Team Yoshimura Suzuki's Mat Mladin Wins Unprecedented Sixth AMA Superbike Championship

BRASELTON, Ga., Sept. 4 -- American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) is proud to announce that Team Yoshimura Suzuki's Mat Mladin captured his third record-breaking AMA Superbike Championship by clinching his sixth Superbike title at the final round of the 10-round series at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga., on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2005.

"It's been a good run for us over the season," said Mladin. "Yoshimura Suzuki helped us out by delivering a motorcycle that is just amazing and that made it easier to win a championship. Also, my crew has worked extremely hard this year to come up with a good race set-up. I can't say enough about my guys and about the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000."

The 33-year-old Australian started the season strong by immediately taking the points lead after winning the season-opening round of AMA Superbike at Daytona. Mladin continued to win races and led the points chase for the entire year. Mladin finished the season with a total 11 wins -- which breaks the AMA's record for most Superbike wins in a season -- and a total 43 career wins. Furthermore, Mladin is the first to capture every AMA Superbike pole position in a single season. These 10 poles bring his career total to 47.

"Mat just continues to surprise us," said Mel Harris, ASMC Vice President Motorcycle/ATV Division. "He is one of the most talented and driven racers I've ever known or had the pleasure to work with. This sixth championship also speaks volumes on how good the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R line is and is the perfect way to celebrate 20 years of GSX-R with our customers."

Mladin's five previous AMA Superbike titles came aboard the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 in 2004 and 2003, and aboard the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R750 in 2001, 2000 and 1999.