Kawasaki bailing out of MotoGP?

Troubled times for manufacturers and motorsports fans alike

Sources have reported that Kawasaki is set to announce its departure from MotoGP on January 5, 2009. If true, this leaves the Kawasaki MotoGP team riders (Melandri, Hopkins) looking for a new team in the coming season.

Kawasaki poised for a quick exit from MotoGP?: Anthony West with team Kawasaki at the 2008 Laguna Seca MotoGP. Is it the end of the road?
Kawasaki poised for a quick exit from MotoGP?: Anthony West with team Kawasaki at the 2008 Laguna Seca MotoGP. Is it the end of the road?

On the four-wheeled scene, Honda quit Formula One in December. Suzuki and Subaru are pulling out of WRC (See our related links, below.)

Things are tough all over. The economic conditions are likely to worsen before they improve, and manufacturers have a tough time justifying the expense of maintaining high-profile racing programs...

What's next?

Author: Michael Curry /// submitted on January 2, 2009 - 11:16am.
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Michael Curry

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Michael has been riding street motorcycles since 1975. He's owned and ridden everything from Hondas to Harleys with a preference for spirited sport-touring riding.

Michael is a Roadcarvin.com co-founder and serves as chief editor, scribe, staff photographer, and janitor.

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