[Smithers]

And despite the harsh economic times Aprilia Announces New AMA Pro Racing Program, With KWS. Chip Spalding the team manager at KWS Motorsports has announced the news that they are now a Factory Aprilia Racing Team. They'll be running the RSV1000R in Daytona Sportbike in 09 with two riders and in the future 2010 the RSV4 in Superbike! Good luck guys!!

Factory Aprilia Millennium Technologies Debuts at Historic Daytona 200

NEW YORK, NY – December 18, 2008 – Aprilia USA, the North American importer and distributor of Aprilia sport bikes, announces the debut of an all-new factory-sponsored road racing team in the new 2009 AMA Daytona SportBike class, part of the 2009 AMA Superbike Championship series. The Factory Aprilia Millennium Technologies team will be managed exclusively by KWS Motorsports and will compete on the Aprilia RSV 1000R. The 12-race Daytona SportBike class premieres at the historic, first-ever night-time running of the Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway, March 6.

With the debut of Italy’s Max Biaggi and Shinya Nakano onboard Aprilia’s much anticipated new RSV4 superbike in the 2009 World Superbike series, Aprilia USA is considering its rookie season on the Daytona SportBike circuit as an important American circuit test bed for 2010.

“With a new team structure, new riders and the new RSV4 en route for 2010, a season’s worth of preparation with KWS and real-world racing experience for Aprilia USA at this level has tremendous benefits,” said Rick Panettieri, brand manager, Aprilia USA. “The current-model RSV has long been respected for its race-bred DNA and its precise and predictable handling under even the most aggressive riding conditions, which has made it a favorite among track day enthusiasts. We chose KWS Motorsports as a racing partner for their expertise in creating top-performing race and production bikes. This will ensure that the RSV is tuned to give the competition a real challenge.”