AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike riders gearing up for Road America
ELKHART LAKE, Wis., (May 28, 2014) – The AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike class makes its much-anticipated return to Road America this weekend. The four-mile Wisconsin circuit is a particularly exciting place to watch the middleweight bikes because its long straights and braking zones make passing and lead changes commonplace. More than just a test of man and machine, the races often develop into a strategic battle leading up to the all-important last lap and run up the hill to the checkered flag. Elkhart Lake is famous for its nail-biting finishes.
AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike racing at Road America is great for fans because the outcome is anybody’s guess until the final moments.
Last year, Jake Gagne aboard the No. 32 RoadRace Factory/Red Bull Yamaha YZF-R6 emerged victorious in the second leg of the doubleheader, making the Californian the only racer to defeat series champion Cameron Beaubier all season. Gagne kept the pressure on Beaubier the entire race, then pounced late when Beaubier make a rare mistake.
Gagne finished second in this year’s season opener at Daytona and sits fourth in points with qualifying factoring into the standings. The 20-year-old San Diego native is known for an analytical approach to each track, which can pay dividends in Wisconsin.
Daytona winner Danny Eslick, pilot of the No. 69 Riders Discount Racing Triumph Daytona 675R, is riding high after a fantastic DAYTONA 200 win in March. Eslick, a two-time AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike Champion, returned to the class in impressive fashion, running up front all race, then motoring away after the final tire stop. Eslick, who previously won championships for Buell and Suzuki, gave Triumph its first DAYTONA 200 victory in the 1960s.
The Oklahoman can tie Josh Herrin for third on the all-time class wins list with a victory in Wisconsin.
Garrett Gerloff is primed for his first AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike win aboard his No. 8 Yamaha Extended Service/Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha YZF-R6. Gerloff has continued to improve his form after missing most of 2012 with a broken leg. Gerloff’s potential can’t be denied as he nearly earned his maiden AMA Pro victory last year at Miller Motorsports Park and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, but was narrowly beaten by Beaubier both times. This could be the weekend for the young Texan.
Gerloff’s teammate JD Beach on the No. 6 Yamaha Extended Service/Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha YZF-R6 earned his first podium of the season with a third place finish at Elkhart Lake last year. Beach’s ten-race streak of top five finishes helped him take fourth in points when the season was said and done. After problems at Daytona in March left him 14th in points, Beach will look to get back to the front at a track where he’s impressed in the past.
Jake Lewis on the No. 85 MotoSport.com/Meen Yamaha YZF-R6 comes to Wisconsin second in points and has a strong history at Road America. He won in spectacular fashion in AMA Pro SuperSport in 2012 and earned his first AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike podium in Race 2 of the doubleheader last season. The teenager from Kentucky is another rider looking for his first class victory, which could come sooner rather than later as Lewis continues to demonstrate a quick learning curve.
Dane Westby aboard the No. 00 Yamalube/Westby Racing Yamaha YZF-R6, may have a new team this year, but he was quick out of the box at Daytona. Westby ran with the leaders in the DAYTONA 200 until just before the final pit stop, when a crash ended his day. The Oklahoma native’s blend of aggressiveness and experience and makes him a constant on the list of potential race winners.
A pair of Triumph-mounted veterans and former AMA Pro winners are also looking for their chance to shine this weekend.
Bobby Fong on the No. 50 Latus Motors/Castrol/Triumph Racing Daytona 675is hoping his switch to a new team, Latus Motors Racing, could pay dividends. Fong finished third in last year’s DAYTONA 200 and earned a podium at New Jersey. Fong won in 2008 at Virginia International Raceway and has eight career podiums in the class.
Former Elkhart Lake polesitter Jason DiSalvo, riding the No. 40 Castrol/Triumph/Sportbike Track Time Triumph Racing Daytona 675, has seen his share of misfortune at Road America in recent years. After winning in Wisconsin as a rookie in 2002, he’s been shut out at Elkhart Lake. As one of the most decorated riders in the class, DiSalvo will no doubt put in a strong effort in a bid to change his luck.
Honda’s hopes in the race rest on Jake Zemke on the No. 98 GEICO Motorcycle Road Racing Honda CBR600RR and Joe Roberts aboard the No. 2 M4 Motorcycle Road Racing Honda CBR600RR.Zemke has a strong history on middleweight Hondas, with 20 wins in AMA Pro middleweight classes. Zemke knows what it takes to get the brand’s bikes to the front. Roberts, after five wins in five starts in last year’s AMA Pro Supersport class, has graduated to AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike after spending the early part of his career racing in Europe.
Blake Young on the No. 79 GN Gonzales Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 has two AMA Pro wins at Elkhart Lake to his credit. His AMA Pro SuperBike victory in 2011 invoked one of the wildest victory celebrations on record and became part of Road America lore. After a season racing MotoGP Wild Card entries, the home-state favorite is attempting to refocus his efforts and return to the podium. Shane Narbonne aboard the No. 56 GN Gonzales Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 joins Young on the Louisiana-based team.
The bevy of young riders looking to make or extend their marks in the class includes; Tomas Puerta on the No. 12 RoadRace Factory/Red Bull Yamaha YZF-R6, Benny Solis aboard the No. 35 Team H35 Yamaha YZF-R6, Kyle Wyman on board the No. 25 Kyle Wyman Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 and Elena Myers, pilot of the No. 21 Castrol/Triumph/Apex Manufacturing Triumph Daytona 675.
Steve Rapp on the No. 15 D&D Cycles/Castrol/Triumph Daytona 675 and Michael Barnes aboard the No. 34 Veloce Racing MV Agusta F3 675 are both veteran riders who have also excelled in the AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson class. Rapp has previously won the DAYTONA 200 and excelled for years in AMA Pro competition. But one of the more memorable moments in his career was the first-corner pileup in the 2000 AMA Pro SuperBike race which was captured by late photographer Henny Ray Abrams and featured in Sports Illustrated.
Barnes has also enjoyed a long, successful career, and his battle for the AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson championship with Tyler O’Hara in New Orleans in 2012 was one for the ages. Barnes has connected with fans, often in the role of the hard-charging underdog. Over the years, the Floridian has ridden a plethora of machines from the Harley-Davidson XR1200 to the Britten SuperBike. Fans will see Barnes throw a leg over another bike, this time the exotic MV Agusta.
GoPro Daytona SportBike qualifying at the Subway SuperBike Doubleheader will take place Friday and Saturday. Race 1 will go green at 2 p.m. Saturday, followed by Sunday’s second 12-lap race at 2 p.m.
How to Watch
FansChoice.tv will be the official home for live streaming coverage of AMA Pro Road Racing and AMA Pro Flat Track events in 2014. The site will also provide coverage of IMSA’s development and single-make series, and NASCAR’s touring and weekly series.
About AMA Pro Road Racing
AMA Pro Road Racing is the premier motorcycle road racing series in North America and is universally regarded as one of the most competitive road racing organizations in the world. The series is comprised of four production-based classes: AMA Pro SuperBike, AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike, AMA Pro SuperSport and the AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series. Learn more about AMA Pro Road Racing at www.amaproracing.com/rr/.
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.
More, from a press release issued by Riders Discount Triumph:
Riders Discount Triumph Preview the AMA Pro Subway SuperBike Doubleheader at Road America
HOLLAND, Mich. (May 28, 2014) – The AMA Pro GoPro Daytona Sportbike DAYTONA 200 could not have gone any better for the Riders Discount Triumph team. Taking the pole, win, and the championship lead, Riders Discount Triumph looks to capitalize on their success and push full steam ahead into round 2 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin this weekend.
Road America is one of the most historic venues in all of motorsports. This scenic track measures in at just over four miles and is the longest on the 2014 calendar.
“I am really looking forward to round two at Road America,” said Brian Gibson, Riders Discount Triumph team owner. “We had such a strong showing by the team and Danny at Daytona that we can only hope to keep that momentum rolling. With the DAYTONA 200 winning bike heading to the Triumph museum, we built a completely new bike which we are hoping to push the capabilities of the Riders Discount Triumph 675R even further. With that being said, I can’t wait to see Danny and the new bike roll out onto the track Friday afternoon.”
Danny Eslick’s thoughts on Road America were straight to the point, “Pour some gas in it, and we’ll do it again!”
How to Watch:
FansChoice.tv will be the official home for live streaming coverage of AMA Pro Road Racing events in 2014.
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.com ships 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 Shelina Moreda’s publicist:
SHELINA MOREDA TEAMS UP WITH CHILI PEPPER RACING FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 2014 AMA PRO RACING VANCE & HINES HARLEY-DAVIDSON RACING SERIES SEASON.
Shelina Moreda and Chili Pepper Racing are happy to announce that they have agreed to have Shelina compete in the remainder of the 2014 AMA Pro Racing Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Racing Series season races riding with support from Chili Pepper Racing. The team will be providing logistical support and help with maintaining and fielding the Harley-Davidson XR1200 that Shelina will use to compete beginning at the Subway SuperBike Doubleheader at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI May 30th thru June 1st.
Shelina Moreda – AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley Davidson #93:
“After scoring a podium finish in the final round of the LARRS series in Qatar and finishing that season in 3rd place in the championship standings, my momentum is rolling forward and I cannot wait to get out on my XR1200 at Road America. I can’t thank Chris Richardson and Chili Pepper Racing enough for this vote of confidence and I am happy to continue as team-mates with Hayden Schultz and Ricky Parker.”
“I will be pulling double duty at Road America as I will also be racing in the 2nd round of the AMA Supermoto national series being held in the evenings on Friday and Saturday, so hopefully everybody sticks around to watch me over there too! I’ll be riding with support from Christopher Kemp on Team GGMACJADE Racing on a bike built by HMC Racing. I rode with these guys a few times last year and we had a blast together, so now I’m excited that we get to go racing together.”
Chris Richardson – Chili Pepper Racing team owner:
“Round 2 is about building on our solid performances at Daytona and putting on a good show in the Vance and Hines XR1200 class – Shelina can do both! Her skills are exceptional combined with an inclusive attitude that fits perfectly with the team’s mission. We’d like to see her continue in the series as AMA Pro Roadracing makes a comeback.”
Shelina Moreda would like to thank her sponsors: www.ChiliPepperRacing.com, Christopher Kemp, She’z Racing, GP Fabrication, AXO, Arai, Vance & Hines, G&B Motorsports, Finish Line Fitness, BMC Racing, Brammo, Parker Hannifin, Team QMMF, and Impact Safe-T-Armor. Anyone interested in joining with support for the team or Shelina Please contact ChiliPepperRacing.com or Shezracing.com.
More, from a press release issued by Kyle Wyman Racing:
Kyle Wyman seeking maximum Harley-Davidson series points for Road America redemption
MACEDON, N.Y. (May 28) — Eleven weeks have passed since Kyle Wyman crossed the stripe as a three-time Daytona winner, and seven weeks have passed since that title was taken away. Wyman now heads into the second round of the AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson series at Road America this weekend with an opportunity to redeem himself from disqualification and score maximum points.
“Road America is one of my favorite tracks on the schedule,” Wyman said. “I’m very comfortable with the layout and am confident in my abilities. My motivation level is higher than it has ever been and I want to go out and get a win for Millennium Technologies at their home race.”
Wyman’s track record at Road America points in his favor. The last time the New Yorker raced the Harley-Davidson series at the 4-mile circuit, he claimed victory. The same is true for the third round of the series, at Barber Motorsports Park, but he prefers to look only one race ahead.
“This year it’s different, not having the XR Showdown like in years past. It’s now a championship from start to finish, and I’ve already lost 25 crucial points,” Wyman added. “Before I could kind of not worry about points until the end of the season, but I have to be on my game right now. It’s all about Road America, one race at a time, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to chase this deficit and do what I love. It’s going to be a fun year.”
The Plymouth, W.I. based Millennium Technologies, just a short drive from the track in Elkhart Lake, considers Road America to be their homecoming event of the season. Their family of companies, including Revolution Performance and Ballistic Performance Components, support Kyle Wyman Racing and many other teams in multiple disciplines.
For LIVE coverage of the AMA Pro Harley-Davidson series race from Road America, visit www.fanschoice.tv for the start of the race, Sunday June 1st at 12:15 p.m. CST.
To follow Kyle’s career, visit www.facebook.com/kylewymanfans
To build a bike as fast as Kyle’s, visit www.mt-llc.com