Charleston, SC – Feb 2008 -- Millennium/KWS Suzuki sponsored by Suzuki of Orangeburg is proud to announce its participation in the 2008 AMA Superbike and Superstock series with rider Ben Thompson. Millennium/KWS Suzuki will compete on 2008 Suzuki GSX-R1000’s with support from Dunlop tires.

Millennium Technologies will be retuning for the eighth consecutive year as the title sponsor. The world renowned cylinder repair company based in Plymouth, WI has been an integral part of the team’s success. “Ben is a tremendous talent and we are very excited to be working with him this year.” said Millennium Technologies owner Chris Hackl.

Suzuki of Orangeburg is new to the team for 2008 and is stepping up to provide the Suzuki GSX-R1000’s and parts the team needs to compete. Suzuki of Orangeburg is a four line dealer that has been in business for over 35 years. They have recently added the Suzuki brand to their line up and are excited about getting involved in professional racing with the Suzuki GSX-R1000. “I have known Kevin Hunt for over 20 years and KWS’s reputation is second to none” said Suzuki of Orangeburg owner George Wells. “Suzuki makes the best selling sport bikes in the world and what better way to promote our Suzuki franchise than to go racing with the legendary GSX-R1000.”

Pit Bull and LeoVince are retuning as team technical partners along with Bazzaz Performance, K&N Filters, and Sebimoto Bodywork. “We rely on our technical partners to give us a competitive edge over the competition” said crew chief Michael Godin. “Companies like VP Fuels, GP Tech, EK Chains, Web Cams, Wiseco, Performance Friction and BG Lubricants are invaluable in helping us develop race bikes capable of getting Ben to the front.”

Twenty-four year old Ben Thompson will be joining the team full time this year. Ben rode for Millennium/KWS Suzuki twice last year filling in for 2007 team riders John Haner and David Weber. At the VIR AMA round Ben was able to race to a top ten in Superstock and at the WERA Grand National Finals Ben won two races including the prestigious Suzuki GSX-R1000 Cup Championship.     

Ben Thompson – “I'm ecstatic to be given the opportunity to ride for the Millennium/KWS Suzuki team. They have the same goals, work ethic, and desire to win that I do and I can't wait for the season to get underway. KWS builds impressively strong motors and with Dunlop tires and Ohlins suspension, I think we have a winning package. I've been working so hard for so many years to get to this point. I began working with Coach Seiji Ishii this off season and he has helped me an unbelievable amount with my training and endurance. I really need to thank Kevin Hunt, Chip Spalding, Chris Hackl, and Suzuki. I also need to thank my parents, K&N Filters, LeoVince, Fieldsheer, Puma Boots, Dunlop, Bell Helmets and ESP for all of their help over the past few years in getting me this far.”

Kevin Hunt (Team Owner) – “We looked long and hard at our team structure over the off season and decided to take a different direction with things. We have been a multi-rider team for the last five years and it has stretched us very thin. We decided to focus all our resources behind one rider and we believe that Ben is the rider to get the job done. Racing is about people and I am fortunate to have some of the best. Chip Spalding is returning as team manager and Michael Godin is returning as the crew chief. We will also have Greg Walker and Dustin Cyr flying into the events to support Chip and Michael. These guys work harder than anybody in the paddock and I am proud to have them on my team.” 

Millennium/KWS Suzuki is proudly sponsored by:

Millennium Technologies, American Suzuki, Suzuki of Orangeburg, Dunlop Tires, Pit Bull, LeoVince Exhaust, K&N Filters, GP Tech, Galespeed, Active, Bazzaz Performance, Sebimoto, Yoyodyne, Ohlins, VP Fuels, EK Chains, Wiseco Pistons, BG Lubricants, Webcam, Performance Friction Brakes, Shock Doctor, Worldwide Bearing, Zero Gravity, XT Racing, APE, CTR Suspensions, Chicken Hawk Racing, Hel Brake Lines

For Information:  http://www.kwsracing.com

From KWS Racing press