BLAKE YOUNG SIGNS WITH TEAM M4 EMGO SUZUKI

Motorcycle racer Blake Young has signed a 2008-2009 contract with Team Hammer, Inc., which races as Team M4 EMGO Suzuki in the AMA Superbike Series. Young, a promising rising talent on the AMA scene, will compete in the AMA Superstock and Supersport classes in 2008. The contract includes an option for the 2010 season.

"I'm really excited. I'm ready to take what I've learned so far in racing and apply it for this team, and continue to grow as a racer," said Young. "The team has a good reputation at the track and it's a great opportunity for me. I have the utmost respect for the M4 EMGO Suzuki mechanics and look forward to working with Barry McMahan and Michael Tjon in 2008. I've been lucky to work with some great crews in the past and I'm looking forward to being on a high caliber team. Thanks to American Suzuki and M4 EMGO Suzuki for having faith in me. I'm ready to take the next step forward in my career. I hope this year is a big learning year for me."

Young, 20 years old, has three years experience on the AMA tour. The resident of Madison, Wisconsin won the AMA Road Race Horizon Award in 2005.

"It's exciting for the team to work with some of the good young talent coming through the ranks," said M4 EMGO Suzuki Crew Chief Keith Perry. "We noticed how Blake improved over the course of the 2007 season. The race on the big bike at Miller showed us a lot, that he could run up front and push hard. We thought he really made a jump in his competitiveness this year.

"We're glad to be working with Blake and Cory West next season, in addition to Martin Cardenas. Martin already showed everyone what he can do when he fought for wins and podiums on our bikes. With the young guys, we're going to give them the best machines we can and see what they can do. We think both will continue to develop as racers and take the next step in competitiveness."

Young and the rest of the team will test at Daytona in December.

Young and West replace Geoff May and Michael Beck on the team, respectively, while Cardenas replaced injured Michael Barnes. The team thanks all three departing riders for their efforts and wishes them well in their future endeavors.