Christie team looking for '09 options

By John Hopkins

Roz-Gar Racing is in the process of refocusing its search for a ride for up-and-coming road racer Jodi Christie following news of the cancellation of the 2009 AMA Red Bull Rookies Cup on Thursday.

The 15-year-old Christie had secured one of the coveted spots in the program, which made its debut in 2008, and was expected to contend for the series title.

"The tryouts were held at Barber Motorsports Park near Birmingham, AL on Oct. 3-5. One week later Kevin Schwantz informed Jodi personally that he was looking forward to the year riding with Jodi and honing his skills," said team owner Gary Christie in a press release. "To say that Jodi and family were thrilled would have been an understatement.

"Having taken part in the tryouts and during contract negotiations with Red Bull US it gave us a great feel of what we had to look forward to in the upcoming series. From the moment we made contact in October to today’s press release from Red Bull we felt their professionalism and sense of family."

Jodi Christie won the 2008 Armour Bodies Amateur 600 Sport Bike title on a Yamaha YZF-R6, and the Keene, ON racer will now likely try to find a ride in the national Pro ranks for the coming season.

"Jodi and crew would like to thank Stuart Nodell and Vicki Schouten for their encouragement to sign up for the tryouts as it truly was an amazing experience," added Gary Christie in his release. "They would also like to thank Roland and Kenny Reidman for all the support. Also thanks to Mick, Geoff and the rest of the Red Bull crew and Kevin Schwantz for providing us with one of the most exciting weekends of my life."