What better way to conclude the ’11 SSB Yamaha Custom Showdown than at MotoGP’s last American venue, Indianapolis Motor Speedway? The world’s largest motorsport facility brought hordes of race fans into the receptive brick city that rolled out entertainment from pit lane to Main street. By day, visitors had their pick of track attractions, off-site dirt races and downtown stunt spectacles. By night, Meridian Street, a main metropolitan thoroughfare, shook with thousands of every imaginable form of motorcycle. From hog to supersport, riders of all types parked along the street for after- dark festivities, and at every corner helmetless cruiser dudes got into rev limiter barking matches with inline-four throttle jockeys (rolling thunder proved its bark is more annoying than its bite) and the friendly police force let them have their fun.
Come Sunday, race motors sounded off over crowds filtering in and out of infield hot spots like the Yamaha Custom Showdown tent. In its final meeting, a range of purpose-built to artistic takes on the Yamaha sportbike family sat pretty for pictures and ballot votes. When it came time to crown a winner, there was but one that made a lasting impression.
Look out for extended coverage...
Look out for extended coverage on MSP's winning build in a future issue.
A brand new R1 isn't a bad...
A brand new R1 isn't a bad grand prize. Better than a magazine sub.
The Pro Class R1 entry from Krystos Efantis (MSP Motorsports Performance) took home first place after unanimously winning at each of the three competition venues. His award was a $1,000 dollar check and more importantly a 2011 R1—the result of accumulating the largest number of combined votes overall. Taking home the brand new bike came with one caveat: it must be customized and unveiled at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show in December. Elated from his victory, Krystos stated: “I want to first thank Yamaha, SSB and Silverstar for putting on this year’s custom showdown that allows all of us amateur and pro builders to showcase our masterpieces. It was an honor to attend all three shows with the baddest sportbike builders in the industry. A win at Indy was a huge goal for me and I accomplished it!”
The awards kept coming with the Amateur Class award ceremony as David Nguyen’s red and white ride won Best R1 for the second time in the series: “Winning at Indy was like winning the Pro Class for me since this was only my second time competing. It gives me a lot of hope to go pro next year.”
Josh Lee won the Best R6 category with a race shrouded 2001 YZF and confirmed that the competition is truly down to the voters at each venue: “For a bike I built in five days it was a great experience.”
Get prepared, because next year’s batch of builders will undoubtedly raise the bar on style and innovation. Think your bike has what it takes to win the love of the masses? Enter it at
yamaha-motor.com and maybe you’ll get an invitation. What have you got to lose?
SSBINDY RESULTS
PRO CLASS:
1. MSP Motorsports Performance
2. Gator Customs
3. Roaring Toyz
AMATEUR CLASS
1. Best R1: David Nguyen
2. Best R6: Josh Lee