Safety First Suzuki rolled into Laguna with confidence as Bobby Fong continues to mature and improve every weekend with a crew that is firing on all cylinders. Team owner, Kevin Hanson, gave his perspective on the weekend. “What a great weekend! We finished today where no one expected us to finish in the ultra-competitive Supersport class. It was actually kind of nice heading to tech after the race and getting torn down. The truth though is that Bobby has improved and ran closer to the front every weekend this season. He just got a little overzealous at times and hit the ground in some races. I’m so proud of him for how he rode in the Supersport race. He showed the maturity of a veteran AMA racer, not an impatient 17 year old. After qualifying on the second row, he got a great start and ran the entire race dicing for a podium finish. He was relaxed during the race and didn’t ride over his head. Heck, fter the race he was barely sweating! He’s come a long way this year and worked hard on his diet and conditioning and I can’t thank my crew enough for all of their hard work. I’ve got a great bunch of guys that are really dedicated, but have a lot of fun every weekend. I get to show up to the races and hangout and just stay out of their way. I think my biggest concern during the race weekend is what are we having for lunch,” joked Hanson.

“I know Gabor wanted a better result this weekend after finishing in the top ten at the last race,” commented Hanson. “However, Gabor has never been to Laguna and I think after finishing 15th with an extremely small amount of track time, he achieved a very respectable result,” stated Hanson.

Bobby Fong Supersport: Qualified 5th, Finished 5th

“I rode a really smart and mature race. I think I possibly could have made a gutsy last lap braking pass to get by Eslick and Rapp for a podium. The old Bobby would have stuffed it in their hoping it was going stick, but the new Bobby was just trying to be patient and wait. I was kind of hanging out until the end of the race waiting for them to take each other out or make a mistake, but it didn’t happen. I just wanted to make sure I got a good finish and bring it home for my guys who have been working really hard,” commented Fong.

“The bike was setup perfect this weekend. I know some people have been complaining that the track is bumpier this year, however I didn’t feel any bumps out there. We made a small rear spring change in the last practice session to the bike which helped it come off the corners a little better. However, we really haven’t changed anything on the bike since Fontana. I think we’ve got a really good package with the Pirelli’s, Traxxion Gas Cartridge forks and Penske shocks that soak up everything and Mark Junge building some wicked fast motors. I just keep trying to focus on my riding by staying relaxed and learning more every weekend. I’m really stoked about finishing 5th this weekend though!” exclaimed Fong.

Gabor Rizmayer Supersport: Qualified 16th, Finished 15th

I’m not very happy with my result. The track was good, but difficult because not enough track time. I’m very happy with my team and how well they are working together. I’ve seen a big change in everyone working together as a team since I was here last at Barber. I’m looking forward to returning at VIR and getting more track time to learn all of the tracks the rest of year,” stated Rizmayer.

Safety First Suzuki heads to Mid Ohio for the next AMA event. Gabor Rizmayer logs more frequent flyer mileage and heads back to Germany to compete in the German Championship.

Safety First Racing was formed in 2004 by police officer/racer, Kevin Hanson, based out of Chicago, IL.  For 2008, Safety First Suzuki will be competing in the Supersport class in the AMA Superbike series Checkoutt www.SAFETYFIRSTRACING.com to see the latest line of apparel and performance products from Safety First Racing. Kevin Hanson continues to give away Bell bicycle helmets to elementary school children nationwide and educate children about the importance of helmet usage.