From Brand X press

Brand X Yamaha’s Flawless Weekend Leads to 2nd Overall at Barber

LEEDS, Ala. – Ben Walters and Brett Champagne rode the Brand X Yamaha YZF-R1 to second overall and second in Heavyweight Superbike during Saturday’s WERA National Endurance Series race at Barber Motorsports Park, but their riding skills were just a part of the perfect teamwork that made the weekend a success

In only their second year as a team, Brand X has consistently finished on the overall podium, and each weekend has netted better results. Walters and Champagne are both quick to give credit to their crew for the good results at Barber. Army of Darkness veterans Tim Gooding, Sam Fleming and Melissa Berkoff traveled to the Alabama track to act as crew this weekend.

“It’s been an uphill battle all year, but we’ve been improving our riding and we’ve been improving as a team,” said Walters. “We couldn’t have asked for a better race this weekend. The whole crew did an excellent job with out stops and made great calls that made our jobs as riders easy. Thanks to Brett, too. He’s been riding well all year and he’s done a lot for our development.”

“It was a great weekend, just like Summit Point,” agreed Champagne. “We had the quickest pit stops we’ve had all year, so thanks to the crew for such a phenomenal job. It was a great weekend and I’ve got a big smile on my face. I can’t wait until the next race.”

The weekend may have been flawless for Brand X Yamaha, but it was anything but easy. Walters and Champagne each rode two stints in the four-hour race, and during Walters’s second hour on the R1 a light rain began to fall. Champagne took over soon after the rain began, heading out on Michelin slicks since the track wasn’t completely wet yet. As the rain began to fall harder, Champagne had to tip-toe around the slippery circuit without giving up any positions.

Walters rode the final stint on rain tires, and at the checkered flag Brand X was on the same lap as the eventual race winner, and a full lap ahead of third place.

Brand X Yamaha is sponsored by Yamaha, Jamie James Productions, 13x.com, Michelin, Moto-Liberty, Arata, Thrust Company, Motion Pro, Silkolene, TGDRacing.com, Zero Gravity, Ridersurance.com and G2 Ergonomics.

The WERA Grand National Finals at Road Atlanta will wrap up the endurance season next month with a four-hour race on October 10. Keep up with Brand X online at www.BrandX13.com.