Chino, CA - Team Suzuki Yoshimura is completing final track testing on the new LT-R450 Suzuki Quads in preparation for the coming season. Both Doug Gust and Jeremiah Jones have been putting countless laps on these awesome new machines developing race settings.
"This new quad is awesome," Digger Doug said during testing at Glen Helen Raceway, "It's as advertised... clearly a new level in quad performance." Doug performed double duties at a recent Glen Helen test day. After heavy rains made the track impassible, Doug hopped on a dozer and helped track personnel cut a rideable path. The likeable Wisconsin racer then hopped onto his LT-R450 for a 35-minute moto.
Jeremiah Jones has been squeezing testing in between taking care of a new baby. "My son is sleeping pretty good through the night now so it's not so bad to come out here and test. At least we had a little time together as a family before testing started up in earnest. I bought a new motor home so I'll be able to be with the family at races this year. That will make it a lot nicer."
Jeremiah was positively scorching the test tracks around California these last few months. He feels confident that he can win this year. "I'm going into the season healthy and this new quad is unreal," Jones said. "Suzuki really did their homework on this thing, it is really fast and handles better then anything I've ever ridden. I can win on this quad for sure."
Team Manager Wayne Hinson feels good going into the new season. The veteran of multiple championship winning teams from Gary Denton to Doug Gust, feels that the LTR is good. "I'm pretty happy with this new quad," said Wayne, "You never know till the first race, but I think we are going to have something really competitive with this new LTR. I am looking forward to the first race to see where we stand."
When asked about how testing has been going, Wayne responded, "Really good. We have a lot of hours on the machine and have not had any significant problems... that's unusual for a new bike." Wayne went on, "We have the suspension sorted out for both riders. They run very different settings but they are both happy at this point. Motor wise we have no issues at all. We were concerned about the fuel injection initially as we had never run anything but carbs. But now, I'll never go back, this EFI works so smooth and easily. We did a lot of testing initially but we keep getting back to the fact that you just get on it and ride. It works awesome!"
The team itself goes into the season much the same as last year. Paul Turner will be twisting wrenches for Doug Gust. Ryan Cox for Jeremiah Jones. John Lawson will also be working on the Gust machines while Billy Griner has been brought in to drive the truck. Wayne Hinson returns as Team Manager while Don Sakakura oversees the entire effort for Yoshimura.
"We have had good feedback so far with this new machine and feel that it will be very competitive." Yoshimura racing boss Sakakura says, "The Suzuki engineers did an excellent job with this unit, and we anticipate good results."
One thing for sure, With Jones and Gust behind the handlebars, the throttle will be used to it's fullest extent.
Acorn Woods Communications 542 Hopmeadow Drive Suite 177 Simsbury, CT 06070 860-653-5300 | 
