Celtic HSBK Announces Return to MotoAmerica Championship Series
World Superbike rider PJ Jacobsen will anchor the team on a Ducati Panigale V4 R
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA – Today, Celtic HSBK Racing announced their return to the MotoAmerica Championship Series. The team will compete in the newly formed Superbike Cup where Stock 1000 bikes will run in both the Superstock and Superbike races.
PJ Jacobsen will anchor the team riding a Ducati New York-backed Panigale V4 R. Jacobsen has an impressive resume of wins and podiums on the global stage including over 30 National Amateur Championships and World Supersport Championship runner-up in 2015.
Celtic HSBK team owners Bobby Shek and Barry Gilsenan made the choice of the Ducati V4 R because it is the most competitive motorcycle out of the crate compared to other 1000cc bikes and the best bike to give PJ the edge he needs.
“While the season timing may not look like what we originally thought, I’m excited for the season ahead,” said Shek.
The team will also field front runner Sam Lochoff in the Liqui Moly Junior Cup on a Kawasaki Ninja 400. Lochoff joined the team mid-season last year but was sidelined due to injury for several rounds. After off-season training, the young rider is ready to get back to work.
Celtic HSBK Racing had a successful pre-season test at Barber Motorsports Park. Both PJ and Sam where at the top of the field after the two-day test.
The team is made possible through key sponsors Ducati New York, North America Warhorse, Competition Werkes, EVOL, New York Safety Track, Fast by Ferraci and, Ardmore.
In addition to the support of their technical sponsors: BrakeTech, Drive Systems USA, Spiegler Performance, Zero Gravity, GB Racing, Bickle Racing, STM, MWR Filters, Samco, RaceSeats, Drippen Wet, SBS Brakes, Jap4Performance, EAZIGrip, Out There Brands, and Full Spectrum.
For ongoing race season updates, follow HSBK Racing on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HSBKRACING/), Instagram (@hsbkracing) Celtic Racing on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CelticRacing/), Instagram (@celticracing)
Founded in 2011, HSBK Racing pairs the best sponsors, technicians, riders, and industry insiders to create an unstoppable team that consistently runs at the front of the pack. In 2016, they had the most successful season in Aprilia US racing history. HSBK ran the Aprilia in the 2015 and 2016 seasons scoring Aprilia’s first US wins in the 1000cc category. In addition, they were the first MotoAmerica SSTK 1000 team to land on the Superbike Podium twice finishing ahead every Superstock competitor and numerous factory Superbikes as well.
Celtic Racing established in 2001 by Barry Gilsenan is a premier privateer racing team. Development of riding talent began with two-stroke 125cc & 250cc machines competing in professional – amateur and regional championship events. Celtic Racing then transitioned their resources towards AMA Pro Road Racing from Superbike to Supersport. Most recently, Celtic Racing efforts have been focused on Sportbike and Supersport classes with Ducati, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha four stroke motorcycles. Gilsenan’s talent for fielding racers of all ages and abilities has brought Celtic Racing worldwide recognition with many former riders now competing on World Championship levels. With three AMA Pro Supersport championships, Celtic Racing is and continues to be a force within the racing community.
In 2019, Celtic and HSBK Racing joined to form Celtic HSBK Racing ushering in a new era in the sport.
