Monday, March 8, 2010

DRD Tomac's Kieran Bennett 2nd Place at Skyline Screamer; Baloochi's Back!


Escondido, California – Dean Racing Development (DRD) Tomac kicked off our unofficial start to the 2010 season this past weekend in two different countries and with great attention! Team leaders Kieran Bennett & Robin Baloochi debuted their new DRD Tomac Primer 220’s at two events – the Skyline Screamer in Wellington, New Zealand, and the Southridge Winter Series finals in Fontana, California.

Having limited time on his new Tomac Primer, Kieran surprised a number of people with his great battle in the Skyline Screamer (an eliminator “3-cross” style format down a wide open firebreak). With a number of elite riders in contention for a sizeable purse, this event was sure to be a great race.

Kieran handled the new bike perfectly, and was seen with a big smile the whole way down the track. Winning round after round, Kieran found himself in the finals, where he would meet another world cup veteran racer in Nathan Rankin. An epic battle ensued with both Kieran & Nathan exchanging leads. Unfortunately for Kieran, Nathan was able to squeeze past him on the last possible passing point & took the win. Not all was a loss, as Kieran pocket a cool $500 for 2nd place.

“This was by far the most fun I’ve had on a bike in a long time and I think a lot of that is thanks to my new DRD Tomac” said Kieran. “I’ve never felt so instantly comfortable and confident on a new bike. I can’t say thanks enough to the organisers for putting on a great event and making it possible for me to be there, and also to Jeremiah at DRD for taking me in this season and putting me on an amazing bike!”

At the same time, here in the states, veteran racer Robin Baloochi returns from a 3 year hiatus to rock the DRD Tomac colors! With an extensive history & knowledge of racing, Robin is going to be a great asset to the team! “Getting his feet wet again” & “working out the kinks” at smaller events like Fontana and other upcoming local events, Robin will sure to be one to watch at the 2010 Pro Gravity Tour!

“Overall the first day on the bike went better than expected and rain showers through Saturday night made for real good conditions come race day,” said Robin. “During Sunday morning’s practice I somehow managed to bash a rock and knock my crank arm out of alignment, but with some innovative solutions between Jeremiah and some friends, we were somehow able to salvage a race run. At the end of the day, I finished 24th without any big hang ups. The goal of the weekend was met, which was to get the new bike rolling, get me in the gate to start running against the clock again, and figure out any kinks that need to be worked until the official season starts at the Sea Otter Classic.”

For a full report, please visit the DRD Tomac website at www.dylan-dean.com/drd.htm

Next up on the agenda, team DRD Tomac will be competing in 2 different countries & two different states (here in the USA). While Kieran Bennett prepares himself for the upcoming Oceanias, Robin Baloochi will be participating in the 1st round of the NW Cup in Port Angeles, Washington. Fellow team riders John Keep and Brad King, who are just receiving their new DRD Tomac bikes, will be competing in the first round of the California Gold Cup in Fontana, California.


Dylan Dean
Team Director
jdd@dylan-dean.com
760.443.3344


DRD Tomac is proudly sponsored by.

No comments: