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2012 Pro Stock Motorcycle
Last year, NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle newcomer Jerry Savoie turned heads aboard his White Alligator Racing Suzuki by reaching the final round at the esteemed Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, maintaining one of the best average reaction times in the class, and closing out his rookie season perched deservedly in the Full Throttle Series top 10.
With the 2012 season set to kick off in just a few weeks for the two-wheeled competitors in Gainesville, Fla., the amiable alligator farmer from the bayou has a new weapon in the arsenal: a White Alligator Racing Buell.
Mark Peiser (WAR Buell Crew Chief) says: "We aren’t abandoning the Suzuki. Our plan is to run both, whichever bike will work best for the different conditions and different racetracks.
"Our decision to acquire the Buell was based on a couple of things. Number one, we feel like the Buell has an advantage over the Suzuki, and we’ll know for certain once we get deep into it and see what we can do with one. Secondly, I’ve had a whale of a time getting parts for the Suzuki. The S&S parts are just more accessible.
George Smith and Steve Rominski from S&S have been really helpful, along with Derek Churchwell from Star Racing, and with this Buell deal, there is really a family atmosphere in terms of customer support. You know they want you to do well. We’ve got a lot to learn in a short period, but I believe that with this support system, the transition will be a lot easier."
In addition to the team hoping that the double-barrel approach to the new season will put them on a more-even playing field, Savoie, 52, is confident that switching between the bikes will not be an insurmountable task. Savoie hadn’t raced for 30 years before making his NHRA debut aboard the Suzuki last year.
Jerry Savoie says: "I’ve been on all kinds of motorcycles in my life. After proving to myself that I could take on the challenge of riding a Pro Stock Motorcycle, I feel like I can adapt to just about anything. I’m pretty excited – I’m not in the groove yet because I haven’t been down the track on it, but I know that once I make that first pass, I’m going to get the fever."
Savoie will have his chance soon as the team plans to test the week before the 43rd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, March 8-11.
To stay updated on the latest news from WAR Buell, follow them on Twitter @GatorJerryPSM, and like them on on Facebok.
