WERA completed its first races of 2008 this weekend at California Speedway. Amidst the shaking off of rim rust, racing and shine of a new season one rider had something to really smile about. Amber Rimes the 27yr old racer from Vancouver, British Columbia. Now entering her second year in WERA, Amber has turned a corner in her race career and signed on with the Graves Yamaha race team in 2008. "It means a great deal and I take it as a huge compliment that they chosen to have me represent their company. I have been working closely with Yamaha Motor Corp USA already so the Graves addition only made sense." says Rimes, "They offer basically every product that you need to go racing. They are a well respected company in the industry and I am excited to see their enthusiasm to supporting the WERA Regional series. I feel privileged to work one-on-one with a highly recognized and extremely well run organization as Graves Motorsports." In 2007, Amber captured 2nd place overall in both Heavyweight Twins Superbike and Superstock on the Ducati 749R. But midway through the 2007 season Amber had the opportunity to try out the Yamaha R6 and this season, having already taken on 2 new 2008 R6's, will be racing the WERA series solely on those bikes, "2008 I will be concentrating only on the all new 2008 Yamaha R6's. It will allow me to focus and strengthen my skills without the struggle of balancing two bikes that perform and handle completely differently on the race track." says Rimes when asked about the big difference between 2007 and 2008.
Including a full race schedule with WERA in 2008, Amber will be competing also in the American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) races as well as continuing to mentor at Jason Pridmore's STAR School. Rimes jokes, "You never know, you may see me on the AMA grid this year!" With such a full schedule Rimes has high hopes for the 2008 season with a goal of an overall top 5 position in the 4 classes she will be competing in.
In addition to the new Graves Yamaha arrangement, Amber Rimes will be working with several other new sponsors this season. Rimes Motorsports is thrilled to see the addition of AIP Racing, Driven Racing, and Zero Gravity Windscreens. Along with the exciting new line up Amber is thankful to have the continued support from the previous season. Jason Pridmore's STAR Schools, Pirelli Tires, Tigershark Racing, Studio819, Shift, Pit Bull Stands, Anducci's Restaurants and Yoyodyne.
To follow Amber Rimes, please visit www.amberrimes.com for updates throughout the season. |
