Tom Kipp has signed to ride in the AMA Formula Xtreme and 600cc Supersport Series for Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki in 2002.
Kipp, 32, raced in 2001 as a replacement rider for another team, winning the Formula Xtreme race at Mid-Ohio and fnishing second at Pikes Peak. He has a long history in AMA Pro Racing, winning the 600cc Supersport Championship in 1992 and the 750cc Supersport Championship in 1994, 1995 and 1999. He also finished third in the AMA Superbike Championship in 1995 and 1996. Kipp raced in Great Britain in 2000.
Kipp joins Josh Hayes on the roster for Team Hammer, Inc., which races as Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki and is run by Crew Chief and General Manager Keith Perry.
“I’m excited,” said Kipp. “It’s a great opportunity to work with Suzuki again. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of great mechanics and great crew chiefs, and I’ve always had a deep respect for Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki Crew Chief Keith Perry and now I’ve got an opportunity to work with him. I think it’s going to be fantastic.
“The thing that stands out in my mind is that these guys have momentum from last year and have been building momentum up for several years. They have a very strong team with a strong presence, and that’s real good.”
Kipp will begin testing with the team at Homestead-Miami Speedway on December 7-9, during a CCS race weekend.
“We’re looking forward to going down to Homestead and testing with Tom,” said Perry. “We’re excited. Any time you have a chance to work with a rider like Tom who has done the things Tom has done and has the capabilities to win a race every time out, you have to be excited about that. I’m looking forward to working with him, too.”
