Werner-Springsteen Racing's Bryan Smith Gives Kawasaki First K&N Grand National Win
- 5 Oct 2010
In both events the second place Harley Davidson's were simply out powered and out ridden, and for Kawasaki's fabled AMA Hall of Fame mechanic Bill Werner, that just has to be extraordinarily satisfying. For nearly 40 years Werner was the wrench on the Harley Davidson's that carried Gary Scott, Scott Parker, and Jay Springsteen to a total of 13 AMA Grand National Championships and 150 total wins.
"Obviously, we had things working very well at Indy and the following week at Springfield. That doesn't mean we don't have more questions to be answered. Every time we race the bike, Bryan, Jay and I learn more about its unique characteristics and apply them to the racetrack. It's still a work in progress," said Werner.
In regards to Bryan Smiths stellar back-to-back races Werner says, "Bryan has always been a great mile racer having won previously. His real strength is his communication skills, and being able to turn those feelings that happen in a micro second, into intelligible dialog that both Jay and I understand. We then try and come up with solutions to whatever he may be trying to communicate to us to help him succeed. Jay is a great communication link because he has also raced at a high level for many years, and I am very familiar with his terminology, having worked with him in the past." "Winning Indy was huge for the team for many reasons," commented Werner. "It was viewed by many in the international press because they were there to report on the GP road race the next day. It helped to prove that there was a viable and inexpensive addition to motorcycles capable of winning on the Grand National twins circuit."
Since Werner's first attempt at retirement didn't take, we wondered if he had anything new in the works that he'd care to discuss. "After proving that another alternative to dirt track racing can be built, the next challenge would be to satisfy any demand that those successes may have created. I have plans this winter to try to do just exactly that." Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
