AMA Pirelli Formula Xtreme: Stroud Wins Championship
17 September 1997
R97109 September 15, 1997 For Immediate Release STROUD CROWNED AS FIRST CHAMP OF PIRELLI FORMULA XTREME SERIES WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- New Zealander Andrew Stroud, 29, has locked up the championship in the AMA's Pirelli Formula Xtreme Road Racing Series with one race still remaining in the '97 season. Stroud's Aug. 31 victory at Sears Point Raceway gave him a 39-point lead over his nearest competitor. With a maximum 36 points available to a rider in the Oct. 5 series finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Stroud has the title clinched regardless of the outcome. The Pirelli Formula Xtreme Series, as part of the MBNA Superbike Series, features street-based, big-bore motorcycles available through U.S. retail dealers. Races are 60 kilometers in length with top speeds in excess of 170 mph. Stroud has had an extraordinary year in the premier season of the Pirelli Formula Xtreme class. He rode his Erion Racing Honda CBR900 to victory in six of the first eight races, and finished second in the other two. Stroud is one of the most versatile riders competing in AMA Pro Racing. He began his career in New Zealand in 1988, eventually claiming their Superbike championship in 1991 and 1995. Stroud also has competed in the World Road Racing Grand Prix Championship, the World Superbike Championship, and the World Endurance Championship. He has become well known for riding the exotic Britten motorcycle in international competition. Stroud broke into AMA Pro Racing in 1992, initially competing in the 600cc and 750cc SuperSport classes. In 1996, he was hired by Erion Racing, and ended the season ranked sixth in the 600cc SuperSport Series. This year, he has competed exclusively in the Pirelli Formula Xtreme Series. -30- Contact: Bill Nordquist Phone: (614) 891-2425 Fax: (614) 891-7368 Connie Fleming American Motorcyclist Association Public Relations Administrator http://www.ama-cycle.org 614-891-2425, ext. 258