We have just received a statement from now former Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Manager Mike Fisher which confirms the story we heard yesterday--Fisher is now out as Kawasaki Team Manager.

Fisher's statement is below. We'll follow up as any additional news breaks.

"I’d like to respond to yesterday’s rumors, and confirm that my 18-year relationship with Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. did indeed reach its end Monday morning. Although it may seem a surprise to some, for myself and those that have worked closely with me throughout the year, this unfortunate news was anticipated and expected.

This past year has been the most challenging of my career, as well as the most rewarding. The 2011 SX and MX seasons ultimately produced what our team had set out to accomplish since the beginning of my term as the racing team manager at Kawasaki. The achievements of our racing team were second to none this year, and I feel honored to have been an integral part of making history in the motorcycle industry.

I am proud and thankful to have been given the opportunity to manage a team of passionate, dedicated people, that stood by each other, myself, and what mattered to us all in the end.

I wish the Kawasaki racing team, it’s colleagues, sponsors, and notably, Ryan Villopoto and Jake Weimer, all the greatest of achievements in 2012 and beyond."

Respectfully,

Mike Fisher