Draft

Following Damian Cudlin’s pre-season track testing and help with the development of the 2002 model ZX-9R, Kawasaki Motors was as surprised as anybody when the news broke that Cudlin is to ride a Bikebiz Yamaha R1 in the first round of the Australian Super Bike Championship.

As a distributor Kawasaki is not supporting the MA Australian Super Bike series this season and it has put every effort into the Formula X-treme series with a team managed by Terry Hay of Shock Treatment. That effort includes extensive product, spares and technical support AND included the provision of a contingency program for Cudlin. Indeed, an agreement regarding contingency payments had been reached between Kawasaki Motors and Damian Cudlin and that agreement extended to a full physical assessment followed by treatment by one of Australia’s top sports physiotherapists. Only the legal niceties of the contract between Terry Hay and Damian were yet to be finalised.

Kawasaki spokesman Mark Barnett said, “mcnews.com.au stated that Damian was forced into accepting the Bikebiz offer - being fearful of missing out altogether. This is simply not the case, there was never any perceived problem, indeed if there was one it emanates from Damian, not Kawasaki. However, it has been noted that Damian was entered in the ASB championship on a Bikebiz Yamaha and that entry was publicised in a press release from MA the day before the Hay-Cudlin contract was to be signed.

Barnett added, “While Kawasaki regrets Cudlin’s decision and wishes him all the best for the season, obviously it is not in the company’s best interests to allow a rider, even of Damian’s talent, to ride an alternate brand of motorcycle while riding for our fully-supported team. Now we will commence negotiations with alternative riders… Kawasaki will be competing and we’re sure the new ZX-9R will open a few eyes.”

Damian Cudlin responds