Smith, Gracyk Lead Team Faith

AURORA, Ill. – As one of the longest-running teams in AMSOIL Arenacross, featuring Ricky Carmichael’s Road to Supercross, Team Faith/FLY Racing KTM is always considered to be a title contender. With a veteran duo of Kelly Smith and Gavin Gracyk set to lead the team into action in 2014, Team Faith is sure to be in the hunt for the AMSOIL Arenacross crown yet again.

Coming off a second place finish in the championship one year ago, Team Faith is looking to build on the momentum of their successful season. Smith qualified for the inaugural Race to the Championship and was able to capture an overall victory during the final weekend of competition. The strong finish was a good way for Smith to head into the offseason, where the veteran has been preparing for a major push in pursuit of that elusive first AMSOIL Arenacross title.

“I’ve been so close to winning the championship I can taste it, but now that we all understand exactly how the Race to the Championship format works I’m more confident than ever in my chances,” said Smith, a former runner-up to the title. “Consistency will be key throughout the season, to not only put myself in a good spot going into the Race to the Championship, but to also be there with a chance to win the title heading into the final weekend. I want to win more than ever so I’m really looking forward to the season.”

It has been a long time since Gracyk has competed at AMSOIL Arenacross but following a few years of successful racing in Canada and several top 10 finishes at Monster Energy AMA Supercross an FIM World Championship, Gracyk is returning to AMSOIL Arenacross and looking for better results against one of the most talented field of riders on the planet.

“I’m real excited to join Team Faith for the upcoming AMSOIL Arenacross season,” said Gracyk. “It’s a blessing to be able to serve the arenacross community alongside everyone at Team Faith. I am really looking forward to racing the new format alongside Kelly Smith and many other great competitors. I thank all of the sponsors and supporters that make this possible for us at Team Faith.”

As they have for many years, Team Faith will once again lead a racing ministry at each round of the AMSOIL Arenacross season. The ministry is the team’s way of giving back to the close-knit community of the sport while also providing a sense of family, friends and comfort while on the road over the course of 12 weeks.

“The racing ministry is the foundation of Team Faith while the on-track success is the bonus,” said founder and team manager Brian O’Rourke. “Most of us cannot go to church on Sundays because we travel to the races. The mission of Team Faith is to provide spiritual services at each event by providing non-denominational devotionals, prayer support and counsel to all the participants at the event. This sport, and life in general can be tough at times, but we hope to encourage everyone to exercise their faith in the face of any adversity.”

“I’ve always been a huge supporter of the Team Faith initiative and it’s why I’ve continued to stay with the team,” added Smith. “With great sponsors such as Western Power Sports, FLY Racing, RAD Mfg., K&N, Silkolene and of course KTM Factory Services, producing some incredible race bikes is a nice asset to have.”

“The racing ministry is one of the things that drew me back to AMSOIL Arenacross,” concluded Gracyk, who has led a similar racing ministry in Canada. “I want to give back to the community and be a source of faith for everyone at the races. The chance to race with such a talented team and be a part of that initiative was a no brainer.”

Team Faith/FLY Racing KTM will kick off its quest for a championship when the first round of the AMSOIL Arenacross season kicks off in Worcester, Mass. On January 3, 2014. Tickets and up to date information on AMSOIL Arenacross can be found at www.arenacross.com

Live timing and scoring from each round of the AMSOIL Arenacross season returns for the 2014 season! To follow the intense racing action live, log onto www.Arenacross.com.

For more information on the 2014 AMSOIL Arenacross season, log on to www.Arenacross.com. For all media requests, please contact Brandon Short brandon@nextlevelsportsinc.com or 949-365-5750.

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