Buchanan: Team WBR Suzuki summary

Team WBR Suzuki Holds Sipes out of Red Bud

Buchannan, MI -- July 3, 2006 -- Ryan Sipes was expected to rejoin his Team WBR Suzuki teammates this last Sunday at the Red Bud Track 'n Trail event. Sipes has been on the sidelines since January with two consecutive injuries.

During a last minute practice session before the event, it was determined that Sipes was not going to be able to race as strongly as anticipated. After much discussion, it was decided to prevent further injury, the young rider should wait until the Unadilla event.

Ryan Morais was finally physically healthy enough to tip in to the Motocross season for the first time this year. He was looking great in the qualifier -- riding really fast and placing fourth. Teammate Brian Gray also qualified for the main in 11th place.

Morais was taken out in the first moto when he crossed paths with his teammate Brian Gray as Gray was trying to pass him. Their lines converged and down went Morais. Just one of those racing things, but still tough luck for Morais in his first outdoor ride of the year.

The second moto was a stroke of bad luck for Gray when he suffered an unknown mechanical problem and was forced out with a DNF. Morais went on to place 19th.

"It was a very disappointing day," team owner Brad Williams said. "We were excited to get these three boys healthy and racing and then one by one, they had to drop out. All we can do is to look ahead to Unadilla. Unless something odd happens, all three riders will be racing for sure."

-wbr-