Legendary tuner Johnny Goad to turn wrenches for newly-formed team

GRAHAM, Wash. (Feb. 19, 2015) – After running his own race team since 2008, perennial AMA Pro Flat Track GNC1 contender Sammy Halbert will be riding for the newly-formed BriggsAuto.com/Scott Powersports Team at AMA Pro Flat Track Half-Mile and Mile races in 2015. Wrenched by legendary tuner Johnny Goad, the Graham, Wash., native will continue to race his own Yamaha YZ450s at AMA Pro Flat Track Short Track and TT races.

“I have my sights set on winning the 2015 Grand National Championship,” said 27-year-old Halbert, who finished second in 2012 and won the overall championship in 2009. “Running my own team took up lots of time that I can now devote to riding and training. With support from Briggs Auto and Scott Powersports, and bikes tuned by Johnny Goad, I’ll be a force to be reckoned with this coming season.”

ABOUT BRIGGS AUTO GROUP: Briggs Auto Group has locations in Lawrence, Manhattan and Topeka, Kansas, and represents brands including: Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Kia, Nissan, Ram and Subaru. Briggs Auto Group is owned by Russ Briggs, a long-time dirt track enthusiast who has sponsored AMA Flat Track racers over the years, including Terry Poovey and Jared Mees. More recently, Briggs Auto Group has been a major sponsor of JSC Racing, run by Johnny, Sarah and Caylee Goad. Learn more about Briggs Auto Group at www.briggsauto.com.

ABOUT SCOTT POWERSPORTS: Coopersburg, PA-based Scott Powersports carries a wide selection of powersport vehicles. Scott Powersports is owned by Mike Scott, who for many years has been active in Grand National flat track racing as a rider, owner and sponsor. Mike has been heavily involved with the development of Kawasakis in the Grand National Twins series. In 2015, Mike's time will be split between the AMA Pro Flat Track circuit and going racing with his son Tyler, an amateur dirt track competitor. Learn more about Scott Powersports at www.scottpowersports.com.

ABOUT JOHNNY GOAD: Johnny Goad, a well-known name on the flat track circuit, has been involved in racing for 50+ years, as a rider, tuner and engine builder. Goad was named Tuner of the Year in 1993, when Ricky Graham won the championship on a Johnny Goad built/tuned motorcycle. Goad and his wife Sarah are excited to be back on the circuit on a full time basis. They will be joined by their daughter Caylee, who will assist her dad both in the shop and in the pits.

ABOUT SAMMY HALBERT: After being named AMA Pro Flat Track Rookie of the Year in 2006, Sammy Halbert has come on strong in the AMA Pro Flat Track series. Halbert was the 2009 Overall Grand National Champion and the 2011 Singles Champion. He finished second in the Grand National Championship in 2012 and has won 12 Nationals so far in his career. Follow Halbert’s run for the 2015 Grand National Championship at www.facebook.com/SammyHalbert.