First time on the Daytona banking showed that Rosencrans' hard work had paid off. The bike was working great. As Ricky got up to speed, the week was progressing nicely.

Qualifying day saw Ricky best his 2007 lap times by over two seconds. At the end of the session, Ricky ended up on the thirteenth row. The team's strategy was to forego the warm up lap for the sake of fuel economy, trying to make only two fuel stops. Race day was cool and very windy, postponing the start by hours. Ricky's first lap on cold tires had him losing positions in every turn. Two laps into the race, he was running dead last.

As the laps wore on, Ricky continued to gain back spots. At the second fuel stop, Ricky was in seventeenth and in desperate need of a new rear Dunlop. With new rules in place, the rider has to dismount the bike with a dead engine which did slow the pit stops. Back on track Ricky was running in twenty-third. Almost two hours after the light went green, the checkered flag was shown.

Ricky had climbed all the way into twenty-first position! With this finish Ricky moved into third on the all time mileage leader's list, only three hundred and ninety-eight miles from taking over the lead.

The Motorcycle Roadracing Season started in Colorado at Pueblo. Entering 600 supersport, 600 superbike and the Race of the Rockies GTU classes made for a busy weekend. The first round results were: second in supersport, fourth in superbike and ROR. With new competition in his classes, it looked like Ricky would have to step up his game for the season.

Throughout the year the team continued to improve and impress. With a total of twenty podium finishes and four wins, Ricky locked up the 600 supersport championship at the penultimate round. Second place in the Race of the Rockies championship and third in the superbike class made for a very successful year.

The team also attended the AMA/ World Superbike weekend at the world class Miller Motorsports Park in Utah. With the AMA running the full circuit, over four miles and twenty-three turns, Ricky was lacking track time. Each session he would drop seconds from his lap times. With qualifying up and rain on the horizon it would be tricky. Waiting for a dry track as the minutes were ticking down had everyone guessing on which tires to run. Ricky elected to mount a set of new Dunlop slicks and head out. As a dry line started to develop he started to turn it up. Lap after lap his times continued to decrease. As qualifying ended he was on the fifth row in twenty-third position. With a good start, Ricky was running in twenty-second spot. Moving past a couple of riders he was on the move. Getting up to one of the series regulars, he could not make a pass stick. Eventually getting by, Ricky dropped his lap times trying to gain more spots. Being only a nine-lap race, Ricky had run out of time, coming across the checkered flag in nineteenth position.

The team also made it to Brainerd, Minnesota for a CRA event. Getting used to the fast turn one took time. In the 600 supersport race on Saturday Ricky finished fifth. On Sunday, feeling more comfortable with the track, he put it on the podium for a third place in the 600 superbike class.

This years successful results were made possible only because of the help and support of Marvin Rosencrans, Rocky Mountain Kawasaki, Bob Fier, Dunlop tires, Hindle exhaust, Arai helmets, Hotbodies body work, Fitz Graphics paint work, Dainese leathers, Woodcraft rears sets, EBC brakes, Belray oil, Penske shocks, 1 Tail accessories, GPR stabilzers, Lockhart Phillips, R-Tech fuel and Paul Frysig.

Returning to Colorado, the Motorcycle Roadracing Association series started in April at Pueblo. Riding the Rocky Mountain Kawasaki Dunlop shod ZX-6R, Ricky would contest the Race of the Rockies GTU and 600 Supersport classes. The first round went well with two podium finishes. In Race of the Rockies, Ricky put it on the box for second place. In the 600 supersport race, a third place saw him on the box again. Throughout the year Ricky continued to run at the front. As Marvin Rosencrans developed the ZX-6R and Ricky got more comfortable on the bike, the team’s results continued to improve.

The penultimate round of the Motorcycle Roadracing Association series brought the racers back to Pueblo for a double header weekend. The Race of the Rockies saw Ricky and Pedro on the front row. A great start by both riders had them leading the field into turn one. On lap five Bravo got into a huge slide, with Orlando on his tail trying to avoid the pending crash. Somehow Pedro saved it, but Ricky had gotten by for the lead. Trying to put a gap on his team mate, Orlando was surprised when Bravo came back past going into turn one. This battle had the spectators on their feet, as this was easily the most exciting race of the day. As the white flag was waving, Orlando was all over Bravo looking for a way past. As both riders were in site of the checker flag, Bravo spun up his rear Dunlop exiting turn ten, Orlando stayed on the gas beating Bravo to the line by a wheel for the win. With Ricky now leading points by one, the last race would determine the champion. Orlando laid down a great start and put a rider between him and Bravo. Ricky held the gap over his team mate to the checker flag for another win with Pedro in the runner up spot.

In all, Ricky won the last five rounds of Race of the Rockies and the championship. In 600 Supersport, Ricky was on the podium at every round, winning the last four rounds and the championship. A great year is the product of hard work by the team, a little luck and support by Marvin Rosencrans, Bob Fier, Rocky Mountain Kawasaki, Team Green, Dunlop, Hindle, Bel-Ray, EBC, Dainese, Arai, Lockhart Phillips, Woodcraft, Penski, GPR, 1 Tail.com, Fitz Graphix, Hot Bodies, Factory Pro, AST Sports Science, Dr Hannagan, Marcus McBain.

Without being on the bike since last October, the plan was to get into the groove on the first day and find his speed on day two. By the time qualifying was up, Ricky had found two seconds from last year and was fastest in his session. Staying on top of the list, Ricky had temperory ownership of the Rolex watch for fastest qualifier. By the end of the session Ricky had dropped to twenty-fourth giving him a sixth row start, one of his best.

The light went green and after the first few laps he was up into twenty-first spot. As the team executed flawless pit stops and consistent laps, Ricky brought home the Fier/Rocky Mountain Kawasaki ZX-6RR in fourteenth place, another great Daytona finish.

A new Rocky Mountain Kawasaki ZX-10 was prepared for the season in Colorado. The team looked at the first round as practice, while trying to develop the bike. It was halfway through the season before Ricky made a podium finish. The Hastings round of ROR saw Ricky put in an impressive ride in the driving rain for a second place finish. Ricky ended the season fourth in Open Supersport and fifth in the Race of the Rockies Championship.

Many thanks to Rocky Mountain Kawasaki, Marvin Rosencrans, Bob Fier, Hindle, Arai, Dunlop,Fitz Graphics EBC, Dainese,GPR,Lockhart Phillips,Bel-Ray,Dr Hannagan, Cycle Cinch, Suzuka Tire Warmers, Marcus Mcbain,1 Tail.com, AST Sports Science, Penske.

As typical with a new model everything came together at the last minute. On the first day of practice at Daytona everyone’s worse fear came true. Five laps into practice Ricky was down in the chicane. He was ok, but not the shiny Fier/RMK Kawasaki ZX6. After a trip back to the pits in the safety truck, Marvin and crew started repairing the damage. Day two of practice unfortunately brought the same results with Ricky crashing in the international horseshoe. This was far from typical for Ricky and the team was searching for answers. Suspension technician Marcus Mcbain suggested measuring the frame, only to find it out of factory spec. While Jon Glaefke and Jim Clark drove to Ft Lauderdale and back to have the frame corrected, qualifing was up. Les Gerber loaned Ricky his bike for the session. As expected Ricky rode cautiously to a forty sixth position on the grid. Back on the Fier /RMK ZX6 for the start of the Daytona 200, Ricky was concerned about racing on a bike he had not tested since the repair. As the light went green Ricky slowly started to pick up the pace. While Marvin and crew performed quick pit stops, of which one was caught by the Speed Channel camera’s and Ricky’s confidence grew, the running position‘s continued to drop.

With twenty laps to go the team was overjoyed that they were incredibly in tenth place! Now with only a hand full of laps to go Marvin noticed a puff of smoke. With six laps left, the head gasket let go ending all hope for another great comeback finish for the Fier/RMK team.

The rest of the season was more typical with a lot less drama. Ricky competed in the AMA National 600 supersport class at Fontana, Pike’s Peak and Laguna Seca with his best finish, a twelfth place at Pike’s Peak At home Ricky competed in a handful of the Motorcycle Roadracing Series. With two wins and consist podium finishes he was top ten in both the Race of the Rockies GTU and 600 Superbike classes for year end.

Many thanks go out to Bob Fier, Rocky Mountain Kawasaki, Marvin Rosencrans, Dunlop Tires, Arai Helmets, Dainese Leathers, EBC Brakes, Hindle Exhaust, Lockhart Phillips, 1 Tail.com, Bel Ray Oil, Dr. Hannagan, Factory Pro, HO Motorsports, Cycle Cinch and Marcus Mcbain

Once again the new bike would not be available till after Daytona Bike Week, so the team headed south with last years equipment. Marvin Rosencrans usually has the bike as close to being spot on as possible right out of the trailer, but this time the Colorado setup was not working. The big 1000 was threatening to throw Ricky off its back at over one hundred eighty miles an hour. Marvin was trying everything he knew to no avail... Finally on day two the team got a handle on it. Qualifying in twenty-ninth position, Ricky quickly was working his way through the field, just outside of the top ten when it happened. Getting into the chicane a little hot, he lost the front end at over eighty miles an hour. A graceful slide into the dirt, which was captured by Speed channels cameras, had caused a big hush over Colorado. Ricky ran over to the bike, picked it up and to his surprise found no damage. He remounted and rode to an outstanding six-place finish, a career best.

Back home the new Kawasaki project was coming together slowly. As parts were trickling in, the race season was already here. At the first round, the ZX10 showed promise and Ricky finished on the podium. As parts continued to become available, the bike seemed to be work in progress. The second round at Pikes Peaks saw Ricky leading Race of the Rockies until he was nudged off the line by Shane Turpin, but he managed to gather it up and put it on the podium again.

The AMA National Superbike round was the next weekend and Ricky continued to impress the hometown fans by putting the Sun Racing Kawasaki into the top ten, by finishing up in ninth spot.

As the season wore on, the Sun Racing Kawasaki continued to improve but never seemed to be exactly to Ricky‘s liking. Winner circle showings were consistent, resulting in a third place in the Race of the Rockies Championship and the Open Superbike class.

A successful season requires a major effort and a big thanks goes to all that contributed to the team, including Sun Enterprises, Marvin Rosencrans, Dunlop Tires, Arai Helmets, EBC Brakes, Hindle Exhaust, Dainese Leathers, Fitz Graphics, Bel-Ray Oil, Lockhart Phillips, Dr. Hannagan, Hot Bodies, Factory Pro and Marcus Mcbain

With some very fast veterans and a couple of up and coming riders, it would be anybody’s guess on who to place your money on for the championship.

Ricky knew that a 750cc bike would not get the job done and with AMA rules allowing 1000cc in superbike for 2003, he made plans to upgrade his equipment after Daytona. The new Suzuki GSXR1000 would not be out in time for Daytona, so Ricky headed south on the Colorado PowerSports Suzuki 750.

Knowing he would be severely out horsepowered, consistency and tire management would be the game plan. When the checkered flag flew, Ricky had a fifteen place finish to his credit.

Back in Colorado, the opening round had everyone heading to the fastest track on the MRA circuit, Pueblo. A windy day greeted the racers and with a new bike, the team was a little apprehensive about the day. Marvin Rosencrans had precious little time to set up the new Colorado Powersports Suzuki 1000, but as expected, his tuning expertise had the bike as close to perfection as one might expect. Results speak for themselves and with a going away win in ROR; Ricky had a great start to the 2003 season.

Throughout the year, he never relinquished the points lead. Winning was his objective and the points chase did not come into play until halfway into the season. The second visit to La Junta was the turning point for Ricky, a few laps into ROR; he saw his points lead slipping away as he was battling for fourth place with Josh Gram and Ryan Burke knocking on the door. With Dan Turner and Shane Turpin pulling away, Ricky knew he had to do something. Putting his head down, Ricky got past Josh then setout after the leaders. As the race started to wind down, he executed the perfect draft past on Turpin, moving in to second place. On the white flag lap, Ricky repeated the same move on Turner, leading for one lap, the most important one, the last. Definitely one of the most exciting rounds of ROR...

From that point Ricky started counting points and riding smart to finish the season as champion.

Another highlight of the year was an outstanding finish at the AMA Superbike round at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Ricky worked his way past many of the top riders to an eleventh place finish as top privateer.

Putting together a championship winning season takes skill, luck and support. Marvin Rosencrans kept the bike running flawlessly all year and Shannon Copeland provided moral support. Colorado PowerSports was one of Ricky’s main sponsors; Dunlop Tires, EBC brakes, Arai helmets, Dainese Leathers, Fox Shox, Sharkskin bodywork, Factory Pro, Bel-Ray oil, Dr. Hannagan, Hindle exhaust and Lockhart Phillips all provided superior products and help in the pursuit of the championship.

The 2004 season will take Ricky back to Daytona for the opening round of the AMA Superbike Series and will also compete in the BMW Boxer Cup. The big news is a new sponsor. Ricky will bring the number one plate to the Sun Racing Team in quest of another championship.

With a tenth place finish at Daytona, it was a great accomplishment to kick off the 2002 MRA season. The roll continued here when he won the first two rounds of Race of the Rockies aboard the Colorado Powersports Suzuki 1000. A decision to replace the GSXR1000 with a GSXR750 had great rewards with an incredible 8th place at the AMA Superbike round here at Pikes Peak in front of the local fans.

Ricky led points in Race of the Rockies most of the season, but as expected, the 750 could not hold off the horsepower charge of the unlimited bikes. He relinquished the points led, but did finish second in the series.

Behind every successful racer are the people that make it possible for him to be competitive. Marvin Rosencrans and Shannon Copeland were trackside weekend after weekend. Without support from Kurt Finley of Colorado Powersports, Mark Newbury, Dennis Smith and Jim Allen of Dunlop tires, Lang Hindle of Hindle Exhaust, Gary Gallagher of EBC brakes, Jeff Favorite of Fox Shox, Bruce Porter of Aria helmets, Paul Delia of AST Sports Science, David Lee of Sharkskin Composites, JJ Handfield of Bel-Ray oil, Mark Salvisberg of Factory Pro Tuning, Bob Fier, Roland Manning, Dr Hannigan, Pete Fitzsimmons of FitzGraphix, Ned Mataraso of Dainese leathers, Steve Temple of Lichter Studios and Lockhart Phillips, these results would not be possible.

Ricky’s plans for 2003 will include AMA Superbike rounds at Daytona, Fontana, Pikes Peak, Laguna Seca and of course the MRA series. Ricky would like to thank all the MRA staff and corner workers for their efforts.

With a win at the first round of the MRA season at Second Creek under their belts, Pueblo became the first true test of the machine. The long front straight demands horsepower, and the dyno hadn't lied. Nobody was passing Ricky down the front straight - or anywhere else for that matter. The opening rounds had been a very good indication on how the season would turn out. He left Pueblo with 3 first place trophies: Open Supersport, Open Superbike and Race of the Rockies. The winning continued throughout the 2001 race season, with the setting of a new track record at Second Creek, winning 10 out of 10 Open Supersport races, clinching the MRA number 1 plate in Race of the Rockies, and winning both Open Superbike and Open Supersport championships. When not in the championship chase in Colorado, Ricky was off to the AMA Nationals. At Daytona International Speedway, he was running 10th after the long, multi-red flagged race until an unscheduled pit stop dropped him to 16th. With the help of Jon Glaefke and Glenn Conser, he also made it toLaguna Seca during the World Superbike weekend, and represented Colorado when the AMA Superbike round came to PPIR. Aboard his Colorado Powersports GSXR 1000 while running in 10th place during the Formula Xtreeme race, he was closing in on the Team Erion Honda when his shift lever touched down in the tight turn 3, putting the bike in neutral - and on the ground. With his Vanson leathers and Arai Helmet protecting him from harm Ricky picked up his bike and finished 14th. Luckily, that was the only time Ricky took a soil sample that year. Looking back it was truly a fantasy year, with teammates Marvin Rosencrans and Shannon Copeland keeping it all together. But it would not have been possible without the help of Kurt Finley from Colorado Powersports, Mark Newby at Dunlop Tires, Lang Hindle of Hindle Exhaust, Gary Gallagher at EBC, Chuck Gilchrest at Vanson Leathers, Jeff Favorite at Fox Shox, Bruce Porter with Arai Helmets, Paul Delia at AST Research, David Lee at Sharkskin Composites, JJ Hanfield at BelRay Oil, Mark Salvisberg at Factory Pro Tuning Products and Donnie Schmidt at Gearbox International. Also Ricky would like to thank Bob Fier, Roland Manning, Pete Hokenstad of Hokenblock Racing, Pete Fitzsimmons for painting the wonderful color scheme and Steve Temple of Michael Lichter Photography for the photos in the program. As for the coming season you can bet the Ricky will be running the big number 1 on his Colorado Powersports GSXR 1000. By the time you read this Ricky will have hopefully completed another Daytona 200 on Glenn Conser's GSXR 750. Ricky would also like to thank the MRA corner workers, MRA staff and all of the racers that he raced against. Thank you for the fun and competition.

The 2000 race season started for Ricky at Daytona International Speedway for AMA round 1, the Daytona 200. Aboard a Jon Glafke sponsored Suzuki TL- 1000. Ricky finished 13th in the Daytona 200. With the MRA season in full swing. Ricky was clawing to make it to the victory circle. With the modifications limited to a Hindle Exhaust System, Factory jet kit and Marvelous Marvin Rosencrans tuning wizardry, the lack of horsepower was apparent. Ricky was becoming a more and more consistent visitor to victory circle. As the top riders of the MRA started to make miscues, Ricky's consistency started to prove invaluable. As Ricky headed for the 2nd to last race of the year this was the story. He was in the points lead, with Dan Turner in 2nd place. If Dan won the last two rounds, Ricky in second place they would be tied in points, with a tie breaker going to Dan, with the most race wins. With a spark in his green eyes Ricky's game plan was to beat Dan. Orlando made the comment, "you either win the Race of the Rockies title or you lose". When the green flag dropped it was Dan and Ricky in that order pulling away from the pack. With Ricky pushing his Dunlop tires to the edge, It happened. A big slide, a rodeo ride and he was down. Not hurt but certainly disappointed. Ricky said he was going for the win, but it did not come together. The last race of the year saw Ricky lead Race of the Rockies for most of the race only to be passed by Dan Turner, leaving Ricky 3rd in points for the year. Ricky, also ran Open Superbike for the entire season, finishing 2nd for the year. He contested two AMA Formula Extreme events.

Without Marvin Rosencrans and help from EBC Brakes, Arai Helmets, Bel-ray Oil, Dunlop Tires and Chuck Gilcrest at Vanson Leathers it would be impossible to have this successful of a season. Fox Shock, Sharkskin Body Work, Red Fish Restaurant, Cycles of Boulder, AST, EADS News, Doc Hannigan, Roland Manning were also instrumental in making Ricky's 2000 season come together. Ricky rode the Daytona 200, 2001 on a Lee Waldman sponsored Suzuki GSXR-750. For the 2001 you can see Ricky aboard a new Suzuki GSXR- 1000. You can bet on Ricky being a contender for the number I plate for Race of the Rockies