Team Yoshimura Suzuki's Ben Spies Captures His First AMA Formula Xtreme Championship

BREA, Calif., Sept. 22 -- American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) today announced that Yoshimura Suzuki's Ben Spies won the 2003 AMA Formula Xtreme Championship at the final round of the AMA Superbike Championship Series at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala., on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2003.

"I can't believe this is happening," enthused Spies. "I was just hoping to win a few races -- I never thought I would win the championship right off the bat. But I have to thank my Yoshimura Suzuki crew for being so supportive and working so hard all year. I also have to thank Suzuki for giving me such an awesome bike as the 2003 Suzuki GSX-R1000."

This year not only marks the 19-year-old's first season riding for Yoshimura Suzuki, but 2003 was also Spies' first season as a factory-supported rider. Even so, Spies began the season with a bang by winning the first round of AMA Formula Xtreme at California Speedway in Fontana, Calif. Spies finished the 10-event season with five wins.

"Suzuki is so proud of Ben for riding his Suzuki GSX-R1000 to the Formula Xtreme Championship," said Mel Harris, vice president of Suzuki's motorcycle/ATV division. "For a rider to be so successful in his rookie season is truly a great achievement. Our congratulations go out to Ben and his family and the whole Yoshimura Suzuki squad."

For further information, please contact: Mark Reese of American Suzuki Motor Corp., +1-714-996-7040, ext. 2262; or Wendy Black of PainePR, +1-714-608-2364, for American Suzuki Motor Corp.