f there is another competitor in the motorsports racing world today with a more diversified background than Travis Pastrana’s, we don’t know who it would be. His resume includes Motocross championships in both Amateur and Pro levels, X-Games, Gravity Games and other Freestyle MX Gold Medals, factory rides in Supercross and Supermoto and even a few races in a Rally car.
     With such a busy schedule, a conventional factory ride wasn’t in the cards any longer for Travis, so last fall he called Jeff Cernic of Cernic’s Suzuki/Honda with a proposal for 2005. “The story is very short and simple,” said Jeff. “Travis called and said he wanted to be on his own team so he could have the flexibility to do Supercross, Supermoto, X-Games, a few selected Outdoor Motocross Nationals and also some Rally Car events. The Pastrana family has been a friend of mine for over ten years and I said ‘don’t worry about it, we will handle it.’ It all happened over a phone call.”
     Pastrana and Cernic worked out the details with Mel Harris of American Suzuki for a full works Suzuki RH250 machine and parts for the Supercross season, plus the services of factory mechanic James Coy. Steve Astephen of the Familie (Pastrana’s personal management company) also played a key role in setting up the necessary sponsorship deals, including major support from Red Bull, that came on board as a major sponsor of the Cernic’s Red Bull Suzuki race team.
     A few nagging injuries forced Travis to the sidelines of the 2005 Supercross series after just a couple of races, but he will soon be back in action to the delight of his many loyal fans.


(A) The AMA has implemented sound testing this year in Supercross to insure that all machines are under the sound limit. But you need horsepower too, so Pastrana goes with a Pro Circuit R304 Stainless muffler. Note the grip tape he uses over on the number panel to keep his legs in contact with the motorcycle. (B) The other side of the exhaust package is from Pro Circuit also. That’s a “works” exhaust system anyone could buy. The lightweight Hinson clutch basket behind the cover improves traction and performance. (C) All the horsepower in the world is useless if a rider can’t make it to the finish line, so Travis runs an Excel rear wheel package mounted to Michelin tires. Rear chain is RK with TAG Metals sprockets and Braking rotor and pads. (D) The front end matches the rear with the Excel/Michelin/Braking equipment. (E) Up in Travis’ “office” everything is clean and simple. Give him a set of handlebars (TAG, in this case) and a throttle to twist and he’s happy.



Parts Magazine
Volume 12 #4