PASO ROBLES, CA (September 14, 2011) – Beta race team member Chris Bach finished last Sunday’s Unadilla GNCC in 5th place after running as high as 3rd for most of the race. The Crown Point, Indiana rider forced his Beta 450RR through the New York mud, running as high as third. The race proved to be brutal as the prior rains made for many square-edged holes which put riders to the test.

“The slicker than normal Unadilla conditions played right into my favor, and I was able to recover from a poor start and get up front quickly.  During a heated multi-lap mid race battle with Kanney, I made a mistake and re-tweaked an already weak knee and was forced to back it down and ride a safe race to get the Beta in the top 5.” Chris explains.

The well-liked Beta factory racer goes under the knife this week to repair a damaged knee that has continued to hinder his performance. Beginning with the next round, GNCC XC2 class regular Jesse Robinson will fill in for Bach for the remainder of the season on a Beta 450 and make the jump into the premier XC1 class.

Chris Bach explains his decision, “Its an unfortunate turn of events, however I feel that we have made the best decision based on our current situation and also with our goals for the future.  I have an intense rehab/therapy schedule already in place for my post-op recovery, and with the help of Dr. Shelbourne and his medical staff in Indianapolis, I will be back on the bike as soon as possible, and ready to win in 2012.”

Beta race team manager Johnny Murphree explains, “Chris’s plans were to finish out the remainder of the season and then repair his knee at the series end however we all felt it was a better plan to get the operation now so Chris can begin training for the 2012 season sooner. We are happy to have Jesse as a part of our team! The kid is fast, likeable and will fill in for Chris quite well. We feel it is very important to have a Beta involved in the GNCC series.”

Chris Bach’s sponsors include Factory Beta Racing, Ride PG.com, FMF, Fly Racing, Maxxis, Kal Gard Lubricants, DC Shoes, Fasst Company, WMR Racing, Hammer Nutrition, SIDI Boots, CV4, Scott, Dirt Tricks, Regina Chains, and Concept 2.

Jesse Robinson’s sponsors include Factory Beta Racing, Maxxis, Moose, Kal Gard Lubricants, FMF, RidePG.com, Genuine Dirt Racer, Clockwork Products, Asterisk, DP Brakes, Z1R Helmets, Works Connection, Master Tech Toyota Lexus Specialists, Trials Training Center, and DSP.

American Beta is the sole US importer of high quality Beta motorcycles. Beta motorcycles are handcrafted in Florence, Italy offering a complete range of Off Road competition, Dual Sport as well as class-leading Mototrial motorcycles.

For more information go to www.americanbeta.com.