Kawasaki has now made official what everyone already knew, they are pulling out of MotoGP racing effective immediately. They do say they are continuing racing “using mass-produced motorcycles as well as supporting general race-oriented customers.” So Superbike and all other racing based on bikes you can buy will still have a Kawasaki in the lineup.
Kawasaki press release:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has decided to suspend its factory MotoGP racing activities from 2009 season.
Amid quickly changing business environment, Kawasaki has been promptly taking countermeasures to cope with the situation. As the world economy is not likely to recover in a short period due to the major impact of the financial crisis, Kawasaki decided to suspend its MotoGP racing activities from 2009 season onward and reallocate management resources more efficiently.
Kawasaki will continue racing activities using mass-produced motorcycles as well as supporting general race-oriented customers.
Kawasaki would like to thank all the fans and all those who have forwarded us great help.
Link: Kawasaki
Jim says
Gee, the world didn’t end. In fact, that was painless.
JBM636 says
This sucks, i ride a Kawasaki and am a huge fan of John Hopkins.
Jimmy says
I’m a die hard kawi fan, I hate to hear that they will not compete this yr, hopefully their lack of precence in motogp would not take a toll on their sales too I was looking fed to see hopkins & melandri racing this yr