Michael Jordan Motorsports Renews Partnership With National Guard and Celtic Racing to Field SuperSport and Daytona SportBike Entries in 2013
EAST TROY, WI (January 21, 2013) Michael Jordan Motorsports (MJM) today announced the renewal of its association with the Army National Guard and Celtic Racing for the 2013 AMA Pro Road Racing season. In partnership with the National Guard, MJM has once again contracted with Celtic Racing to manage its 600cc program, which will include teammates James Rispoli and Corey Alexander campaigning on National Guard Celtic Racing Suzuki GSX-R600s. The riders will compete in the season-opening rounds of the AMA Pro Road Racing Championships, March 14 16, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. With Rispoli stepping up to the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class, this marks the first time MJM will race in the famous Daytona 200.
“After a successful 2012 season, I am very happy to announce our continued relationship with Michael Jordan Motorsports and the National Guard,” said National Guard Celtic Racing Team Owner Barry Gilsenan. “We appreciate their continued support and are looking forward to further success. We’re pleased that our lineup will remain unchanged for 2013, and we have really enjoyed working with Corey and James over the last year. I am confident that we are prepared to meet the challenges that 2013 will present.”
Two-time AMA Pro SuperSport Champion Rispoli will make his debut in the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class in March. Rispoli captured back-to-back SuperSport titles in 2011 and 2012, and celebrated an impressive eight victories en route to the 2012 championship. Going into 2013, Rispoli is looking forward to racing the National Guard Celtic Racing Suzuki GSX-R600 in the prestigious AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class.
“I am so excited to be moving up to Daytona SportBike and riding for the National Guard Celtic Racing team,” said Rispoli. “Coming off two championship-winning seasons in AMA Pro SuperSport, I know the step up in class means even more hard work and dedication. To make sure I’m ready, I’ve been training harder and smarter than ever before. I can hardly wait for the season’s kick-off at the Daytona 200.”
National Guard Celtic Racing’s Alexander is particularly excited about the 2013 season, in which he’ll be returning to contest the AMA Pro SuperSport class after suffering a broken leg last year. Although Alexander missed the last round of the season due to injury, he still finished a respectable fifth in the overall championship points.
“After having an early end to 2012 with my injury, I can certainly say there is nothing I look forward to more than getting back aboard my National Guard Celtic Racing Suzuki GSX-R600 for the 2013 season,” said Alexander. “To have the opportunity to represent the men and women of the National Guard for a third time is a huge honor. I have really high expectations for myself this coming season and I’ve been spending all of my time getting back in shape after this injury. Now I’m just looking forward to racing again.”
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 23race.com, twitter.com/23race and http://www.facebook.com/23race.
ABOUT CELTIC RACING
Celtic Racing, founded in 2001 by Barry Gilsenan, has over the past 11 seasons established itself as a premier privateer racing team. Developing 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 have brought Celtic Racing worldwide attention and recognition, with many former Celtic Racing riders now competing on World Championship levels.
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.