EP Racing Is Now Powersports Outlet Racing (PSO Racing)
Prescott AZ, March 2010: Encore Performance has moved to a bigger retail location and have started to do business as Powersports Outlet. The move was a good fit for the company and aligns themselves with their new website PowersportsOutlet.com. As the main sponsor for Matt Kellerman on his Hyosung GT650R, the race team will be become Powersports Outlet Racing (PSO Racing) beginning at the next event on April 18th in Phoenix AZ.
PSO Racing currently leads the Lightweight Class in the CCS Southwest (Roadrace Southwest) series after 3 events. PSO Racing would like to thank all of it's sponsors; Hyosung.Biz, Hyosung Motors USA, Korider.Com, Dunlop, EBC, LSL, Sprocket Specialists and BMC Filters, for all their support throughout the year. If you are interested in sponsoring the premier Hyosung mounted team next year, give them a call.
PSO Racing is based out of Prescott, AZ and have been racing the Hyosung GT650R since 2006. They have achieved multiple victory's, countless podium finishes, a LW GT title, and other honors, in both the CCS, and SMRI race series. For more information you can contact the team at 928-778-7910 or email: shop@epfguzzi.com
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EP Racing Continues Winning Ways On Their GT 650R
Firebird Raceway, Phoenix AZ, Feb. 7, 2010: EP racing came into the weekend looking to continue their win streak and build upon their lead in all the CCS Southwest Lightweight Classes. The weather was not looking good for the weekend though, as the team awoke to a soaking wet track on Sunday morning. The rain had stopped by the first practice and it looked as if the clouds might clear out, so the team elected to keep the rain tires in the trailer and skip the first practice session. It turned out to be the right call for the team as the sun peeked out and started to dry the track quickly.
Matt took the Hyosung GT 650R out on a damp but drying track for the second practice and concentrated on testing the limits of the tires in the cold conditions. As usual, the Dunlops provided by Jim Cox Racing were up to the task and performing well. One of the teams' main competitors for the weekend, Jon Glaefke, found the limit of adhesion with his rear tire and damaged his custom Ducati coming onto the front straight. Jon was un-injured and was looking to get the bike running in time for the races, but couldn't find the parts needed to make it happen.
By the time the flag dropped for the first race it was partly cloudy skies and the track was almost completely dry. The race started the same as the last race meeting, with Kerry Alter getting the holeshot, only to be passed on the first lap by Matt on the GT650. Matt never looked back and claimed another victory for the team.
The 2nd and 3rd races were almost a repeat of the first. Although, it was now becoming clear that a “young gun” by the name of Rocco Horvath, was quickly learning his way in his first season of racing and getting faster each race. By the 4th race of the day Rocco was able to beat Kerry for 2nd place and will soon be setting his sights on Matt and his Hyosung GT.
Overall, it was another successful weekend for the team as they were able to win all four of their races and increase their lead in the Lightweight Championship to 83 points. The team maintained their perfect record this season in CCS with a total of 8 wins in 8 races. Next race for the team is on March 21st at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix AZ.
EP Racing would like to thank all of its sponsors, PowersportsOutlet.com, Hyosung.Biz, Hyosung Motors USA, Jim Cox Racing, Dunlop tires, EBC, Silkolene, and Pit Bull for making such a great weekend possible. The EP Race team is looking forward to a very successful 2010. If you are interested in the unique sponsorship opportunities the team can provide your company don't hesitate to call.
EP Racing is based out of Prescott, AZ and have been racing the Hyosung GT650R since 2006. They have achieved multiple victory's, countless podium finishes, a LW GT title, and other honors, in both the CCS, and SMRI race series. For more information you can contact the team at 928-778-7910 or email: shop@epfguzzi.com
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Encore Performance Racing Starts New Year With Multiple Wins
Firebird Raceway, Phoenix AZ, Jan. 17, 2010: The new year brings a new hope and a general sense of optimism for most people, and the beginning of 2010 was no different for the EP Race team and their Hyosung GT 650R. A fuel injected engine arrived over the short winter break and spirits were high that the new powerplant would help propel the team to the top step of the podium. However, as with most new projects, you have to jump a few hurdles to get to the finish line and this one was no different. It requires many additional components to switch from a carbureted engine to a fuel injected engine and as the first race weekend of the year drew near it became apparent that the swap would not be done in time. Undeterred the team went into the weekend knowing they would give it their all and hope for the best, after all it is a new year!
It looked like it might rain on Sunday, but the forecast predicted it would hold off until Monday and for once the weatherman would finally be right, as it stayed dry all weekend. The sun peeked out off and on throughout the day and pushed the temperatures into the low 70's, not a bad day for racing. The team had skipped Saturday practice and waited until the second session to hit the track Sunday morning. With new Dunlop 211's spooned on by Jim Cox Racing, the bike was feeling good and the grip provided, even on the cold track, was outstanding. The optimism returned and the EP Race team was looking forward to a great day of racing.
Usually, each race has a different ebb and flow to it. Sometimes the results are the same, but how you get there can be dramatically different. This weekend was different, as each race for the team was eerily similar. Matt Kellerman (#63) did not get the best starts and found himself behind Kerry Alter on the #21 SV 650 going into turn one of each race. Matt followed the #21 around the track for a lap or two, judging where best to set up his pass. He was able to pass Kerry in each race and then set a couple of quick laps to pull a comfortable gap. All four races for the team seemed nearly identical, and the EP Race team was able to sweep the weekend and bring home 1st place in all four classes (Lightweight Superbike, Lightweight GP, Thunderbike, and Ultra Lightweight Superbike).
This was the first race win for the team since Las Vegas in 2006 and they were ecstatic to be back on the top step and start the 2010 season on such a high note. The team looks forward to being back on the track on February 6th in Phoenix AZ. EP Racing would like to thank all of its sponsors, PowersportsOutlet.com, Hyosung.Biz, Hyosung Motors USA, Jim Cox Racing, Dunlop tires, EBC, Silkolene, and Pit Bull for making such a great weekend possible. The EP Race team is looking forward to a very successful 2010. If you are interested in the unique sponsorship opportunities the team can provide your company don't hesitate to call.
EP Racing is based out of Prescott, AZ and have been racing the Hyosung GT650R since 2006. They have achieved multiple victory's, countless podium finishes, a LW GT title, and other honors, in both the CCS, and SMRI race series. For more information you can contact the team at 928-778-7910 or email: shop@epfguzzi.com
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EP Racing Wraps up 3rd Overall
Firebird Raceway, Phoenix AZ, Nov. 15th 2009: The final race weekend of the season had its ups and downs for the EP Race team. Coming into the weekend they were looking to wrap up 3rd in all the Lightweight Classes aboard their Hyosung GT650R. The sun was out and the temperature was in the mid 70's, however, a brief rainstorm the day before had cleaned off the track, leaving it with a little less grip than usual. The most important race of the day for the team was the Thunderbike race, where Matt Kellerman (EP Racing) was tied with Kerry Alter for third place. Whoever finished ahead of the other would take third for the season.
Race 1 ULWSB – Changes to the rules this year has allowed the 650's to run in the Ultra Lightweight Superbike class, so the team used it as an opportunity to get in some laps, having missed practice on Saturday. The race got off to a good start and saw the GT650 take 2nd into turn 1. Matt finished the race in that position and was ready for the afternoon races.
Race 2 LWSB – This race saw a larger grid and Kellerman was shuffled back to 4th heading through turn 1. Matt was closing the gap to 3rd on the tight back section of the track, but couldn't close on the long ½ mile straight. A few mistakes on Lap 4 caused him to lose touch with the leaders and the team finished the race in a solitary 4th place.
Race 3 Thunderbike - The important race of the day for the team got off to a good start as Matt got past Kerry into Turn 1 and into third place. Trying to make a pass on Lap 2 however, Kellerman took the GT650 too deep into Turn 1 and he ran off into the dirt. Luckily, he was able to keep the bike upright and get back on track. The team had lost three positions and Alter was back in front. Matt put his head down and was able to re-pass all three bikes. Matt finished third, and ahead of Kerry Alter, giving the team 3rd for the year.
Race 4 LWGP - After pushing hard in the Thunderbike race, the team just settled into their own pace and ran a lonely race to 4th to wrap up the weekend and the season.
Although the weekend did not produce the best results for the team, they were able to accomplish their goals of finishing 3rd in every class, as well as 3rd overall in the Lightweight Division. Matt was also able to score enough points for a top 10 season overall. That's top 10 amongst all experts in the CCS Southwest series!!
Next year will see the team running a Fuel Injected GT650R! This should help close the small gap to the front runners and help the Hyosung reach the top spot on the podium. EP Racing will contest the CCS Southwest series as well as select WERA West, and SMRI races. EP racing would like to thank all of it's sponsors; Hyosung.Biz, Hyosung Motors USA, Korider.Com, Dunlop, EBC, LSL, Sprocket Specialists and BMC Filters, for all their support throughout the year. If you are interested in sponsoring the premier Hyosung mounted team next year, give them a call.
EP Racing is based out of Prescott, AZ and have been racing the Hyosung GT650R since 2006. They have achieved multiple victory's, countless podium finishes, a LW GT title, and other honors, in both the CCS, and SMRI race series. For more information you can contact the team at 928-778-7910 or email: shop@epfguzzi.com
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EP Racing Takes 2nd Aboard the Hyosung GT 650R
Firebird Raceway, Phoenix, Oct. 4th, 2009 – It was a windy weekend at the tight and technical West Track in Phoenix, yet Matt Kellerman (#63) was able to stay on the bike for three more podium finishes. Entering Round 7 of the CCS Southwest Series, EP Racing was looking to move up to third in the standings for Thunderbike as well as claiming Third Overall in the Lightweight Division. Happily both goals were accomplished with EP Racing taking a weekend best of 2nd in the Thunderbike race.
The bike was running great after last months fixes, so the only modification made for the race was a new paint job to make the Hyosung GT650R stand out on the track and help highlight our sponsors. The team received many compliments on the bike throughout the weekend, and as the pictures show, the bike looks great at speed!
Race 1: Matt was a little late getting out for the warm-up lap, which led to a bad start at the drop of the green flag. He was able to hold on to the back of the two bikes in front for half the race, but on lap 5 he could no longer shift through his gears. Matt had to retire from the race and found the culprit to be a missing footpeg bracket bolt. Not the best way to start the day but with the addition of a new bolt the team was ready for the next race.
Race 2: LW Superbike saw the winds really start to pickup and some dust starting settle on the track. Another rough start saw Matt slotted into 4th into Turn 1. The bike in front ridden by Kerry Alter (#21) was a heavily worked SV650 that rocketed out of the corners. Matt would bring his GT right behind number 21 into the corners only to see his work lost as Kerry used his power advantage to pull away on the short straights. #63 was finally able to pass Alter on Lap 5 and immediately started to pull a big gap. But it was too little too late as the front runners had already pulled away. Matt brought it home in 3rd.
Race 3: Thunder bike started nearly the same as LW Superbike yet this time the Hyosung was 3rd into turn 1. This time Matt was able to get past Kerry on Lap 2 and set off after Dustin who was in the lead. The wind was kicking up some serious dust at this point and halfway through the lap a sand storm blew across the track, knocking the visibility down to near zero. Matt said “I couldn't see 2 feet in front of me at one point, so I just held the throttle open and hoped I didn't run out of asphalt!” The GT650R weathered the storm and brought it home in 2nd.
At the end of the weekend EP Racing and the GT650R have moved into a tie for 3rd in Thunderbike, and have moved into 3rd overall for all the Lightweight Classes. EP Racing would like to thank all of its sponsors, PowersportsOutlet.com, Hyosung Motors USA, Hyosung.Biz, Dunlop, EBC, BMC, LSL, and Puig for another successful weekend.
Next month will see the team and their GT650R return to the Main track for the 8th and Final race of the season. The event is scheduled for the weekend of November 14 - 15, 2009. For more information log on to Roadrace Southwest.
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EP Racing Claims Three Podiums On Their Hyosung GT 650R
Firebird Raceway, Phoenix, Sept. 13, 2009 – Under HOT and sunny skies Matt Kellerman was able to take his Hyosung GT 650R to three, third place finishes during the 6th round of the CCS Roadrace Southwest Series in Phoenix, AZ. After a three month summer break when the temperatures were unfit to be outside, much less dressed head to toe in cowhide, the EP Racing team was itching to get back on the track. Coming into round 6 of 8 in the CCS series, EP Racing held onto 3rd place in the Lightweight GP class, and were only 15 points behind 3rd in Lightweight Superbike and Thunderbike.
Thanks to Hyosung USA the team was able to get the bike ready, and better than ever, for the last push of the season. Raceday saw the team switching to Dunlop tires, and this was Matt's first time out on the AMA spec, DOT tire. The first impression was favorable and as the day wore on Matt's confidence grew and the lap times dropped. The turnout was light for the event as the economic hardships have affected everyone from racers to fans alike. All those who weren't there missed out on great races all day long.
Race 1 saw the Hyosung of EP Racing get a good start and slot into fourth place on the first lap. By lap three Matt made his way up to third place but had lost touch with the two leaders. He kept his head down and increased his lead over fourth place by over a second a lap. This made for a solitary but solid race with a great podium finish and a good way to come back from the long summer holiday.
Race 2 was almost a carbon copy of the first. A decent start, but again held up for the first couple of laps saw the leaders break the pack while Matt brought his GT650R home to another third place.
Race 3 was the most exciting of the day with a race long battle against the Buell of Andrew Broughton for second. Once again fourth after the start, Matt quickly made is way up to third and was right on the tail of the second placed rider on his big Buell. The GT650 was definitely quicker on the twisty back section of the track but just couldn't match the top end of the 1300cc Buell on the long ½ mile straight. Matt would bring the Hyosung right on the rear wheel of the Buell on the back section only to watch all the hard work disappear down the straight. On the final lap Matt was able to make the pass in turn two but ran a little wide into turn three and lost the position. Andrew kept his Buell on a tight defensive line for the rest of the lap and was able to hold on to second. It was a bitter pill to sallow for Matt as he knew he could run a faster time than the Buell but just couldn't find a way past. He will surely be out for a little revenge in three weeks time.
At the end of the weekend EP Racing came away with three podium finishes and three trophy's. Thanks to the efforts of the team, Hyosung USA, and Dunlop Tires, Matt Kellerman was able to hold on to his third place in LW GP, as well as move closer to claiming the third spot for LW Superbike, Thunderbike, and the overall Lightweight title.
Next month will see the team and their GT650R return to the West track at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix, AZ for the 7th round of the CCS Roadrace Southwest Series. The event is scheduled for the weekend of October 3-4, 2009. For more information log on to Roadrace Southwest
