On January 7, 2012, there will be a few more semis pulling into the pits, and one of them will be the newly formed Jeff Ward Racing (JWR). For most of you that have any kind of motocross background, you know who Jeff Ward is. With two X Games gold medals, seven AMA national championships, 56 AMA wins, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and part of seven winning Des Nations teams, JWR comes into the game with some serious credibility. After retiring from racing in 1992, Jeff went on to race IndyCars before he landed at the Ganasi Racing team. He then moved onto the newly formed AMA Super Moto racing circuit where he won the 2004 championship with his Troy Lee Designs team.
After teaming up with two-time AMA Supercross champion team owner Mike Kranyak from L&M racing, they began to put all the pieces together for the start of the 2012 year. The team also includes partners Kevin Conway 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie-of-The-Year, and Lucas Mirtl owner of LM Actions Sports Management. With help from Kawasaki and DNA Energy Drink, the team is poised to contend for the 2012 AMA Supercross and Motocross Championships. The rider line-up for JWR in 2012 consists of Josh Grant and Kyle Chisholm.
According to Ward, "It was time to try it on my own and see where we can go with it. It's worked out real well to partner with Mike Kranyak and to form with his team. Together we've been working at it and it's been great so far."
The expectations for JWR in 2012 are to make it through the season injury free and showcase the first class operation that they are. Being a first year team, the goal is to establish themselves and build on something for an even better year in 2013. With Josh Grant coming off an injury filled season last year, the key will be to get him back to the winning rider he is. It will be no easy feat, but with Jeff's background and championship caliber mentality Josh Grant and Kyle Chisolm have an opportunity to be mentored by one of the sports all time greats.
According to Grant, "That is the main goal. I know I can get there, it's just a matter of time building back up to that point. I know once I'm up there I can run with those guys. I've done it before."
2012 looks promising for the newly formed JWR team. With Josh Grant and Kyle Chisolm leading the way, you can bet this winning caliber team will be one to watch for.
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