Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. announced today that up-and-coming rookie Leandro Mercado will be riding for the Monster Energy® Attack Kawasaki team at the Daytona 200 this coming week. Mercado will join Jamie Hacking on the Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-6R with hopes of defending the Kawasaki winning streak at the prestigious Daytona 200.
Competing in the AMA Rookies Cup last year, the 17-year-old has already proven his talent with wins at Road America and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and four additional podium finishes. The Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki team will eventually support Mercado in the AMA SuperSport class, likely starting at Road Atlanta.
“It’s great to see such immense talent at a young age,” said Mike Preston, Kawasaki road race manager. “Leandro definitely shows an understanding of the sport and I think he will fit right in with our team.”
Due to the AMA’s new team entrant rules, Mercado will be running the number 95 during the Daytona 200.
“I’m really looking forward to riding my first Daytona 200,” said Mercado. “The ZX-6R is very powerful and I know I can do well with this team behind me.”
Mercado will be looking to benefit from Hacking’s experience in the Daytona 200. The now veteran rider stood on the podium during his rookie year at the historic race.
