The following is from Suzuki…
Team Hammer is pleased to announce that Taylor Knapp will compete for the team aboard a Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington, on June 23-25.
Knapp will serve as a single-round guest rider aboard the factory Superbike that was unexpectedly in need of a capable pilot following the surprise retirement of former class champion Toni Elias following the Road America round.
Knapp is well suited to the role. He is one of the most experienced and versatile riders in the paddock, boasting a racing resume that spans disciplines, classes, nations, and manufacturers.
Over the past two decades, Knapp has enjoyed a decorated and varied road racing career, running up front as both a privateer and factory Superbike pilot. In addition to his premier class duties, Knapp has raced in Daytona Sportbike, Stock 1000, and the King of the Baggers over the years, while also competing overseas in the British Superbike series.
Additionally, he’s racked up numerous other racing accomplishments and accolades, including victorious performances at the Barber Pro Cup Challenge and WERA F1 National Championship.
Since 2017, Knapp has served as a Motorcycle Test Engineer for Dunlop Motorcycle Tires. He has continued to compete since accepting the position and currently ranks sixth in the 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 championship standings with a podium result at Road Atlanta.
“I am super excited to get on the Suzuki GSX-R1000 again. I’ve raced Suzukis in the past and always liked them and have had good success with them,” said Knapp. “It’s an honor to race for Team Hammer and Suzuki, so I am pumped. As Dunlop’s test rider, we have a couple of Suzuki 1000s that serve as our workhorses, so I ride them often. The weekend should be fun!”
