Veteran Supercross and Motocross Champion David Vuillemin is one of several new members of the Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing team this year, and the Frenchman is excited about joining a new team for 2008. Again contesting the premier classes in AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross, 30-year-old Vuillemin brings a wealth of experience to Suzuki, thanks to multiple European championships, race wins and more than 40 combined SX/MX podium positions.

“I’m adjusting fine to being with the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team,” said Vuillemin. “The team is really professional and has a lot of experience so it’s been going good. The best part for me is to be in a factory team and know that the equipment will be great. It’s also good to have Roger in the team so that I can use his knowledge and experience as an advantage. We have tested a few times and I like his input. He’s a legend as a rider and manager and he has a lot of knowledge in the technology/ mechanical department.”

With more than two decades of racing experience under his belt, Vuillemin also brings plenty to the proverbial table. This is particularly important for the 2008 race season since Suzuki has recently introduced a fuel-injected motocross bike in the newest iteration of the RM-Z450. Vuillemin will have many opportunities to help fine-tune the factory bikes.

“I have a lot of experience and I am a decent test rider,” said Vuillemin, “which is good with the arrival of the new Suzuki fuel-injected RM-Z450. I think the new bike is very good. Although I never rode the 2007 RM-Z, the 2008 bike handles really well. Now we just have to figure out a set-up for the bikes that accommodates all three of us (teammates) and we should be good. Overall, I’m looking forward to working with the team to help develop the bike.” While bike development is indeed always pertinent, Vuillemin also knows that setting his own goals and identifying the upcoming race season’s challenges is equally important. The former top privateer is back with a factory team and is looking to make the best of the opportunity.

“My goals for this season are to be in the top five at every race, in both Supercross and Motocross,” said Vuillemin. “I know it won’t be easy but that’s what I’m working toward. The main challenges this year will be all the great riders the series will have. Even though former Suzuki rider Ricky Carmichael won’t be there, this Supercross season might be one of the best ever.”

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 180 lb.

Classes of Racing Entered:
AMA Supercross, Supercross Class AMA Motocross Championship, Motocross Class

His Motorcycle:
? Look for the yellow No. 12 Suzuki RM-Z450, tuned by mechanic Robert McClure

Personal items:
Born: Oct. 18, 1977. Married to wife Erica. The Vuillemins originally met at the Hangtown Classic in 2000 and currently reside in Murrieta, California. She is from Erie, Pennsylvania, and Vuillemin is originally from Bouches du Rhone in France. When not test riding for Suzuki, Vuillemin enjoys basketball, tennis, soccer and going out for sushi with his wife.

Noted Accomplishments:
2007 Sixth overall with 13 top-10 finishes, AMA Supercross Two top-five finishes, Supercross World GP 10th overall with seven top-10 finishes, AMA Motocross 2006 Four top-10 finishes after racing only half the races, AMA Supercross Fourth, U.S. Open of Supercross in Las Vegas Third, McGrath Invitational Supercross Third, Bercy Supercross First, Barcelona Supercross First, Fuente Alamo Supercross First privateer and seventh overall with one podium, two top-five and 10 top-10 finishes, AMA Motocross 2005 Fourth overall with nine top-five finishes, AMA Supercross First, Barcelona Supercross First, Geneva Supercross Fourth overall with one podium and 10 top-five finishes, AMA Motocross Second, Motocross des Nations for Team France 2004 Fourth overall with six podiums, AMA Supercross Fourth overall with two podiums and four top-five finishes, AMA Motocross 2003 One win and six additional podiums, AMA Supercross Second place, US Open of Supercross in Las Vegas

Racing History
David Vuillemin, 30, spent the first part of his career racing and winning 125cc and 250cc Supercross championships in Europe before coming to the U.S. in 2000. Stateside, the Frenchman is a seven-time Supercross winner and three-time Motocross winner. He has more than 40 podium finishes to his credit, and he was the top SX privateer in 2007 and the top MX privateer in 2006. He was also top privateer in MX last year until he was injured at the Millville race in August. This is Vuillemin’s first year with the Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing team.

2007 Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series
Supercross Class – 6th place overall
6th place – Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
20th place -- Bank One Ballpark, Phoenix, AZ
11th place -- Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
6th place -- SBC Park, San Francisco, CA
12th place -- Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
10th place – Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
9th place – Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA
8th place -- Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
6th place – Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO
8th place -- Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
7th place -- Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL
7th place-- RCA Dome, Indianapolis, IN
9th place -- Texas Stadium, Dallas, TX
6thplace -- Ford Field, Detroit, MI
8th place -- Qwest Field, Seattle, WA
7th place -- Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, NV

2007 Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP
Supercross Lites Class 5th place – Rogers Stadium, Toronto, ON, Canada
4th place – B.C. Place Stadium, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

2007 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship
Motocross Class – 10th place overall
10th place – Hangtown Classic, Sacramento, CA
10th place -- High Point National, Mt. Morris, PA
9th place -- Motocross 338, Southwick, MA
11th place -- Budds Creek Raceway, Mechanicsville, MD
9th place-- Red Bud Track ‘n’ Trail, Buchanan, MI
8th place -- Unadilla Valley Sports Center, New Berlin, NY
6th place -- Thunder Valley MX Park, Lakewood, CO
6th place -- Washougal MX Park, Washougal, WA
14th place -- Spring Creek MX Park, Millville, MN
DNR -- Steel City Raceway, Delmont, PA
DNR – Freestone County Raceway, Wortham, TX
DNR -- Glen Helen Raceway, San Bernardino, CA