Craig Treble returns to Don Schumacher Racing to ride the Valvoline Motorcycle Oils Suzuki in this weekend’s NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series’ Pro Stock Motorcycle season-opener at the 41st annual NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla.
Treble last rode a DSR motorcycle in a limited season in 2008, winning once in one final round and reaching the semifinals two times. Career-wise, he has won 14 national events in 29 final rounds, including two victories in three final rounds in 2009, running his own team.
Longtime DSR Pro Stock Motorcycle crew chief Steve Tartaglia will tune the Valvoline Motorcycle Oils Suzuki.
“I’m thrilled to be back with Schumacher and with Steve Tartaglia,” said Treble, who will relocate from New Orleans to Brownsburg, Ind. “The NHRA has given the Suzukis 100cc’s, which is a huge deal. The way I see it I’m pretty much on the fastest Suzuki in the class, if history repeats itself. And the 100cc’s may be what we need to get a real shot at coming after the V-Twins. They’ve been beating the class up pretty good for the last couple of years.” Matt Smith rode the same Suzuki to one final round in 2009 and was No. 1 qualifier twice, ending the season fourth in the standings on the top Suzuki in the class.
“We’re pleased to have Valvoline Motorcycle Oils come on board to sponsor the Suzuki in the first two races of the 2010 season,” said team owner Don Schumacher. “It will help raise the awareness among motorcycle owners that Valvoline offers a high-quality motorcycle oil that is available in retail auto parts stores. We will continue to pursue other sponsorship for Treble to continue to compete for the rest of 2010.
“It ought to be a very interesting year, to say the least,” added Treble. “We have to come out swinging and kick some butt in the first couple of races. Hopefully we can give Valvoline Motorcycle Oils a good value for their investment. I know we’re going to have a fast bike and Steve is a very smart man.”
“We at Valvoline love racing and love engines of all types - cars, trucks, and certainly motorcycles,” said John Stotz, Valvoline global brands director. “Having Valvoline on and inside Craig’s bike is a great way to remind users of Valvoline motorcycle oil that they’re using the best.
“Being with Don Schumacher Racing in Pro Stock Motorcycle brings together two winners,” Stotz continued. “When it comes to drag racing, DSR is unmatched, and when it comes to motorcycle oil, Valvoline is the number-one brand in retail auto channels. It’s a perfect fit.”
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