Makita Suzuki & Tedesco Agreed that Parting Ways the Best for all Parties

BREA, Calif., (July 13, 2007) – American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) announced yesterday that Team Makita Suzuki Racing’s Ivan Tedesco will be released from his contract at the end of September 2007. To ensure that there are no misunderstandings, ASMC would like to clarify an earlier statement from that press release. Although the Makita Suzuki team is sad to see Tedesco go, the championship-winning team supports Tedesco’s wishes to be let out of his contract.

“Ivan asked us not to exercise our first right of refusal to extend his contract,” said Team Manager Roger DeCoster. “Ivan told us that he felt he needed a change and wanted to pursue options with another team and we wanted to do what was right for Ivan and for our team. As a result, we have done our best to support Ivan in his decision. We are sorry that things didn’t work out so well for Ivan in his second year with the Makita Suzuki team and we all did everything we could. In fact, we are still doing everything we can to help Ivan win and will continue to do so. The whole Makita Suzuki team will work very hard for the remainder of the AMA Motocross season to ensure the best possible results for Ivan and the team. Again, we wish Ivan all the best with his new team.”

For more information on Team Makita Suzuki Racing, log onto www.teamsuzuki.com.