Winter Garden, Florida — Damian Cudlin’s 2009 AMA season has been anything but lucky. Making his AMA debut in the Daytona Sportbike series this year, Cudlin made an impact at various rounds this season, featuring in multiple Superpole sessions and scoring a best finish of 5th at Road America. However his aspirations took a hit when he found himself on the sidelines at a number of races, after losing his ride twice in two different teams. The young Aussie will be hoping for the ‘luck of the Irish’ this weekend however, as he’s been chosen to ride for the Celtic Racing/Orient Express.com team in the AMA Superbike final in New Jersey. The team has tasted success this season in the hands of Michael Laverty, who is forced to miss the Jersey round due to conflicting World Supersport commitments. The chance to fill in for Laverty is seen as a lifeline for Cudlin who’ll make his AMA Superbike debut at the New Jersey Motorsports Park. “I’m really grateful that I’ve got this opportunity to show what I’m made of and that I’m back on the racetrack.” Cudlin explained. “It’s been a tough season for me here in the states and I really needed a chance like this to get things back on track. Barry Gilsenan from Celtic has really thrown me a bone here and I want to make the most of it and get a strong result at Jersey.” Cudlin was quick to recognize the person who had the biggest influence in Celtic’s latest replacement; series champion and fellow Aussie, Mat Mladin. “I want to thank Mat for the support he’s given me over the years and the way he’s made this happen for me. Most people would think the most successful racer in AMA history would have enough on his plate in his final appearance on American soil at New Jersey. But not Mat. It shows what kind of bloke he really is and I really appreciate it. I know he won’t cut me any slack on the racetrack though” Cudlin smiled. The Celtic Racing/ Orient Express.com will also feature in the Supersport class with 2007 USGPRU champion, Patrick “PJ” Jacobsen. Jacobsen will make his debut in the AMA series. Jacobsen who recently turned sixteen has been eager in the last few months to obtain a license and race for his American fans. He has been overseas competing in the CEV Spanish Championships under the Aspar banner. The CEV series will continue mid September through November with four more rounds. The Celtic Racing/OrientExpress.com team has been rich in history with Jacobsen. From the start of his career, the team celebrated many victories together. It only seems appropriate for Jacobsen to debut under name and colors. Owner Barry Gilsenan couldn’t be happier. “When I saw PJ for the first time on the race track; I had been looking forward to the time we could present him in the AMA series. That time is now, and everyone is very excited.” The final races of the AMA season will commence on the 5/6th of September.