May 18, 2010 – Saint John, NB – FP Husqvarna / Zip-Ty Racing Canada’s Guy Giroux and Ryan Graffunder hammered their way to podium positions on the weekend while competing at regional races in their respective home turfs of British Columbia and Quebec. Giroux nailed 2nd place at the opening round of Quebec’s FMSQ series, held in St-Alphonse de Granby, while Graffunder backed up the podium he earned at his last race by delivering a 3rd overall at the Rock Hound Hare Scramble in Salmon Arm, British Columbia.

GUY GIROUX 

In Giroux’s first Canadian race on board his 2010 Husqvarna, the seasoned veteran from Quebec was able to pound his way through the slippery rocks and roots of the St-Alphonse course and secure his spot on the podium.

After a bad start that left him picking his way through the pack on his WR 250 two stroke, Guy battled with an inspired Scott Bowes for second position and then focused on hunting down the United Kingdom’s ultra-fast export, and current GNCC contender, Jason Thomas.

In the end, although Giroux was unable to close the significant gap that Thomas had stretched out, he was able to finish the day with a solid lock on second position.

                                      
In British Columbia, the 2010 installment of the Rock Hound Hare Scramble offered up a dust choked start that saw Ryan Graffunder on his TXC 450 shadowed by his brother, and Husqvarna Canada team-mate, Nick Graffunder, on his TXC 250 as they gobbled up riders in the opening lap.

RYAN GRAFFUNDER   

Although Nick would run into problems early into the race that would prematurely end his day, Ryan was able to forge his way forward on the demanding race course that left many riders exhausted and nursing blistered hands.

Following some close bar to bar combat with notorious Alberta fast guy, Paul Petrin, Graffunder was able to break away and went after the leaders.  At the finish of the grueling five lap event, Ryan’s efforts were rewarded when he snagged third overall and the final spot on the podium.

Guy, Ryan and Nick, along with Husqvarna Canada’s Marty Halmazna, will be hitting additional regional races in the coming weeks as they continue to prepare for the round of the 2010 Canadian Enduro Championship series that begins July 3rd and 4th in Blairmore, Alberta.

NICK GRAFFUNDER

Team Sponsors

Husqvarna Canada, Feeding Performance Inc., Motovan, Rekluse, Ogio, Dragon, Xtreme, TCX, Axis, Zox, Pro-Tech, Etnies, Throttle Entertainment, UNI Filter, DID, LeoVince, GPR Stabilizer, Motul, LimeNine, Impact Canopies, GoPro, Enduro Engineering, Supersprox, Boyesen, Dunlop and Zip Ty Racing.

Special thanks to the Husqvarna Canada dealers that provide extra assistance help ensure our race program is a success; Bow Ridge Sports in Cochrane, Echo Cycle in Edmonton and RiverCity Cycle in Kamloops.

About Husqvarna Motorcycles

Tradition on two wheels since 1903.

Husqvarna Motorcycles, a part of the BMW Group since October 2007, are widely known and respected in the off-road world for a heritage of competition and have accumulated over 70 World Championships in Motocross, Enduro and Supermotard.

Originally founded in Sweden in 1903, Husqvarna motorcycles have been designed and manufactured in Varese, Italy since 1987.

For more information on Husqvarna Motorcycles, visit www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com