May 4, 2010 – Saint John, NB – FP Husqvarna / Zip-Ty Racing Canada’s Ryan Graffunder delivered in a big way for his new team and sponsors on the weekend, earning a solid podium finish with his 2nd place overall during his first race aboard his 2010 TXC 450. Ryan earned the new addition to his trophy collection during the inaugural Main Jet Hare Scramble, a regional event that was held in Merritt, British Columbia on May 2nd.  

Graffunder fought his way to the front after a bad start that left him at the back of the pack. Ryan charged his way through the other riders, eventually taking the lead for a short period before having a minor problem in an uphill section that allowed KTM’s Ryan Durkee to build a small lead that he was able to carry to the finish.  Although Graffunder was unable to bridge the gap between himself and Durkee, the two Ryan’s were very close at the finish.

“It was a great way to finish my first race on my new 450 Husqvarna” said Graffunder. “I have not had much time on the bike yet and, other than some basic suspension set-up, it is still completely stock. I was comfortable on it right away and I am looking forward to getting it dialed in during the regional races over the next two months before the National series starts”.

Ryan’s brother and team mate on the new Husqvarna Canada team, Nick Graffunder, was unable to attend the Main Jet race. Nick did race his 2010 TXC 250 at a regional event a few weeks ago but struggled with illness that forced him to withdraw before the finish. Nick is working with his new team to get his 250 set-up for battle and will be attending regional races in preparation for his assault on the E1 class during the 2010 Canadian Enduro Championship that begins July 3rd.

Husqvarna Canada’s other two riders, Guy Giroux and Marty Halmazna, are training hard and looking forward to their first races aboard their new bikes in the coming weeks.  

Team Sponsors

Husqvarna Canada, Feeding Performance Inc., Motovan, Rekluse, Ogio, Dragon, Xtreme, Zox, Throttle Entertainment, UNI Filter, DID, LeoVince, GPR Stabilizer, Dunlop, Motul, Lime Nine, Enduro Engineering, Supersprox, Boyesen and Zip Ty Racing.

Specials thanks to the Husqvarna Canada dealers that 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