Celtic/HVMC Suzuki’s Alexander & Farris Dominate SuperSport At Daytona With Pole, Two Wins, And Two Second Places

Celtic/Hudson Valley Motorcycles Suzuki is extremely pleased to report that Corey Alexander and Wyatt Farris dominated the AMA Pro Road Racing SuperSport field in the 2014 season opening event at Daytona International Speedway this weekend. Corey Alexander was on the throttle and pushing hard as soon as the first practice session began, and would go on to control qualifying and set the pace with a pole position time nearly half a second ahead of his nearest competitor. Wyatt Farris took a bit more time to acclimate to his new #19 Celtic/HVMC Suzuki GSX-R 600, but still managed to qualify a very respectable fifth on the grid in the very competitive SuperSport class.

In Friday’s SuperSport race, Alexander got a strong start from pole aboard his #5 Celtic/HVMC Suzuki GSX-R 600, relinquishing the lead for just two turns before making the pass to get in front. From there forward Alexander would pile on the speed, building a progressively larger gap from the field as he charged forward. His smooth style and fluid control worked perfectly, netting Alexander a nearly eight second margin of victory at the checkered flag. Wyatt Farris also had a solid start and immediately began working his way through the field to challenge for second position. Farris used the draft to his advantage on more than one occasion, before moving into second place after lap six and dropping the hammer to extend a comfortable lead over third place that he would carry to the finish.

With the entire team flying high after Friday’s success in the first race, a repeat performance by both Alexander and Farris on Saturday sent everyone over the moon with excitement. Once again, Alexander made good use of his pole position start and led the field from the green flag. In perhaps an even more impressive riding performance, Alexander was never challenged for the lead and rocketed to a comfortable margin by the end of the first lap on his #5 Celtic/HVMC Suzuki GSX-R 600. By the end of the race, Alexander was nearly seven seconds ahead of Farris, who was again leading the pack in second position. Farris also repeated his performance from Friday, with tactical maneuvers and passing, working his way through the field to take second position again without flinching. Farris’ confidence in his machine and abilities was easy to see, and together with Alexander already make a formidable force in AMA Pro Road Racing SuperSport for 2014. Once again, Alexander and Farris finished one-two and topped the podium.

Reached for comment, Alexander was exuberant after the weekend’s performance, stating “What an awesome weekend! I knew I’d have a great bike coming into Daytona, but I’d have to say that my expectations were far exceeded. My Celtic Racing Hudson Valley Motorcycles Suzuki was just unreal all weekend, and the boys back at the shop built me some real strong motors. My guys Mark and Tim made sure everything was working great, and that’s really crucial with the new one bike rule and limited track time. We couldn’t be racing without support from Suzuki and Yoshimura, their assistance is tremendous, and very appreciated. I also have to thank MJRS Freeman Racing so much for the support they’ve given us, which helps to make sure Celtic Racing continues to succeed. All of my personal sponsors have played a large part in what happened this weekend: Boxed Water Is Better, Spidi Leathers, XPD Boots, Arai Helmets, Defy All Odds Apparel, Oakley, Crossfit OSA, and of course my whole family supporting me non-stop. Thank you all, and I look forward to trying to match my double wins at Road America like last season.” Alexander leads the SuperSport standings with 60 points after the two victories at Daytona. Please follow Corey Alexander on twitter and Instagram via @corey5alexander , keep track of him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/corey5alexander , and check out his webpage – www.corey23.com – as well.

Wyatt Farris had a memorable first weekend with Celtic/HVMC Suzuki, one that went beyond his goals for the event at Daytona. Farris said that “This weekend was great, I had the goal of getting through the two races at Daytona in one piece with solid points, and we defiantly accomplished that. My Celtic/HVMC Suzuki GSX-R 600 was working great thanks to all of the hard work from our crew, as well as the support from Suzuki and Yoshimura. I also have to give a big thanks to the Jon Block Group, without they’re support, this year would not be possible. Also many thanks for the continued support from Cortech, Shoei, Defy All Odds Apparel, Above Category, CT Racing, and my family and friends. I’m highly looking forward to the rest of the year!” Farris sits comfortably in second position in the SuperSport standings with 50 points, 14 points ahead of his nearest challenger. You can keep up with Wyatt Farris via Instagram @wyatt_farris and twitter @wyattfarris9 or join him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wyattfarrisracing .

Team Manager Richie Alexander was very impressed with the results and how quickly the Celtic/HVMC Suzuki team had come together and achieved success. Alexander stated enthusiastically that “the Celtic/HVMC Suzuki team could not have had a better Daytona event! Pole position, two wins and two second place finishes – there weren’t going to be any better results than that! I have to hand it to the entire Celtic Racing crew and the guys back at the shop! The guys put together some great bikes in such a short time, and of course Corey and Wyatt took advantage of it! We are very proud of them! We have to thank American Suzuki for supporting us in the 2014 season – without their support it would not have been so successful, and thanks to all the sponsors who helped us get here.”

Sponsors for the Celtic Racing team include: HVMC Racing, Suzuki, MJRS Freeman, Orient Express, Jon Block Group, Yoshimura R&D, Bazzaz, Gemini, K-Tech Suspension, Pitbull, Maxima Racing Oils, Galfer, Chicken Hawk, Motion Pro, Armour Bodies, Saddlemen, Star School, DesignStar3, Zero Gravity, Signs Ink, GB Racing, DID, and Vortex.

CELTIC RACING

Celtic Racing was established in 2001 by Barry Gilsenan, and over the past 13 seasons has established itself as a premier privateer racing team. Celtic Racing has seen consecutive championship seasons in AMA Pro Racing SuperSport from 2012 to 2013. Development of riding talent began with two-stroke 125cc, and 250cc machines competing in professional and regional championship events. More recent Celtic Racing efforts have focused on AMA Pro Road Racing in the Daytona SportBike and SuperSport classes with Ducati, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha four stroke motorcycles. Gilsenan’s talent for coaching racers of all ages and abilities has brought Celtic Racing worldwide attention and recognition, with many former Celtic Racing riders now competing on World Championship levels. For more information regarding Celtic/HVMC Suzuki please join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/celticracing and follow @celticracing on twitter and Instagram – we appreciate all your support!

HUDSON VALLEY MOTORCYCLES

Hudson Valley Motorcycles has been serving New York’s Hudson Valley and Westchester County as well as Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and greater New England with Ducati, Kawasaki, and Suzuki Motorcycle/ATV Sales, Parts, and Service since 1966. Established by Richard Alexander Sr, the dealership is a family run business with employees who have been part of the family for decades in some cases. With deep and long standing customer relationships around the region, Hudson Valley Motorcycles is known for outstanding customer service, in-depth product expertise, and the foremost service department for machines of all brands. Please visit www.hvmotorcycles.com, join them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HVMotorcycles or follow them via @hvmotorcycles .

ORIENT EXPRESS

Established in 1973, Orient Express is celebrating its 41st year as a high performance motorcycle parts distributor and race shop. Orient Express offers engine and motorcycle building services, precision machine work, suspension servicing, and dyno tuning services. Orient Express has an extensive history of racing, including support of both professional and amateur race series and individuals. For more information regarding Orient Express, or to find out what Orient Express can do for your racing success, please call 800.645.6521 or 631.231.9552 (NY/International), visit http://www.orientexpress.com or join them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OrientExpressRacing .

More, from a press release issued by Riders Discount Triumph:

Daytona Beach, Florida – Danny Eslick won the 73rd Daytona 200 in dominating fashion aboard the #69 Riders Discount Triumph 675R. This is the first time Triumph has won the prestigious event since Gary Nixon in 1967. This year is the last year the middleweight class will be competing in the long race before returning to the sprint format next year, and “Danny Eslick” will be the last name on the list of winners for the foreseeable future.

Danny’s race could not have started in a better position after winning pole, earning himself a second Rolex Daytona Cosmograph watch. Danny led 44 of 57 laps with two flawless pit stops performed by the Riders Discount Triumph crew allowing Danny to maintain his lead.

The last stint started with a margin of 2 seconds over second place rider Jake Gagne, increasing to over 10 seconds by the finish all the while waving to the fans, spurring the bike like a horse, and riding wheelies in classic Danny form. The victory lap saw a stop at a Danny Eslick fan club bus where he briefly celebrated before returning to the bike and proceeded to do rolling burnouts and ride wheelies along the banks of Daytona.

Danny Eslick: “Hats off to the crew. (Crew chief) Richard Stanboli is the guy I worked with like ten years ago in my first year in the AMA. So in a big, roundabout way, this is payback for that first year,” said Eslick. “It’s awesome. I’ve gotten the pole before and, my very first 200, I got fourth. So there’s been a lot of hard work and a lot of years passed by to get this victory. It really means a lot. There’s been a lot going on at home, losing people close to me. This one is for Tommy Aquino and some good friends from home. So it means a lot.”

Brian Gibson, Team Owner:”To win the Daytona 200 at the start of only our 2nd AMA season is just incredible. I can’t thank Danny and the entire crew enough. These guys have been burning the midnight oil for 6 weeks getting everything prepared and Danny capped off the effort by performing flawlessly. A huge shout out to all of our sponsors for believing in our program and also I want to thank all the fans of Danny and Riders Discount that cheered us to victory!”

Riders Discount would like to thank all of our sponsors: Triumph Motorcycles, Speed and Strength, Akrapovic, Attack Performance, Renthal, Andrew Swenson Design, Zero Gravity, GB Racing, Motion Pro, DynoJet, DrippinWet.com, Fast Frank Racing, Spiegler, Castrol, and Sharkskinz Racing Bodies.

About RidersDiscount.com:

Riders Discount (www.ridersdiscount.com) is an online retailer of quality powersports gear, apparel, and accessories. A company founded by racers, RidersDiscount.comships equipment for every riding style to customers worldwide, backed by knowledgeable sales team and excellent customer service.

Triumph Motorcycles (www.TriumphMotorcycles.com) is the British motorcycle marque that produces a wide range of sport, cruiser, adventure and touring motorcycles. From the storied Bonneville to the class-leading Speed Triple and Daytona 675R, Triumph offers a blend of design, character and performance that result in truly distinctive motorcycles. First established in 1902 and now located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England, Triumph has always set the pace for category-winning machines. The company is solely owned by Bloor Holdings Ltd. and its North American operations are based in Atlanta.

Danny Eslick (http://www.eslick69.com) The Ultimate experience for all fans of Danny Eslick Racing. Check back often for all the latest news, photos, videos, and rider profiles.

More, from a press release issued by Proforma on behalf of Chili Pepper Racing:

STRONG RESULTS FOR CHILI PEPPER RACING AT DAYTONA IN AMA PRO VANCE & HINES HARLEY-DAVIDSON XR1200 SERIES

Chili Pepper Racing had a successful start to the 2014 AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XR1200 series with primary riders Ricky Parker and Hayden Schultz, joined by guest riders Shelina Moreda and 2012 series champion Michael Barnes. All four riders placed well in the seven-lap race at the World Center of Racing.

Chili Pepper Racing team owner Chris Richardson is proud of the effort that everyone involved with the team put in over the weekend. “Chili Pepper racing has really reached the next level,” said Chris. “Having the two guest riders this weekend really did add to the team, but it didn’t take away our focus on our two main riders, Ricky Parker and Hayden Schultz. Hayden went really well today, and absolutely exceeded our expectations. We’re still developing Ricky’s bike. He’s a year behind on the XR1200. We think we’ve found a good handling package, and we’d like to thank Lenny Albin with Nitron USA. We’ve got some engine work to do and we’ll have that buttoned up for the next round.”

While the results are not what he wanted, Ricky Parker worked through mechanical issues in the practice and qualifying sessions leading up to the race, and ended the race in 19th place. “The race went pretty good,” said Ricky. “We finally found a good setup in the race. We had a few issues with the engine, but we’ll figure out what to do for the next round. Unfortunately, I got into turn one a little too hot at the start, and got pushed out wide. I lost the faster group and lost the draft. I learned a lot this weekend, and definitely got the setup closer to where I want it. I had a great time and I’m ready for the next one.”

Hayden Schultz was a Daytona rookie on his Harley XR1200 coming into this event, and he learned quickly how critical the draft was going to be for a good lap time and a good result in the race. After qualifying 13th in the 24-rider field, a hectic pre-race situation almost spelled disaster for the sixteen-year-old. “I thought I was going to have to start the race from the back of the grid because I missed the parade lap, but I ended up starting from my original position. I got an okay start, but I was a little behind the lead pack of guys. I eventually ran them down on the last lap. I ended up in the big cluster of guys at the front and finished eighth. I’m happy to know that I can run with those guys, and that I had a shot at the podium. I’m really excited for the next rounds at real road courses where I can show my skills in the corners,” Hayden said.

For Shelina Moreda, the third time was the charm at Daytona. Shelina worked with the Chili Pepper team to race to her best results ever at the high speed track. “I love Daytona!,” an excited Shelina said after the race. “I’m really excited that I got to work with Chili Pepper this weekend. We meshed really well. It’s a really great team and atmosphere. I’m looking forward to seeing if we can work together in the future. We changed up the suspension several different ways and several different times this weekend, and finally got it going the right direction right before the race. The bike and I decided we were going to work together. She and I made a deal that she was going to get me through the race, and I learned a lot. I had a few ‘aha!’ moments in the race, and this is my best finish here at Daytona. I battled with some guys I haven’t been able to run with before. I love racing on the high banks of Daytona!”

Last but certainly not least, veteran rider Michael Barnes arguably has more experience and more race wins at Daytona than anyone in the field, and was a legitimate threat to win the race. “Barney’ led the race and was in the right place in the lead group on the last lap, but finished ninth at the checkered flag. “I led for a while, and I felt like I was in a good position on the last lap, but this goes to show you how things can go at Daytona,” said Barnes. “I’ve won a lot of races here, and there are so many things that can happen in the last half of the last lap before the finish line. I got blocked on the run to the flag, but I had a great time riding with friends. I’ve got to thank Chili Pepper, Paul Diener, Elvis Johns and Brett Singer for all their help this weekend.”

ChiliPepper Racing is a not-for-profit organization raising awareness for ACCO.org and VETMotorsports. The team takes a unique “per event” approach to sponsorship that includes promotion, hospitality and pit credential opportunities for your business or organization. Visit ChiliPepperRacing.com to get involved in their inclusive and exciting program.

For 2014, Chili Pepper Racing has technical support from Indian Motorcycles of Lafayette (IN), VETMotorsports.org and Lenny Albin/Nitron USA.

Hayden is proud to receive support from Chili Pepper Racing, Arai, AXO, Racer Gloves, TCX Boots, Silkolene, Leatt, Leo Vince, Speedmob, Moto Skiveez, Spy Optic, Lenny Albin/Nitron USA and Anthony & Joanne Cardarelli.

Ricky’s sponsors include Arai Helmets, DesotoMotorSportPark.com and MotoNation.

To learn more about Chili Pepper Racing and all that they do, please visit www.chilipepperracing.com. You can also visit them on Facebook at www.chilipepperracing.com. pepper.com.

More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Racing:

Monster Energy Graves Yamaha teammates Josh Hayes and Cameron Beaubier kicked off the 2014 AMA Superbike Championship in style this weekend. The pair took both the season opening AMA Pro Superbike wins between them on their Yamaha YZF-R1s at the Daytona International Speedway.

Hayes was the first Yamaha man to take the win in last Friday’s race, grabbing the holeshot and hitting out in the lead. Teammate Beaubier was the only one to get a look in front but the Superbike rookie was unable to make anything stick and settled for an equally impressive podium finish in third for his first ever Superbike race.

Saturday’s race two looked like it was going to be a repeat of Friday’s domination by Hayes until a mechanical issue dropped him out of contention on the tenth lap. Beaubier was not far behind in third position and was quick to take up the challenge to score for Yamaha. The rookie closed in and passed Roger Hayden and Martin Cardenas swiftly to take a convincing lead which he held to the line to make it two for Yamaha with his first ever Superbike victory.

The podium and the win puts Beaubier at the top of the standings after round one, leading Hayden in second by a slim one point margin. Hayes had to settle for fifth after the second race DNF.

Yamaha also kicked off the AMA Sportbike class in style, putting in a strong performance with Jake Gagne grabbing second in the Daytona 200 on his Yamaha YZF-R6. Hot on his heels in third was Jake Lewis on his R6. The results leave Yamaha taking positions two, three and four in the overall standings with Lewis second, Garrett Gerloff third and Gagne in fourth.

“If I can get up to speed quickly, that’s how I like to start each race,” said Hayes. “You can’t get a better start to the season than a race win, unfortunately following it with a DNF is not so great!”

“This R1 Superbike is a whole different animal,” commented Cameron Beaubier. “I love racing it. It means everything to win this first Superbike race of my career! I have to thank my team and everyone at Yamaha for giving me a great bike to do it with.”