Historic British Motorcycle
Venerated British brand CCM is set to make a splash at the U.S. Grand Prix (USGP) at the historic Glen Helen Raceway on May 29-30th as the best motocross racers in the world come to Southern California for the sixth round of the MX1/MX2 World Championships.
"We are looking forward to competing and the USGP at Glen Helen," says CCM Director Austin Clews from the company’s headquarters in the U.K. "Hopefully we can rekindle awareness with fans from the old days and build a fire with the current crop of motocross racers."
CCM began its return to top level GP racing with new team three years ago. "Year one was development, year two was to give ourselves a target of top 5 in the British MX1 and top 15 in the GPs," explains Clews. "We achieved both of those goals, along with a few top 10 placings in the GPs and a few seconds in the British series. For 2010 our target is to win the British, were we are currently 2nd, just 8 points away from the leader."
Old school GP fans may remember the sounds of John Banks booming 4-stroke CCM echoing around the old USGP track in Carlsbad back in the day, but Clews notes that new CCM is a thoroughly modern MX machine. "The CMX 450 is powered by a DOHC 5-valve 449cc four-stroke in CCM’s proprietary chassis." CCM’s reputation has been based on the handling delivered by its high-tech frame and Clews claims the 2010 model is the best yet. "Our lightweight aluminum CNC-machined link-bond technology enables us to offer a weldless, bonded chassis." The trick frame is merged with a one-piece carbonfiber rear subframe/airbox combo.
These CCM works bikes have been put in the hands of top level British racers Stephen Sword and Tom Church on the GP circuit. "We believe TC has the capability to win and he has shown us that he has raised his game over the winter," says team manager David Thorpe. "TC has also been working hard to develop improved suspension set-ups and improved engine power along with a lighter chassis. Stephen Sword has joined the team for the new season and is also very capable of winning the British title in 2010. He has been working hard over the winter and is ready to do battle on the new CCM 450."
As a three-time World 500cc GP champ, Thorpe is well qualified as to judge the talent level of his team and also comment on the return of the USGP. "I did Carlsbad, I did Glen Helen and also Hollister Hills… I even won a moto there. From a rider’s point of view, its good to race the USGP and show what they can do. Obviously it is nice for the team and the company to be seen in America," adds Thorpe.
"In the GPs our target is top 10, and we would like to well at the USGP," concludes Clews. There is even some talk of negotiations for a U.S.-based wildcard rider to join the CCM team… stay tuned!