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By: Robert Janis
A Q&A with Chuck Miller, Honda's Race Team Manager
Honda started racing ATCs in the late 70's
and continued until the Consumer Product Safety
Commission's descent decree was invoked. It was
at that time Honda switched from championing a
factory team to supporting individual racers and
their teams. Currently, Bruce Ogilvie and Chuck
Miller assist individual racers, and Honda is
fully supporting four riders competing in Best
in the Desert, SCORE, AMA MX Pro ATV and ATVA
Pro dirt track.
ATVSource.com had an opportunity to question
Miller about Honda's racing venture.
Chuck Miller, Honda's Race Team Manager. |
ATVSource: How do you recruit your racers?
Miller: While many racers benefit from some
level of support, fully supported racers have
one thing in common - they caught our eye with
good race results and championships.
ATVSource: What Honda ATVs will be raced in
2009?
Miller: The TRX450R/ER
ATVSource: Why was this model chosen to race?
Miller: It is our performance ATV.
ATVSource: Do you use racers in the Honda R&D
program?
Miller: Yes, they are especially valuable in the
final stage of testing and
endurance tests.
ATVSource: Do racers go to events to promote
Honda?
Miller: Yes, of course.
ATVSource: Do they also visit Honda dealers?
Miller: As time permits, but there may be some
costs associated depending on the racer’s
schedule and his physical location at the time.
The racers we support are in complete control of
their non-race schedules.
ATVSource: Can a dealer request a racer appear
at a special event at the dealership; and if so,
how would a dealer request it?
Miller: He can contact the racer directly to
inquire about fitting an appearance into their
schedule.
ATVSource: Are there ATVs under development now
that will be used by the 2009 or the 2010 racing
team?
Miller: Nothing I can speak to right now.
ATVSource: What ATV features exist due to the
racing program?
Miller: The most notable would be the kick start
version of our electric start TRX450ER. Racers
looking to save every pound appreciate having a
kick-start version of the 450ER.
ATVSource: Do you have a website that promotes
the team?
Miller:
http://powersports.honda.com/racing.aspx
ATVSource: How does a racer inquire about racing
for Honda?
Miller: We are fortunate to have a great group
of riders lined up for the 2009 season. However,
future riders can send resumes to:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
ATV Racing
Mail Stop 100-4C-2D
1919 Torrance Boulevard
Torrance, Ca., 90501
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