BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy in October 2008

"SPARTANBURG SIX" HEAD TO BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER AUGUST 28 TO COMPETE FOR CHANCE TO REPRESENT USA FOR INTERNATIONAL GS TROPHY

"Survivor" Motorcycle-Style - One Woman and Five Men Vie for Three Spots on U.S. Team Competing Against World's Best in Tunisia, October 15-24
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - August 27, 2008... Six intrepid motorcyclists - the "Spartanburg Six" - will travel to BMW's Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC, August 28, to compete for three spots on the team representing the USA in the inaugural BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy in October. Following a day of technical skills competition, the "Spartanburg Six" will become the "Tunisia Three," representing the USA at the international competition in Tunisia, October 15-24.

The six riders who will be evaluated at BMW's Performance Center in Spartanburg (from an initial field of 96 applicants) come from all over the USA and include Jason Adams from New York; Bill Dragoo from Oklahoma; Kevan Harder from California; Brad Hendry from Colorado; Jim Stoddard from New York and Brienne Thompson from California.

Bill Dragoo, one of the "Spartanburg Six", is delighted at his selection and at the age of 52, will be the oldest competitor.

"I feel blessed to make the cut as one of the six finalists for BMW's GS Trophy in Tunisia and can't wait to compete alongside four other men and one woman in Spartanburg, South Carolina. For me, this is the chance of a lifetime and should I succeed at Spartanburg, it will be the culmination of a lifetime of preparation for just such a challenge. It is a chance for one last hurrah, (hopefully not quite the last) and to represent the United States in a World Class event. I appreciate the prayers and support of my friends across Oklahoma and beyond."

Brienne Thomson, the only female competitor, is a highly competitive young motorcyclist, who has racing experience both on- and off-road. She also competes quite successfully in triathlon events.

"The ability to ride with the best at BMW's Performance Center on a brand new BMW F 800 GS is going to be an experience - an everlasting memory - no matter what happens," said Brienne. "I'm honoured to be a part of the GS Trophy. As the only female in this high-ranking group, I will do my best to be an inspiration to other females to be involved in this sport of adventure. I am fully prepared to go to Tunisia; I have been to Africa before and I can't wait to go back."