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Honda Releases Mickael Pichon

8 June 1999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - American Honda has released Honda Racing Team motocross
rider Mickael Pichon from the remainder of his 1999 racing contract. Mr. Pichon
was notified of his release on Friday, June 4 and he will not be competing in
further races on behalf of the Honda Racing Team.

Mr. Pichon was dismissed for his unprofessional conduct at Round 3 of the AMA
250cc National Motocross Series in Mount Morris, Pennsylvania on May 30. Mr.
Pichon allegedly struck a track official during an altercation that was
witnessed by several people, including Team Honda members.

"Mickael Pichon and Honda had agreed that he would leave the Honda Racing Team
at the end of this season for personal reasons, " said Honda Vice President Ray
Blank. "However," he continued, "this kind of unprofessional conduct is not
condoned by American Honda and we want to say that his behavior is not
representative of Honda in any way whatsoever. We are very sorry that this
situation occurred and we apologize to the AMA, track officials, and the Coombs
family on behalf of Honda."

No further comment is available at this time.