(Tumon, Guam) The 25th Smokin� Wheels happens next weekend, April 13 � 15, and racers from all over the world, including 60 racers from Japan, are scheduled to compete in Guam�s most renowned off road race. Joining the pack of racers will be Yukiya Watanabe of Forte Racing, driving the blue #301 4-Wheel drive Beecross Isuzu. Watanabe is well known for his driving expertise, made all the more incredible as he is also paraplegic and paralyzed from the waist down.

Watanabe has been racing for nearly fifteen years, after recovering from a motorcycle accident that left him with a broken neck and the inability to walk. Working to overcome the new challenges facing him, Watanabe decided he wanted to race and set about making his dream come true with the support and encouragement of friends and sponsors. From go kart racing to the famous and most demanding off road race on the planet, the SCORE Baja 1000, Watanabe has since become one of Japan�s favorite and most inspirational racers. Next weekend, Watanabe is set to win over the crowds once more as he competes in the grueling 3-hour Off Road Endurance Race, just one of the many events at the 25th Smokin� Wheels. Joining Watanabe at Smokin� Wheels will be Japan�s number one racer, Hiro Matsushita. Matsushita came out to Guam last month to run the course and is expected to place well in next weekend�s competition.

With a full schedule of events, the 25th Annual Smokin� Wheels will have something for everyone; from off road, drag , and mud bog racing, to ATVs and motorcycles, to Remote Control Off Road Racing. Sponsored by Shell, Mobil, Lite Beer, Kyowa Shipping Co., and GVB, you don�t want to miss the 25th annual Smokin� Wheels, April 13, 14, and 15 at the Guam Raceway Park!

(High resolution photos are available upon request.)

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Media Contact: Cindy Hanson chanson@visitguam.org 671-646-5278