Heath Voss to Pilot CRF450R in SX Debut

"We need some actual race time on the bike as a major step in our preparationfor the 2002 Supercross season," said Motorcycle Sports Manager Chuck Miller."Ryan's (Hughes) recent outing at Glen Helen helped prepare us for the upcomingoutdoor series.""Supercross is a different kind of racing," Miller continued...

"and demands avery unique bike set-up. We'll be using a modified, outdoorCRF450R, to getadditional information, and help confirm the direction for the development ofour Supercross machine for next season."

When asked about the selection of Voss, Miller noted, "Heath is a naturalchoice. He's riding well in Supercross right now. Our team riders - Ezra(Lusk),Sebastien (Tortelli), and Ryan Hughes are in final preparation for the outdoornationals. Plus, Mike LaRocco and Ezra are focused on top-5 finishes in theSupercross series."

For Voss, being the first to ride Honda's new 4-stroke motocrosser is like adream come true. "Honda asked me to help them in this stage of (the bike's)development, and I'm just happy that I can contribute. I've worked very hardthis season to be here and I'm thankful Honda is giving me this opportunity.It's exciting, that's for sure."

The 23-year old native of Prior Lake, Minnesota turned pro in 1994. Last year,he was the top finishing privateer in the 2000 Supercross series. For 2001,Vossrides for the Great Lakes Aviation/TMR/Larson Honda/D&M Motorsports Team. Vossregularly places in the top ten, his best finish coming in Round 14 at TexasStadium in Irving, where he finished sixth overall. Voss currently sits intenthposition in the Supercross series standings.

On April 19, Honda announced that Ryan Hughes, 2000 Motocross Des Nationswinner, will contest the 2001 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championshipsaboard the CRF450R. The Hughes-mounted CRF450R will make its official racingdebut on Sunday May 13 in the first round of the 2001 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S.Motocross Championships at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California.