Cypress, CA (10/20/2012) -
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., is celebrating a
historic weekend in Crawfordsville, Ind., at
the Ironman Grand National Cross Country (GNCC)
ATV racing event. Traci Cecco-Pickens, long-time
Yamaha rider and GNCC icon, has made history
securing her ninth overall women’s ATV
series title and announcing her retirement atop
the Ironman podium.
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Yamaha's Traci Cecco-Pickens was
awarded her 9th Women's Championship at
the Iroman GNCC
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“This ninth championship is very special
to me and by far will be the most memorable
-- it is going to be my last championship,”
Traci said. “I am retiring from chasing
championships. With nine titles, my health,
friends and memories for a lifetime, I finally
feel this is the right time for me.”
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Yamaha's
Traci Cecco-Pickens has been the Women
to beat since 1999, but after over a decade
of racing, she has decided it is time
to retire
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Traci may be retiring from the track, but that
doesn’t mean she’s leaving racing
entirely. “I will continue to be at all
of the GNCC events supporting my husband and
his racing career,” she said. “Racing
is a tremendous part of my life, and I will
truly miss competing, but it’s time for
me to be part of the sport I love in a different
way -- whether that be representing longtime
sponsors at the track, working the gas can in
the pits, or mentoring new lady racers.”
To all of the up-and-coming women racers out
there, she says: “Never quit setting achievable
goals, and always act like a lady.”
Cecco clinched her historic championship at
the last GNCC round October 6 in St. Clairsville,
Ohio, allowing her to enjoy the Ironman knowing
her championship is already in the books. Known
as the best woman racer in the history of the
sport, Cecco captured six wins and was on the
podium at every series stop this year leading
up to Crawfordsville.
“Yamaha congratulates Traci on another
championship season and reaching the historic
milestone of winning nine championships throughout
her career,” said Donnie Luce, Yamaha’s
ATV racing coordinator. “Traci has been
an inspiration, a role model, and a champion
of the sport throughout her career. She’s
broken barriers for women in racing, and she’s
proven that she is one of the best riders ever
in any class or category. She’s a true
champion and ambassador for our sport, and Yamaha
is extremely proud to have been so closely involved
in her successful career.”
Traci turned pro in 1999 and won her first
Women’s title in 2000. Since then, she
has finished in the top three every year capturing
an unprecedented nine overall titles, four second
places and one third. Her career has given her
international recognition as a top ATV racer,
and Moves magazine named her one of its “Power
Woman” in 2010 -- an award that honors
“25 influential and successful women in
various fields.” Among her many career
highlights, she remembers “Signing my
first Yamaha Racing contract in 2006, being
the first woman to win a morning ATV overall
race, working with young riders at GNCC University,
and traveling the country to promote women in
racing,” as some of her favorites.
“Thank you to my loving husband for building
championship bikes and for being so supportive
in my decision to retire,” she said. “To
my Yamaha family, thank you for making my dreams
come true. Thanks to my longtime sponsors for
always believing in me: GYTR, Maxxis, Hiper,
Powermadd, HMF, Scott, GT Thunder, Yamalube,
Works Connection, Ballance Racing, Fly Racing,
Precision, Wiseco, DP Brakes and Tireballs.
And also to my newer sponsors: Rekluse, Quadtech,
G4 and Big Nutz Racing. Thanks to the greatest
pit crew ever: Johnny Gallagher, Jim Wise, Stoney
Livengood and Todd Moskala. A huge thank you
to my mom and family for putting up with my
crazy passion of racing, and a shout out to
ATVRiders.com, Quadzone, and X-Country photos
for making us all famous. And thanks especially
to my fans and my GNCC family for all the hugs
and love through the years! I couldn't have
achieved any of this without each and every
one of you!”
Yamaha rolled a big rig into Crawfordsville
for the weekend displaying new ATV models, including
the 2013 Raptor 700R that is now assembled in
the U.S.A. Yamaha will continue to have special
giveaway items for fans throughout the weekend
and display a large racer appreciation banner
to solute competitors who rode blue throughout
the season. Cecco’s announcement was capped
by a special autograph signing session at the
Yamaha truck including all of Yamaha’s
top riders.
In the men’s XC-1 Pro series, Yamaha/Ballance
Racing riders Walker Fowler and Taylor Kiser
came into the Ironman ranked second and third
respectively. Their consistency this year, including
12 combined podium finishes, has kept them in
the top three this season.
“Yamaha congratulates our entire GNCC
ATV racing team for their efforts this year,”
said Luce. “Walker and Taylor have had
very strong seasons and stayed near the top
of the podium all year. We’re excited
to see them finish the season strong and know
they will be going for wins in these last couple
of events.”
About Yamaha Motor
Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), a
leader in the motorsports market, makes the
toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and
Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding
product offerings also include motorcycles,
outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles,
boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines,
accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products
are sold through a nationwide network of dealers
in the United States.
Headquartered in Cypress,
Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha
also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia,
as well as factory operations in Tennessee and
Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit
www.yamaha-motor.com.
