here are a few dynasties in motorcycle racing; Suzuki’s early dominance of the Motocross GPs with riders like Roger DeCoster and Joel Robert, Honda’s 80-90’s dominance of Supercross with David Bailey, Johnny O’Mara, Ricky Johnson, Jean Michele Bayle, Jeff Stanton and Jeremy McGrath, and Harley-Davidson’s absolute monopoly on America’s dirt tracks. There is a roadracing dynasty in America as well, though few people realize it. That dynasty is Erion Racing and they have dominated the Formula Xtreme class for more then a decade.
     The AMA instituted the Formula Xtreme class in 1997, and since the beginning Erion Racing has owned the class like no other team, establishing landmark records that in all likelihood will never be equaled: Nine of nine races won in 1999; most consecutive races won by a single rider (six in 2000); most consecutive pole positions (eight in 2000); and most class championships, with four in five years. In addition, Erion Racing earned two additional titles in the AMA’s big-bore roadrace class prior to the formation of the Formula Xtreme class, plus two consecutive AMA 600 SuperSport championships in 1999 and 2000.
Erion Racing established every one of these records on Honda motorcycles. To say the partnership between Erion Racing and American Honda has been successful is quite an understatement. The alliance of American Honda and Erion Racing has created one of the most successful and formidable teams in all of American roadracing. We all know that Honda likes to win wherever they race, so the partnership is built to last.
     The Erion Racing Team enjoys a long-standing relationship with American Honda, an association that has proven tremendously successful for both organizations. Because Erion Racing serves as the official factory-supported race team, they can tap directly into the factory pipeline for access to motorcycles, parts and technical support. In return, Erion delivers an impeccably organized team that nurtures promising young riders and sets the stage for success. The 2007 season marks the 14th year of this remarkably successful relationship between American Honda and Erion Racing, an alliance that has yielded championship-caliber results.
The driving force behind Erion Racing is Kevin Erion himself. Kevin earned his credentials as a team owner the old-fashioned way, on the track as a rider and on the winner’s podium. Having spent years as a successful racer himself, he is able to apply a special kind of insight into all aspects of his team’s operation. The record shows that Erion knows all of the ins and outs of roadracing. During his riding years, he won two AMA Pro Twins Championships in the late 1980s, and the team he created has forged one of the most stellar records in AMA roadracing. He personally scouts and recognizes emerging young talent, knows what the riders and mechanics have to do to win, and he organizes the team’s resources to achieve that goal with precision. The record his team has achieved speaks for itself. “I never even conceived that we’d be this successful,” says Erion. “But what we do works and we love to race.”
     Most recently, Erion Racing won the reformulated 600cc Formula Xtreme Championship in 2006 as rider Josh Hayes snared Honda’s third Formula Xtreme title in as many years and Erion’s seventh overall. Hayes raced to victory in 2006, beating out Yamaha’s Eric Bostrom by only seven points. “This was a major accomplishment,” says Erion. “It was a big challenge to keep the championship in the Honda family. The bottom line is we won and we beat Yamaha.”
     For 2007, Hayes returns along with teammate Aaron Gobert to defend the cup. So far this season, Hayes has bounced back after bike problems at Daytona to win Nationals at the Birmingham, Fontana and Sonoma rounds. Those victories have moved Hayes into the series lead. Hayes’ teammate Aaron Gobert continues to climb rapidly up in the series standings. After scoring no points at Daytona, Gobert has scored consecutive runner-up finishes, including his most recent second place finish at Infineon Raceway. The determined Australian will be looking to continue his rise in the standings for the rest of the series. Adding to the excitement in 2007 will be Honda’s return to the Pro Honda Oils SuperSport Championship after a three-year absence, watch for the Erion squad to be serious contenders for the 600cc class championship ring.



     Kevin Erion understands every aspect of his team’s operation. He’s even been known to drive his own team transporter from coast to coast, just to keep a watchful eye on things. Most importantly, he organizes the team’s resources with the precision needed to achieve championship titles. For 2007, Erion has once again assembled a remarkably talented support crew that the team hopes will carry them to many victories. So what is the secret of Erion’s success? “Very hard work,” says Kevin Erion. “Plus, good partners like American Honda and Parts Unlimited, and of course, attention to every detail. Our goals for 2007 are to back up 2006 with another Formula Xtreme Championship and win the 600 SuperSport Championship. And the future looks excellent, we have over 14 years with Honda and I see at least another 14.”
     Erion Racing is a company dedicated to two things: winning races, and developing the finest aftermarket components available for Honda motorcycles. They’re proud to have Parts Unlimited as a major sponsor of their race team and as the exclusive distributor of the Erion Racing Exhaust line of products.
     “We approach the development of products for your motorcycle with the same tenacity we use when building our championship-winning race bikes,” says Kevin Erion. “This means countless hours spent on the dyno, and months of road and track testing to ensure not only proper function and fitment, but the right look, and the maximum gains you expect with the durability and reliability you demand.”
     No one can argue that Erion Racing has the credentials and championships to back up everything Kevin Erion has to say. Look for Erion Racing in the winner’s circle this season and for the line of Erion Racing Exhausts in your dealership and on your customer’s bikes. It’s always fun to join a winning team.

Kevin Erion keeps a close working relationship with his riders (shown here with Josh Hayes) and is known for having a great eye for young talent. Many Erion Racing alumni have gone on to successful careers in AMA Superbike racing and beyond.

Josh Hayes with Erion Racing “guest rider” Don Canet at Daytona.

Jeff Fox of Parts Unlimited (left) and Erion at Daytona. Parts Unlimited is a huge supporter of the Erion Racing effort.

Josh Hayes celebrates his Fontana Formula Xtreme victory.

Erion Racing employs some of the best mechanics and technicians in the business to keep their CBR600RR racebikes running in top condition.

Kevin Erion gives Cycle News’ Don Canet some last minute advice before his “guest ride” at Daytona.

Two SuperTeams Championships in 1994 and 1996.
Four consecutive Formula Xtreme titles from 1997 to 2000.
Five Formula Xtreme Championships between 1997 and 2006 (1997-2000, 2006).
In 1999, Erion Racing won nine of nine races.
In 2000, Erion Racing won the most consecutive races by a single rider (Kurtis Roberts, six) and earned the most consecutive pole positions (eight).
When the AMA reformulated the class in 2004 to utilize 600cc machines, Honda and Erion Racing won every one of the 21 races in 2004 and 2005 to take back-to-back championships.
In AMA 600 SuperSport competition, Erion Racing won two consecutive crowns in 1999 and 2000.

Aaron Gobert at Daytona.