(NEWS RELEASE)

M4 Suzuki’s race-winning duo of Martin Cardenas and Dane Westby enjoyed promising opening practice sessions at Laguna Seca as the U.S. Grand Prix weekend got underway.

Cardenas, who is feeling fit again following his Mid-Ohio qualifying crash, was immediately on the pace in the day’s sole AMA Pro Superbike session.

The Colombian posted the fourth-fastest time of the day at 1:26.392 aboard his M4 Suzuki GSX-R1000 and promised more to come on Saturday.

“That was a good practice,” Cardenas remarked. “We tried both bikes with a little bit different setting. I picked one that feels very good almost everywhere. I only want to try a couple of things to try to go a little bit faster tomorrow but so far the feeling with the bike is really good.

“I think my riding is the biggest area where we can improve to be honest. I’m not completely accustomed to Turn 1 on this bike. The Superbike is very fast, it’s not like a 600 where you can go with whatever line you choose and it isn’t a problem. This one I’m not up to full speed on yet. Also, some of my braking points aren’t completely set.”

Mid-Ohio winner Dane Westby was also in the mix, registering the fifth best time of the day’s solitary Daytona SportBike session. The Oklahoman stopped the clocks at 1:30.449 aboard his GSX-R600.

Chris Ulrich is also back in action after making an abbreviated comeback attempt at Mid-Ohio. Continuing to improve in his health and fitness, Chris was 15th fastest in Friday’s AMA Pro Superbike free session, posting a best mark of 1:28.956.

M4 Suzuki will be back in action at Laguna Seca on Saturday to earn their grid positions for Sunday’s Superbike and SportBike races.