Viper Powersports, Inc., designer and manufacturer of Viper Motorcycles, recently announced that Colbert Seagraves has joined the Viper management team as vice president of racing operations.

Colbert’s background includes R.J. Reynolds Sports Marketing, team manager at Junior Johnson & Associates, team manager at Travis Carter Enterprises and director of marketing and sponsorship for All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA).

“I look forward to assisting Viper launch its brand from its new World Class Corporate Headquarters in Auburn and to help build a winning drag racing team to achieve Viper’s brand marketing objectives,” Colbert said.

Viper also announced that it is developing a Mamba drag racing bike utilizing the existing 152 V-Twin designed and produced by Ilmor Engineering, and the company will be supporting a Drag Racing Team to challenge for the 2013 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship. The Mamba street bike model will be unveiled later this year at an open house at Viper’s new Auburn, Ala. headquarters.

“Colbert is the right person for the job of marketing our incredible Viper super-cruisers through a stated goal of winning an NHRA World Championship," said Viper Powersports CEO John R. Silseth. "Colbert will work diligently to secure sponsorships and work closely with our partner Ilmor to develop the engine and put a championship caliber drag race team on the track to compete in the 2013 NHRA season.”

Ilmor Engineering President Paul Ray said, “Over the past 20 years, Ilmor has achieved success at the highest levels of racing competition including, Formula One, IndyCar, Stock-Car, and Powerboat Racing. We are excited about the challenge ahead of us in supporting Viper’s entry into Drag Racing. It will be our first opportunity to showcase the performance potential of the Viper 152 engine."

For more information about Viper Motorcycles, vist www.vipermotorcycle.com.