First Ever Diesel Motorcycle Entry in the SCORE Baja 250

ePRESS RELEASE – February 16, 2009
Strategic Racing Designs

Hayes Diversified Technologies (HDT) USA, the maker of the world's only motorcycle purpose built diesel motorcycle engine, is entering the 2009 SCORE International Baja 250 which will be run in San Felipe, Mexico on March 14th. The world renowned off-road race will serve as a proving ground for the well tested and well prepared composite race team made up of members from HDT USA and Team SRD. The newly formed team will combine their successes from the diesel motorcycle land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats and their class 22 podium producing finish in the 2008 SCORE Baja 500.

In the early '70s HDT raced and sold Pentons (early KTMs) and produced high-performance suspension and engine parts for motocrossers. In 2000 they sent the Marines their first diesel prototype motorcycle (based on the Kawasaki KLR650) for testing; the production model was delivered by HDT in September of 2006. Current owner of HDT Fred Hayes and associate Bryon Schmidt—both veterans—enjoy using racing to develop diesel record-breaking motorcycles at Bonneville. HDT USA is honored to serve the men and women of our Armed Forces by providing the best equipment possible. HDT USA is proud to provide the best in diesel motorcycle technology to both our government and civilian customers.

Longtime motorcycle enthusiast Bryon Schmidt will be the team's rider of record. Bryon (42), from Hesperia, California, serves as a chief diesel motorcycle maintenance consultant and senior testing specialist for HDT USA which is under contract with the Department of Defense for the production of the military version of the diesel motorcycle. Bryon was hired by HDT USA after faithfully completing a successful career in the US Marine Corps having been the chief instructor at the USMC Combat Motorcycle School.

Kirk Russell (46), from Bend, Oregon, will ride the second half the 232 mile race, starting at race mile 120. Kirk was a member of the 2008 SRD race team that made its first appearance on the podium in the Baja 500. Kirk brings four decades of racing experience to the team. He is also the first one that raced the 670cc diesel motorcycle in any off-road sanctioned race. In that inaugural race, Kirk held his own in a 2008 AMA District 38 desert race by completing the first lap as one of the first 10 bikes to come in – he was competing in the Open, Expert class. Even more impressive was the fact that it was his very first time to ride the 420 lb motorcycle. Kirk is a former #1 plate holder for the Oregon Desert Racing Organization (ODRA).

Jeff Smith (46), from Oceanside, California, will serve as the team's backup rider. Jeff also develops the training plan to support the riders in their preparation for the race as well as writes the rider’s “Smart Pack” and chase team’s logistical “Chase Plan” to execute the race in a seamless and well orchestrated fashion. Jeff credits Kirk and his father Mike Russell for introducing him into desert racing as they first started racing together in the mid-1970s. Jeff’s also brings a fierce competitive spirit to the team from having served 22 years in the US Marine Corps.

The dynamic duo of Justin & Heather Herrmann (24 & 23), from Vista, California provide the “logistical support” to HDT USA / Team SRD. Strategic Racing Designs (SRD) is co-owned by these two award winning & enterprising high-performance off-road fabrication specialists. In addition to designing & building “one-off” products for the demanding off-road industry, Justin brings a decade & a half of motocross / supercross racing experience to the team. Having reached the pinnacle of his suppercross career, and now turning his interests toward the off-road industry, Justin’s racing consultation, enthusiasm and mechanical expertise serve the team well. Heather’s background in administration, parts & service round out the team’s needs as she brings years of experience running the “front office”. She also designs industry oriented eye catching graphics for team vehicles and team apparel and documents team events with unsurpassed video presentations.
With Sal Fish & SCORE International heavily promoting the use of alternative fuels and “greener” race vehicles, HDT USA / Team SRD is both proud & excited to introduce the off-road world to the capabilities, performance & endurance of the diesel motorcycle as they compete in the infamous Baja Series off-road races.