Cycle Source

For information about the Cerini Sponsored - Stull Racing/Cycle Source Buell Team!

"Stull Now Road Racing!" July 2nd, 2005 - Wampum, PA Article by: Chris Callen WERA Sportsman Series Road Racing There probably isn't a moto fan out there that doesn't recognize the name Gene Stull. His two back to back Loretta Lynn Amateur National Championships alone have set his name in the stone pages of motocross history. In his career, Gene has raced for team Suzuki and most recently for Team Solitaire Yamaha out of Millennium Cycles. Unfortunately he was involved in a horrible crash at the Highpoint National in 2004 that would take him out of the National Motocross scene for a while anyway. Like any true champion Gene was quick to get restless and before long was looking to get his face in the wind, it was a simple test ride at a race track in Beaver Falls,PA that he would learn that his skills didn't stop on the dirt. After going through the licensing process he was ready to compete and on July 2nd Gene got to race his first road race in the WERA North East division. Through the sponsorship of Cerini Harley-Davidson/ Buell, Track Side Report, Dutchman Racing and Cycle Source Magazine, he was racing a Buell XB12R Firebolt. At the same time he was racing a Honda CBR600RR through his own efforts and a little help from Ducthman Racing and Track Side Report. Two classes at one race would give Gene the most seat time possible and get him up to speed on the differences between this type of racing and that which he ha been used to.

Gene's lap times on the day were incredible turning an impressive 105.4 on the Buell and 102's on the Honda. The existing lap record at the track is somewhere in the 57 second range so he is in real good shape for a beginner, or for a veteran rider as a matter of fact. But more importantly than how fast the best laps were was how consistent he was throughout the day. In both practice sessions and in both 20 lap solo races he had almost identical lap times. Starting out at a common number and gaining a second or tow until he settled in at the 102's on the Honda and 106's on the Buell. Consistency is what wins races and in road racing, it's probably the single most important thing for the life of the machine, the tires and the fatigue of the rider. This is an aspect that can't be taught easily and one that would seem to be a natural with Stull.
By the end of the weekend Gene would have a ninth place finish out of like 20 in the Honda's class and an 8th place finish out of 15 in the Buell's class. All in all it was a great learning experience for the whole team and a good place to set the bar for their next event. For more information on the Stull Racing Buell team, keep checking www.cyclesource.com for updates to the Cycle Source Racing page.