event, Richie expects to slowly move up. "My goal for the next event is a top ten. From there I'd like to try and get a top 5 before the season is out. This is whole lot different than what I'm used to, but really fun. I am looking forward to getting up to speed and being competitive with these guys."

Look for a a lot of action from this team at the upcoming Toutle Washington WORCS round in June.

Team Gary Jones Racing/Yoshimura Program Partners
Suzuki – Rockstar Energy Drink – KBC Helmets - IMS Products - MSR - Pro Taper - Elka Suspension - Weekend Warrior Trailers - Maxxis Tires - Hinson Clutches - Fluidyne Radiator – RK Chain – Excel Wheel – Galfer – Vortex –Hinson Clutch – AC RAcng – One Industries – V.P. Fuels – Sidi – Scott USA – Mechanix Wear – AC Racing – Powermadd - Motul