When Cycle News reported earlier this week that Shane Watts would now be riding Yamahas, and that he had failed to obtain any significant support from KTM for his 2007 GNCC campaign, it seemed more than a bit odd. Watts won the opening round of the GNCC series this year, and has ridden competitively since then.
The GNCC series has to be recognized as one of the premier off-road motorcycle racing series in the world. KTM previously brought over Juha Salminen to contest (and win) this series, and now has David Knight here to do the same thing. Watts beat Knight on his store-bought KTM in Round 1. Why no support from corporate?
Obviously, there is more to this story than race results. If Shane Watts is not the most “corporate” guy in the world, nor the most diplomatic, he is still reasonably popular with fans that appreciate his gutsy riding, and his history (that includes World championships and an AMA title). We understand that a deal for official Yamaha support is pending. We will keep you posted.
