Rock Maple Racing suspends 2009 operation of Quad-X ATV Series

Rock Maple Racing suspends 2009 operation of Quad-X ATV Series

DERRY, NH (Mar. 18, 2009) - You don't have to look very far to
see wide-ranging effects from the current economic downturn. Everyone
from major automobile manufacturers down to the smallest companies
have modified their spending habits.
Businesses and industries that rely on discretionary income are
enduring hard times, and that includes every aspect of the motor
sports industry. Retailers of ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles have
seen their lowest sales numbers in many years.
Given these facts, officials from Rock Maple Racing (RMR) have
decided to suspend operations of its Quad-X ATV Series for 2009.
"This was a difficult decision to make," said Rock Maple Racing
president Tara Saxton. "But with the economic situation right now, we
felt it would be tough going in 2009. A lot of folks simply won't have
the funds required to travel and race this year, and we understand.
"When we first tested the waters in ATV racing back in the fall
of 2006, response was positive. We had two great seasons of
competition in 2007 and 2008, but late last summer we could see
participation starting to fall off. As much as we enjoyed ATV racing,
the time has come to step back and allow our struggling economy to
recover."
Rock Maple Racing's Quad-X series would not have been
possible without support from a host of great companies. In addition
to Can-Am ATVs by BRP, RMR would also like to thank Dodge, Bickford's
Sport Center; Dasilva Motorsports; Ingles Performance; CDB
Motorsports; Scott USA; PowerMadd; New England Racing Fuel; Quad
Graphics and Rick's Motorsports Electrics. Your support of organized
ATV racing was greatly appreciated.
From late 2006 until the 2008 season was completed, RMR's
Quad-X series competed at a variety of respected motocross tracks
across the northeast, including Hemond's MX Park in Minot, Maine;
Twister Valley in Fort Plain, NY; Thornwood MX in Williamstown, NY;
River's Edge ATV Park in Canaan, NH; Thunder Ridge in South Edmeston,
NY; and Crow Hill Motor Sports Park in Templeton, Massachusetts. RMR
would also like to thank New England Dragway in Epping, NH, for
hosting the Quad-X series in 2008. Blessed with great tracks as host
sites, Rock Maple had an advantage when setting up its ATV circuit.
Riders from across the northeast participated in the Quad-X
series during its three-year existence. Class champions from 2007
(first full season with points awarded) include James Handy (Pro
Unlimited); Freddy Kiefer (Pro Am Unlimited); Brian Daigle (A
Unlimited); Steffan Dager (B Unlimited); and Brad Burbine (C
Unlimited).
In 2008, RMR spilt the Quad-X series into two divisions (East
and West) to reduce travel expense for teams chasing points. Some
class champions from the 2008 season include Luke Marois (Pro
Unlimited East); Andrew Ruel (C Unlimited East & West); Justin
Chamberland (Open Amateur East); Dale Robinson (Open Amateur West);
David Livingston (16-24 Unlimited East); and Bruce Gaspardi (16-24
Unlimited West).
Rock Maple Racing is now completing its 17th consecutive season
of regional snocross competition. All that remains is the West series
finale March 28-29 at the Peek N' Peak ski area in Findley Lake, NY,
and the Central series finale on April 4-5 at Windham Mountain in
Windham, New York. For more information, please visit
www.rockmaple.com.