"Our development team took a hard look at rebuilding the program this year, and what it would take to bring the VR 1000 to a competitive level and replace it with a new design. Harley-Davidson has determined the resources required to do that are simply too costly to pursue given our other business priorities," said Director of Racing John Baker.

The VR 1000 Superbike racing program helped Harley-Davidson develop and refine technologies such as liquid-cooling and electronic fuel injection. The program also led to the development Harley-Davidson's first production liquid-cooled motorcycle, the VRSCA V-Rod, which was introduced this summer.

Despite memorable performances in the 8-year history of Harley-Davidson's Superbike racing program, including a pole position in 1996, and podium finishes by Pascal Picotte as recently as 1999, Harley-Davidson has concluded the VR 1000 is at the end of its development cycle and is no longer competitive in the AMA Superbike series.

"I'm thankful and proud of the dedicated efforts of our racers, Gemini Racing Technologies, the Harley-Davidson development team and external partners," said Baker. "Hundreds of talented people worked on the VR 1000 Superbike program from its inception. They gave thousands of Harley fans a thrill at racetracks around the country, while teaching the Company a great deal about high performance technology."

Harley-Davidson has competed in various forms of motorcycle racing since 1914, winning countless races and championships at the national and world level. The company will continue to field a factory team in U.S. national dirt track events. Harley-Davidson also plans to enter the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drag racing series with a new effort, the Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock team, which is currently developing a new highly modified race motorcycle for competition.

Superbike Q & A

Why are you quitting AMA Superbike? Didn't Harley-Davidson say it was committed to the success of this program?

Harley-Davidson brought the development program in-house this season and took a hard look at rebuilding the program. The development team researched what it would take to bring the VR 1000 to a competitive level and replace it with a new design. Although it was a difficult decision, Harley-Davidson has determined that the resources required to do that are simply too great to pursue given our other business priorities.

Is H-D's departure from AMA Superbike racing temporary or permanent?

Harley-Davidson Motor Company will not be competing with a factory effort in the AMA Superbike series in 2002 and we have no plans to return. The decision to discontinue Harley-Davidson's Superbike racing program was based on our current business priorities. Should those priorities change, we may reevaluate Superbike racing.

Do you have any plans to compete in World Superbike or Grand Prix?

Harley-Davidson Motor Company has no plans to participate in World Superbike or Grand Prix. The decision to discontinue Harley-Davidson's Superbike racing program was based on our current business priorities. Should those priorities change, we may reevaluate Superbike racing.

What did you learn during your years in Superbike racing?

The VR 1000 Superbike racing program helped Harley-Davidson develop and refine technologies such as liquid-cooling and electronic fuel injection. The program also led to the development Harley-Davidson's first production liquid-cooled motorcycle, the VRSCA V-Rod™, which was introduced this summer.

Do you feel there were any successes in the program?

Yes. There were memorable performances for Harley-Davidson's VR 1000 program, including Chris Carr's pole position and the podium finishes of Tom Wilson and Pascal Picotte. We're really proud of the entire racing team -- the Gemini race crew, the development group, and the racers -- who put their heart and soul into this program. The program also helped us develop and refine technologies such as liquid-cooling and electronic fuel injection.

What will happen to the privateer effort?

There will be no Harley-Davidson VR 1000 racing in the AMA Superbike series in '02, factory or privateer.

What about Pascal's contract? Doesn't he have a couple of seasons left on it?

Pascal has raced and worked his heart out for Harley-Davidson. We have great respect and admiration for his talents as a rider and representative of our company. We have released Pascal from his contract and he will be free to pursue other racing opportunities at the end of the 2001 season.

What do you tell all the fans that support Harley-Davidson and want to see a strong American competitor?

We will tell them that we are proud of the efforts of the racers, race crew, development team and everyone who supported the team, including our loyal fans. Harley-Davidson motorcycles will continue to be winners on the track, and the Company will continue to field a factory effort in U.S. national dirt track racing and plans to enter the NHRA Pro Stock drag racing series with the new Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines team.