Atkins
goes Aprilia for 2006.

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Aprilia USA announces 2006 AMA Supermoto
Team and sponsorship.
New York City, April 24, 2006
Aprilia USA is proud to announce that Atkins Global Management,
LLC will field an Aprilia SXV 550cc in the AMA Unlimited
Class for the 2006 season. Darryl Atkins will be the primary
rider for the team, which will compete in 8 AMA Supermoto
and other non-AMA events this season.
"I am really happy with the support the team has gathered
in the past weeks,” says Atkins, a native of New Zealand. “I
believe our program will offer a lot of exposure in and out
of the sport. We have already had some tests and the bike
is very promising. Having an all new bike and a new team
will be exciting for sure, and we’re looking forward
to meeting the Aprilia and Supermoto fans in the AMA paddock.”
“We are proud to take our place on the grid alongside
other enthusiast-based brands from Europe,” says Mike
Kull, Aprilia USA Vice-President of Marketing. “The
unlimited class featured some of the best racing in 2005,
and 2006 will likely be no different. The professional team,
along with our other off-road activities in 2006 will give
Aprilia a strong entry into the North American off-road market.”
Recent rules changes in the AMA Unlimited Supermoto class
allow the Aprilia SXV 550 V-twin to race alongside European
counterparts KTM, and Husqvarna, in the unlimited class. “We
are satisfied with the 2006 rules addendum allowing the SXV
550 to race in the unlimited class,” says Robert Pandya,
Product manager for Aprilia Off-Road. “We know that
the multi-cylinder format of the SXV is challenging the status
quo, however at this configuration was developed to make
horsepower while reducing maintenance and stock sound emissions.
We hope that 2007 rules changes will also see the SXV 450
racing in the AMA Supermoto Championship class.
”
The SXV 550 is based on a 77-degree v-twin, dry-sump engine,
powered through fuel injection and housed in a unique trellis
frame. Designed to be a flexible and efficient motor, the
design of the engine also greatly reduced service intervals
and wear of thermodynamic components when compared to single-cylinder
machines. MSRP for the SXV 450 is $8399. MSRP for the SXV
550 is $8699. For more information visit www.aprilia-offroad.com.
The Aprilia Racing AMA Supermoto team is sponsored by; Aprilia
USA, Abandon Wines, Parts Unlimited, Thor, Alpinestars, Scott,
Blue Lizard sunscreen, BOZ Bros, Race Tech, Asterisk, Dunlop,
Acerbis, Beringer Brakes, East Coast Wheels, Regina, Renthal,
Mechanix wear, Works Connection, STM, K&N Filters, and
Suzuka Tire warmers.
About Aprilia
Founded in 1962, Aprilia entered the motorcycle sector in
1968. Based in Noale (Venice, Italy), the company has factories
in Noale and Scorzè. Since December 30, 2004, Aprilia
is 100% part of the Piaggio Group. With 26 motorcycling world
championship titles under its belt, Aprilia is the only European
manufacturer to have a full range of products, from 50cc
scooters to over-1000cc motorcycles, sold under the Aprilia
and Scarabeo brands. The integration of the Piaggio and Aprilia
Groups has led to the creation of the biggest two-wheeler
manufacturer in Europe and one of the world's leading groups
in the sector, with an annual production capacity of over
610,000 vehicles, 6,000 employees and 7 factories worldwide.
Aprilia USA's 120 dealerships offer a full line of performance
motorcycles and scooters, as well as electric bicycles. For
information on Aprilia's complete model line, visit the company's
website at www.apriliausa.com.
Robert Pandya
Aprilia Product Manager, Off-Road
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