The Kahuna Kawasaki endurance team kicked off its season with round one of the WERA National Endurance series at Roebling Road from March 14-15. Armed with a pair of Kawasaki ZX-6Rs and much anticipated enthusiasm to escape the Canadian winter, the team headed south to beautiful Savannah, Georgia for the event. 

The Canadian contingent of the team arrived at Roebling late Wednesday evening to begin set-up and preparation. Riding for Kahuna Kawasaki would be Parts Canada Superbike and RACE Regional competitors Vicki Schouten and Sean Huffman. North Carolina resident and AMA Superbike commentator, Greg White, who was initially scheduled to race the season opener, was unable to race due to another opportunity preventing him from racing. Sean Huffman therefore joined the team to replace White for the opener, while Greg and his wife, Stephanie, were on hand to provide much needed pit crew support to the team.

A total of 29 teams were entered into the field, with nine teams contesting the Middleweight Superstock category. While this was the first endurance race for both Schouten and Huffman, both riders appreciated the tremendous advice from seasoned veteran and team mate Greg White. 

Schouten started the race and was well positioned on her Kawasaki ZX-6R among the field of both Novice and Expert riders on varying types of motorcycles. Schouten managed to complete the first 50 minutes, achieving some personal best laptimes, before the fuel light on the ZX-6R indicated it was time to pit in and re-fuel. The crew then refuelled and Huffman was on his way. Unfortunately, after only about 3 laps, Huffman was involved in an incident with another rider coming into the last turn before the front straightaway. Huffman was forced off the racetrack and went for a rather nasty tumble into the outfield. He was transported to medical area, having suffered a concussion, bruised ribs and sore spine. Huffman would not be able to complete the remainder of the race.

The crew, comprised of Brad Clarke, Greg White and Dave Shirley quickly tried to repair the damaged ZX-6R in order that Schouten could continue the race. Eventually it was deemed more effective if Schouten switched to her back-up Kawasaki ZX-6R. The rules of the WERA Endurance series allow for riders to switch to a second frame or motorcycle, however all prior laps are then lost and the team essentially starts with zero laps once they enter a second motorcycle. Schouten rode hard and managed to pull off consistent laps for the remaining 2.5 hours of the race. However, despite Schouten’s solid effort, the team had to settle for ninth position in their category.  The additional seat time must have paid off for Schouten, however, who managed two top ten finishes in the 600 and Superbike sprint races on Sunday.

 

Overall it was a positive experience for team Kahuna Kawasaki’s introduction to endurance racing. With so many teams and skill levels on the racetrack at one time, endurance racing really requires that riders pay attention at all times. There are so many opportunities to practice passing and race lines and it is always good to try and hang with stronger and faster riders.

The team is expected to compete in more select events throughout the WERA Endurance series, including the GNF at Road Atlanta in October. 

Team Kahuna Kawasaki would like to thank their sponsors for all of the help and support we have received for the 2008 season. Thanks to Canadian Kawasaki Motors, Kahuna Powersports, Accelerated Technologies, Compulsion Racing, Bell Helmets, Arai Helmets, Performance Under Gear, Komodo Gear, Alpinestars, Vortex, Giro and Bickle Racing.