MICHAEL JORDAN MOTORSPORTS PODIUMS AT ROAD AMERICA SUPERBIKE RACE MJM’s National Guard Celtic Racing Suzuki celebrates victories in SuperSport ELKHART LAKE, WI – The Michael Jordan Motorsports team celebrated their first AMA Pro National Guard Superbike podium of the year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI, this weekend. MJM’s 600cc contingency also had plenty to cheer about as National Guard Celtic Racing Suzuki’s Corey Alexander swept both wins in AMA Pro SuperSport. In the premier Superbike class, National Guard Jordan Suzuki’s Roger Hayden turned in a solid effort on the Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000. The Kentucky native put his head down and was there to capitalize on others’ mistakes, with the result being a third-place finish on Saturday. On Sunday, he turned in another respectable performance and brought home fourth. “We struggled some this weekend,” admitted Hayden. “On Saturday, we were lucky to get on the podium. On Sunday, I was faster, I felt better and I was a lot closer to the lead pack. But then I made a mistake and lost touch with the group. I’m a little disappointed about that. But this one is past us now. For some reason, I’ve never done well at Road America. So now, I’m just looking forward to putting on a good show at Barber.” Meanwhile, Jordan Suzuki’s newest rider Danny Eslick continued to familiarize himself with the Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000. Eslick was the picture of consistency over the weekend, picking up two fifth-place finishes. “It was a good weekend,” said Eslick. “It started off a little rough because I was off the pace. Then I had a crash in qualifying and that set me back, but my Jordan Suzuki crew worked hard to give me a good bike for the rest of the weekend. In Saturday’s race, I got a bad start and had to work my way up and I lost the lead pack, so it was a lonely race for me. On Sunday, I got a good start on the Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000 and was able to hang in there. I’m still struggling a little as I get to know the bike but with some more seat time, we should be right there with them.” In AMA Pro SuperSport, National Guard Celtic Racing Suzuki’s Alexander rode flawlessly on his Suzuki GSX-R600 to take both SuperSport wins. National Guard Celtic Racing Suzuki teammate James Rispoli carded two seventh-place finishes in AMA Pro Daytona SportBike. “It’s definitely a good feeling to get back up on the podium and take the win,” said Alexander. “My National Guard Celtic Racing team gave me a great bike with the Suzuki GSX-R600, so hats off to the whole team. Everybody put in a strong effort and we had some good battles out there. Now, we have some momentum going into Barber and I’m excited.” In the 2013 AMA Pro National Guard Superbike Championship series rider point standings, Eslick sits in fifth place and Hayden is sixth. In AMA Pro Daytona Sportbike, Rispoli moved up to fifth, while Alexander is second in AMA Pro SuperSport. The Michael Jordan Motorsports team’s next event of the 2013 AMA Pro National Guard Superbike Championship series is at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL, the weekend of June 21 – 23, 2013. About Michael Jordan Motorsports: Legendary NBA star Michael Jordan formed Michael Jordan Motorsports in 2004 as a result of his passion for motorcycle racing. His mission is to bring a new level of excellence and style to the motorcycle racing industry. For more information on MJM, please visit www.23race.com, www.twitter.com/23race and www.facebook.com/23race. About the Army National Guard: The National Guard is the oldest military branch. Today, Citizen-Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while training part time, staying ready to defend America in the event of an emergency. The National Guard serves both state and federal governments. During local emergencies, Guard units assist residents endangered by storms, floods, fires and other disasters. Guard companies deployed overseas may see combat, but are often found building schools and hospitals, training local peacekeepers or teaching local farmers more efficient techniques and better uses of their land. Michael Jordan Motorsports is proud to partner with: Jordan Brand (a division of Nike), National Guard, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., Hanes, Gatorade, Bazzaz, Vortex Racing Components, FMF Exhausts, Gemini Racing, K-Tech Suspension-Orient Express Racing, Maxima Racing Oils, K & N Air Filters, Chicken Hawk Racing Tire Warmers, Armour Bodies, DID Chains, Pro-Bolt, Oakley, Roclun International, STAR Motorcycle School, Motion Pro Tools, Zero Gravity Windscreens, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Designstar.com, with transportation provided by Eastside Trucking. More, from a press release issued by BP Racing: BP Racing riders fight for Supersport west points Elkhart Lake, WI – BP Racing’s Sebastiao Ferreira takes a top 10 finish and a top 15 finish in the GEICO AMA Motorcyle-Superstore.com SuperSport class in Elkhart Lake, WI. finishing 7th in race 1 and 12th in race 2. In addition to Ferreira taking 2 top-15 finishes BP Racing’s newest SuperSport rider Charles “CJ” Weaver takes home two top-15 finishes starting from second-to-last. Team Owner Mike Hammett and Team Manager Ken Chewey comment: “We were having some set up issues this weekend with Sebastiao Ferreira’s bike but were able to improve and gain points. We will be ready for Barber Motorsports Park in a few weeks. CJ Weaver had a tough time qualifying due to a mechanical issue and went out on our back-up bike to get two top-15 finishes from dead last.” “Unfortunately this weekend was a little tough I struggled with some rear grip issues and just couldn’t find the optimal set up to get the results I wanted. I am ready for Barber and feel like we will have a good setup to run with the lead group. My team worked hard for me to get two top 15 finishes and gain some more points in the west championship hunt and would like to thank everyone for the hard work that was put in,” comments Sebastiao Ferreira. Charles “CJ” Weaver states, “This weekend started off a little rocky with some mechanical issues but would like to thank BP Racing/Redzone Racing for putting me out on our back-up bike and getting me on the grid. After the unfortunate incident in the red flag restart I had collided with another bike during the major crash at the beginning and had some major damage to my front forks and front wheel. Our team got it all fixed and I was lucky to get back out there on the restart of our race and finished a strong 14th place.” BP Racing would like to thank Mach 1, Optimal Racing, Life in Christ, Moto D, Ricondi Leathers, NEXX Helmets, EDR Performance, Ktech Suspension, Leo Vince Exhaust, Galfer Brakes, Vortex, Ignited Soul Apparel, Zero Gravity, Pacific Track Time, Drastikk Graphics, StitchTech Designs, Redzone Racing and Motorex. Become a fan on Facebook Search: Sebastiao Ferreira Become a fan on Facebook Search: CJ Weaver Become a fan on Facebook Search: Redzone Racing If interested in being a partner/sponsor please contact Ken Chewey at: [email protected] for more info. More, from a press release issued by Ben Young Racing: ROAD AMERICA, ELKHART LAKE, WI – June, 4 2013 – Variable weather conditions and unseasonably cooler temperatures did not dampen the spirits of Canadian AMA Pro GoPro Daytona Sportbike competitor Ben Young. Young earned an 11th place finish in Saturday’s race and followed it up on Sunday with a 10th at this past weekend’s GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing’s Subway SuperBike Doubleheader at Road America. Nursing a hairline fracture of his left foot Young wasn’t about to let this minor setback interfere with his goal of achieving consistent top ten finishes this season. However the unpredictable weather forecast presented a variety of setup and tires-choice challenges to all the teams in the GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing paddock. Young took to the track early Friday afternoon for the first practice session of the weekend to assess both Jerry Daggett prepared A and B Yamaha YZF-R6s. Young opted for his A bike for the first qualifying session. The 19 year old resident of Thornbury Ontario put in his fastest lap of a 2:25.772 on Dunlops that had 10 laps on them and would position him tentatively starting from 15th on the grid. The team felt that they had the setup to improve upon this time during Saturday morning’s second AMA Pro GoPro Daytona Sportbike qualifying session. Unfortunately Saturday brought cool and wet track conditions. The BYR crew opted to have Young stand by to see if his fellow competitors’ lap times improved from the previous day. As there seemed to be no significant changes in the qualifying order his 15th position on the grid would hold for the weekend. Young battled right from the start of Saturday’s race to work his way up to 11th position, just shy of his goal of a top ten finish. “We rolled the dice and didn’t go out for this morning’s second qualifying session as the track was just too wet and no one was improving their times. The gamble seemed to work out in our favour today and it was a good confidence booster.” said Young. The BYR crew decided to have Young sit out Sunday’s practice session as once again unusually cold temperatures and damp track conditions provided more risk to his current injury than any potential reward. The Canadian pilot didn’t quite get the start on his #86 Yamaha YZF-R6 that he had in the previous day’s AMA Pro GoPro Daytona Sportbike race and briefly fell back to 16th. Within the first five laps he charged forward to secure 13th place, just within reach of the top ten. One lap later Young secured 11th place with friend and fellow Canadian Kenny Riedmann holding on to 10th. With two laps to go Young passed Riedmann achieving his goal for the weekend of a top ten finish. Sitting 9th in overall points Young was asked about his injury and his effort; “My foot hurt in the closing laps but my adrenaline took over for most of the race. I wasn’t comfortable at first pushing early with it being a cold day. So, when I got good heat in the tires I was comfortable enough to push hard again. When I saw Kenny in the distance and started reeling him in I knew I could get him before the end of the race.” This past weekend’s event at the legendary Road America circuit was CBS Sports Network’s premier broadcast of GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing across the US and Canada. Young, along with SuperBike rider Dustin Dominquez, was featured in Sunday’s CBS Sports Network’s Next Moto Champion segment, hosted by Miss Supercross Dianna Dahlgren. Young spoke about his Scottish heritage and his passion for using a variety of training methods including outdoor rock-climbing. Tune in to Pit Pass Radio (www.pitpassradio.com) tonight to hear Ben Young talk about his experience at Road America and his season so far. Ben Young and the entire BYR team would like to extend their best wishes to AMA Pro SuperSport racers Caroline Olsen and Tyler Linders for a full and speedy recovery. The 2013 GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing season will return to the track on June 21-23 for Round 3 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. For tickets and information, please visit http://www.barbermotorsports.com. Ben Young and the BYR team would like to thank; Tim Hortons – Sudbury, Scotbuild Developments, Fogi Racing Development, Arai Helmets, AXO, GP Tech LLC, Hindle Exhaust Systems, DUA Motorsports Bodywork, KICK Energy Drink, K&N Filters, Performance Cycleworx , Thornbury Home Hardware, BCL Motorsports Pit Kit, Vortex Racing, Motul Oils, Bickle Racing Tire Warmers, GB Racing and The North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW, Jerry Daggett, the fans and family. To keep up-to-date on Ben Young throughout the year visit; www.fogi.us, www.facebook.com/BenYoungRacing and on Twitter @bcyoung86. More, from a press release issued by Celtic Racing/Orient Express: Alexander Dominates SuperSport With Double Wins At Road America Celtic Racing is pleased to report that Corey Alexander won both SuperSport races at Road America aboard his #5 National Guard Celtic Racing Suzuki GSX-R 600! These mark the first two wins of the season for Alexander, and his first back-to-back wins in AMA Pro Road Racing competition. SuperSport race 1 on Saturday was a heated ten lap battle for the win with pole sitter Stefano Mesa eventually finishing second behind Alexander. Both Alexander and Mesa were pleased with the results, and enjoyed the close and clean contest to the checkers. Caroline Olsen started from twenty-third on the grid in her first visit to Elkhart Lake, and made consistently faster laps to finish seventeenth on the #44 Celtic Orient Express Racing Suzuki GSX-R 600 machine. James Rispoli qualified in sixth position for the Daytona Sport Bike events, getting progressively faster on his #43 National Guard Celtic Racing Suzuki GSX-R 600. Rispoli would bring home a strong seventh place finish in Saturday’s race 1. Sunday’s SuperSport race was delayed by two red flag incidents including a large multi-bike wreck that involved Caroline Olsen. Caroline suffered a shoulder injury and was taken to a hospital in Milwaukee. Caroline is now in transit to California where she will see renowned surgeon Dr. Ting. Corey Alexander was unaffected by the red flags or the delay, and was part of a five rider battle at the front and again would emerge victorious, claiming his second win of the season, and the double victory of the weekend! The racing was just as fierce and close in race two, with an even closer margin at the checkered flag, with Alexander finishing ahead of Mesa by 0.013″, and Tomas Puerta just 0.001″ behind for third place. James Rispoli battled at the front of the Daytona Sport Bike pack in Sunday’s race two, and narrowly missed a top five finish, taking another seventh place. Rispoli gained more speed over the weekend and is looking forward to the next race at Barber in just under two weeks’ time. Corey Alexander was excited and a bit surprised to come away with two first place finishes, stating “if you asked me if I thought I was going to walk away from this weekend with two first place trophies I’d probably say wishful thinking and be content with the thought of just one win. From the first session right off the bat I knew my National Guard Celtic Racing GSX-R 600 was good enough to win. My boys Barry, Mike, and Tim all gave me a great set up right off the truck based off of last year and it was up to me to get the job done. Saturday’s race was eventful but was more of a two rider duel between me and Stefano and I was able to put my head down to take home the win. After Saturday I knew I had the potential to get the win on Sunday if I played my cards right. After the ten lap long five rider battle I crossed the finish line three-wide without a clue where I finished. To say I’m both lucky and happy to have walked away with the win is an understatement. Can’t thank everyone enough who have supported me and the whole National Guard Celtic Racing team. I have to give a special thanks to my family, and particularly my Uncle Richie, Jason Pridmore, and James Rispoli, for always believing in me as well as pushing me to have the confidence that it takes to win! Also thanks to all the team sponsors as well as my personal sponsors, Arai Helmets, Spidi Leathers, XPD Boots, Ammo NYC, and Hudson Valley Motorcycles. I’m excited and would like to think that there’s more to come in the near future. Have to also dedicate Sunday’s win to my teammate Caroline Olsen as well as everyone involved in the horrible wreck during the SS race. #WinFor44” James Rispoli stated that it was a “Good weekend, we made more and more improvements with the bike. We came out of the weekend fifth in points which is really important for the season. And we ran with the front group so I know we have the speed. We now just need to get a better second half of the race. With Barber coming up in two weeks, I’m really excited to keep improving. Thanks to AGV Helmets, Dainese Leathers, Monster Energy, Techmounts, and Spider Grips for all their help and support!” Caroline Olsen is fighting hard to recover strong and fast from her injuries. She said “Yesterday was both scary and painful, but I feel lucky knowing it could have gone so much worse. Now I’m in the best hands on my way to see one of the best doctors hoping for a quick recovery. Big thanks to the team, I really could not have had better people around me in a time like this.” Many thanks to all her personal sponsors including Arai Helmets, Cato Composites, Dainese Leathers, LOXY, Norgesautomaten, Lovaas Motor, Bike, Nordic Crane, Leif Grimsrud, Berg Sparebank, Skogheim Profil og Yrkesklaer, and F. Jorgensen. Celtic Racing is proud to partner with: Army National Guard, Michael Jordan Motorsports, Orient Express Racing, Hudson Valley Motorcycles, American Suzuki, Armour Bodies, Bazzaz, Chicken Hawk Racing, DesignStar3, D.I.D. Chain, FMF Exhaust, Full Spectrum Power, Galfer, GB Racing, K-Tech Suspension, Maxima Racing Oils, Motion Pro, Pit Bull Products, Saddlemen, Signs Ink, Star Motorcycle School, Vortex Racing, and Zero Gravity. CELTIC RACING Celtic Racing was established in 2001 by Barry Gilsenan, and over the past 12 seasons has established itself as a premier privateer racing team. 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. Please join Celtic Racing on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CelticRacing . ARMY NATIONAL GUARD The National Guard is the oldest military branch. Today, Citizen-Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while training part time, staying ready to defend America in the event of an emergency. The National Guard serves both state and federal governments. During local emergencies, Guard units assist residents endangered by storms, floods, fires and other disasters. Guard companies deployed overseas may see combat, but are often found building schools and hospitals, training local peacekeepers or teaching local farmers more efficient techniques and better uses of their land. Please visit http://www.nationalguard.com to find out more. ORIENT EXPRESS Established in 1973, Orient Express is a high performance motorcycle parts and accessories warehouse distributor; offering dyno tuning, engine building services and precision machine work. 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 RFC: IMPRESSIVE SUPERBIKE DEBUT FOR RYAN KERR AND THE RYAN KERR RACING TEAM AT ROAD AMERICA Johnstown, Ohio (June 4, 2013) Ryan Kerr and the Ryan Kerr Racing Team participated in their first AMA Pro SuperBike race at the GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing event in Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI. Kerr transitioned this season to the AMA Pro SuperBike class from his prior season as a top contender in the AMA Pro Super Sport East coast series. Kerr states, “My career goal has always been to compete in the SuperBike class and I am honored to have this opportunity. As a privateer, this is truly a challenging endeavor which has required hard work and sacrifice from myself, family and friends to allow me to race at this level!” It was apparent after the weekend qualifying results and the Saturday SuperBike race finish that Ryan Kerr and the Ryan Kerr Racing team are up for the SuperBike challenge. Kerr’s talent and ambition positioned him with a 19th place qualifying spot in the 5th row off the grid. Aboard his Suzuki GSX-R1000 machine, Kerr mastered the challenging Road America Course. On Saturday, Kerr proudly finished the race in the 14th position and held the top spot as a privateer in the SuperBike class. An excited Kerr explains, “It felt great to be competing with the top guys in this profession. I am excited to advance in such a prestigious arena and strive to become a top rider in the class.” Unfortunately on Sunday, Ryan Kerr and the Ryan Kerr Racing Team experienced mechanical issues and Kerr was unable to finish the race. A disappointed Kerr expresses, “It’s a tough way to finish the weekend but I’m counting on a full weekend of great results at the next SuperBike Race at Barber Motorsports Park.” Finally, Ryan Kerr would like for all of his fans to join the team! Become a member of the Ryan Kerr Fan Club by checking out his website at www.Flyinryankerr.com . Also, take the time to like the Ryan Kerr Racing facebook fan page to get the latest information about Ryan and his racing career. Ryan Kerr is sponsored by RFC, Best Book 1, Yoshimura, Sunstar, Suzuki, Arai, 614Paintworks, EBC, Brembo, D/I Held, Ballistik, In The Sky Apparel, Mid Ohio School and Bazzaz. More, from a press release issued by Geiger Media on behalf of Motorcycle-Superstore.com: Motorcycle-Superstore.com’s McDonough taking big steps forward at every SuperSport race ELKHART LAKE, Wis. (June 4) – During last weekend’s Subway SuperBike Doubleheader, Motorcycle-Superstore.com rider Devon McDonough figured out how to get with the lead pack of riders in the Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport class; now the next step is to find the key to stay there. McDonough finished just outside the top 10 (12th on Saturday and 11th on Sunday) and learned a quick lesson on how to ride with the best in the class. “Sunday I got a good start and was running toward the front during the first four laps,” McDonough said. “At that point another rider passed me in the corner, we made contact, and I went off course, which sent me back five or six spots. “It was good to run up front, even if it was for just a little while. Now I know what to expect when I get back up front. I know it’s going to be a lot more aggressive than how I usually ride.” The 17-year-old has been soaking up all of the knowledge he can every time he hits the track on his Motorcycle-Superstore.com Yamaha. “In my first season last year, my whole focus was learning these tracks that I have never been to before,” McDonough said. “It was difficult to be competitive when you are trying to figure out the track you are racing on. Now that this past weekend and Daytona went all right, I expect that I’ll do better at every race I go to. “I believe I’ll start riding better because I’ll set my expectations higher. My first time at Barber (Motorsports Park) I did pretty good, so I’m really excited to see what I can do there now that I am more comfortable and confident on the bike.” While this race-to-race progress has been a great confidence-builder, McDonough has been careful not to expect it all to fall into place at once. “It’s hard to take it one step at a time but it’s what you’ve got to do,” McDonough said. “It was real exciting to ride up there, but I didn’t know what it would be like when I got there. “Now I have a better feeling for how aggressive I need to be and how much more I can push to race with those guys.” McDonough’s next chance to evolve as a rider will be at the June 21-23 Triumph SuperBike Classic at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.