Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Bryan Smith Wins Historic Indy Mile
by Jon Crowley on 30/08/10 at 3:27 pm
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Bryan Smith Wins Historic Indy Mile
Irvine, Calif. – Monster Energy/ Werner-Springsteen/ Kawasaki’s Bryan Smith led his Kawasaki to a historic victory on Saturday night as the brand won its first twins race at the prestigious Indy Mile at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. It was nearly a perfect night for Smith and his Kawasaki Ninja® 650 as he was the top qualifier, won his heat race, finished third in the Dash For Cash race, and took the main event win. With the Moto GP in town, the win came in front of an international crowd, making it an even sweeter victory.
Down to the Wire
The main event had fans on their feet as Smith battled back and forth for the lead throughout the 25-lap race, eventually finishing .139 of a second in front of second place. Smith proved the Kawasaki was powerful and competitive enough to battle with the best.
On Top of the World
Coming into the weekend, Smith knew that the Kawasaki would be competitive. After finishing second at the mile race in Springfield last May, the team was confident that Kawasaki could earn its second podium of the season. When the 25 laps were complete, the team was not only standing on the podium, they were on top of it.
Learning Curve
With the Kawasaki coming into the 2010 season as a whole new venture for Smith in the Twins class, the team needed to remain positive through a learning season.
“I saw the potential in the Ninja bike and I wanted to explore it,” said Bill Werner, owner of the team. “Kawasaki has been great to work with as we worked toward being competitive in this very stacked class competing against bikes with over 30 years of development in flat track racing. I knew what we were capable of and I’m happy beyond words about our win tonight.”
Turning Heads
Being the only Kawasaki on the track has turned many fans attention to the Ninja 650. The relatable bike costs vastly less than a standard Twins class race bike, making its appeal in today’s economy even greater.
“The bike that we won on tonight cost less than $6,000 to turn it into a winning race bike,” said Werner. “It’s great to know that there are affordable bikes that can run in this class. Kawasaki does a lot of the leg work giving us a great motorcycle to work with and now we have transformed it into a winner.”
Results
AMA Flat Track
Indiana State Fairgrounds – Indianapolis, Ind.
August 28, 2010
Expert Main Event
1. BRYAN SMITH, MONSTER ENERGY/ WERNER-SPRINGSTEEN/ KAWASAKI
2. Chris Carr, Harley Davidson
3. Kenny Coolbeth Jr., Harley Davidson
4. Jake Johnson, Harley Davidson
5. Sammy Halbert, Harley Davidson
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