AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Barber Motorsports Park Birmingham, Alabama June 18 Provisional Race One Results (all on Dunlop tires): 1. Danny Eslick (Suz GSX-R600), 21 laps 2. Dane Westby (Suz GSX-R600), -2.842 seconds 3. Cory West (Suz GSX-R600), -3.005 4. Tommy Aquino (Yam YZF-R6), -3.144 5. Jason DiSalvo (Duc 848), -3.682 6. Taylor Knapp (Suz GSX-R600), -4.556 7. Kris Turner (Suz GSX-R600), -33.576 8. Tyler O’Hara (Yam YZF-R6), -37.303 9. Huntley Nash (Yam YZF-R6), -45.745 10. Ricky Corey (Yam YZF-R6), -48.782 11. Barrett Long (Duc 848EVO), -64.276 12. Tyler Odom (Hon CBR600RR), -72.767 13. David Sadowski, Jr. (Duc 848EVO), -76.211 14. Nahun Alvarez (Hon CBR600RR), -76.542 15. Michael Morgan (Suz GSX-R600), -93.038 16. P.J. Jacobsen (Duc 848EVO), -1 lap, crash 17. Wes Humphryes (Suz GSX-R600), -1 lap, 7.050 seconds 18. Melissa Paris (Yam YZF-R6), -1 lap, 8.283 19. Sam Rozynski (Yam YZF-R6), -67.915 20. Fernando Amantini (Kaw ZX-6R), -71.146 21. Santiago Villa (Suz GSX-R600), -2 laps, crash 22. Matthew Sadowski (Duc 848EVO), -6 laps, DNF, crash 23. Kenny Riedmann (Tri Daytona 675), -7 laps, DNF 24. Josh Herrin (Yam YZF-R6), -17 laps, DNF, mechanical 25. Dirk Sanchez (Duc 848), -17 laps, DNF 26. Paul Allison (Yam YZF-R6), -19 laps, DNF, crash 27. Cameron Beaubier (Yam YZF-R6), -19 laps, DNF, crash 28. Matt Hall (Yam YZF-R6), -21 laps, DNF, crash Provisional Championship Point Standings (after 7 races): 1. West, 136 points 2. Eslick, 135 3. Herrin, 127 4. DiSalvo, 126 5. Aquino, 108 6. Westby, 96 7. Beaubier, 92 8. Jacobsen, 90 9. Knapp, 66 10. Allison, 59 11. O’Hara, 59 12. Amantini, 58 13. Huntley Nash, 55 14. Villa, 47 15. Odom, 34 16. TIE, Jake Holden/Josh Galster, 26 18. David Sadowski, Jr., 25 19. Turner, 24 20. Jake Zemke, 23 More, from a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing: BIRMINGHAM, AL (June 18, 2011) – “As you can see,” said GEICO Powersports/RMR Suzuki’s Danny Eslick in the post-qualifying press conference, “this is a pretty mean front row.” Sitting beside the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike pole-earner in Barber Motorsport Park’s pressroom were the other three most-wanted men in 2011 Daytona SportBike racing: PJ Jacobsen (Celtic Racing/Fast by Ferracci), Josh Herrin (Monster Energy Graves Yamaha), and Jason DiSalvo (Team Latus Motors Racing). The stakes were sky-high for all four heading into a sweltering Race 1 at the gorgeously green Birmingham facility, as a pair of DNFs at the previous round had seen DiSalvo forced to cede the lead-change to Herrin for the first time this season. In the end, however, victory shone not on points-leaders or former points-leaders, but on those from the road race-proud state of Oklahoma, as Broken Arrow’s Eslick led M4 Suzuki’s Dane Westby (Tulsa) and Vesrah Suzuki’s Cory West (Oklahoma City) to what some OK-fans have labeled an “Oklapodium.” “It’s been a tough season so far,” said Eslick, who’d gone winless in 2011 until today. “It means a lot to get this win … it’s pretty awesome.” Eslick launched into the lead off the start, and – in an almost unheard-of occurrence in the shark-tank-like Daytona SportBike class – was never forced to release it, save for a brief skirmish with Jacobsen on Lap 1. Instead, he began almost immediately to spin out a modest lead that grew, over the 21 laps, to an unassailable one. Helping matters were that fact that two of his biggest recent threats, Herrin and Jacobsen, were negated early in the contest, Jacobsen sliding out at the end of Lap 1 and Herrin – pounding his tank in fury – having to pit just minutes later with a seized engine. DiSalvo, trying desperately to chase down Eslick from second, initially appeared to be the heir-apparent challenger once Jacobsen and Herrin were out, but the Latus rider was likewise soon struggling, getting shuffled back to fifth in the lead pack. With about seven to go, a three-way battle for second kicked off between Aquino, Westby, and West, and as the laps clicked down, it only intensified. “I could see the numbers on the scoring tower changing position,” said Eslick, “[and] I kept seeing different numbers in second, so I knew they were racing pretty hard back there. I just didn’t want to do anything crazy and mess up.” While Eslick checked out, heading the field by nearly four seconds at one point, DiSalvo did everything he could to keep the trio in front of him within grasp, but was ultimately forced to settle for fifth, his run of recent bad luck seeming to stretch yet further. And while Aquino was left to a solid but somewhat disappointing fourth, Westby and West each had plenty to celebrate, Westby claiming the race’s runner-up position while West took over the overall points-lead in the Daytona SportBike Championship, 136 points to Eslick’s 135. “It’s awesome,” said West later, shaking his head. “I can’t thank the Vesrah guys enough. Now we just have to try to push on and get another podium tomorrow.” Today’s Daytona SportBike and National Guard SuperBike races air tonight at 9 p.m. PST/midnight EST on SPEED. Tomorrow’s Daytona SportBike Race 2 kicks off at 2:15 p.m. Central time; follow twitter.com/AMAProLIVE for live race play-by-plays. For complete ticket and schedule information, please visit www.barbermotorsports.com. The Barber SuperBike Classic Weekend, honoring the men and women of the Alabama National Guard, features a host of activities and racing action at the magnificent Barber Motorsports Park facility, and special discounts are available for Guard members and their families. To learn more and be a part of AMA Pro Racing, please visit www.amaproracing.com and join us on facebook.com/AMAProRoadRacing and twitter.com/AMAProSBK. More, from a press release issued by Geiger Media on behalf of GEICO: Eslick’s first win of ’11 pulls him to within one point of championship lead BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (June 18) — GEICO Suzuki rider Danny Eslick collected his first win of the season in dominating fashion Saturday during the fifth round of AMA Daytona SportBike racing at Barber Motorsports Park. “I’m so happy to be up here,” Eslick said from the top step of the podium. “It’s been a long season so far without a win. I’ve been up here but not all the way on top. Now that I’ve been here I plan to make it a more regular occurrence.” Eslick showed he had a quick bike early in the day when he grabbed the pole during Saturday’s final qualifying session. When it came time for the main event, it was no different, with Eslick leading the race wire-to-wire. “It was just our day,” Eslick said. “We came out and rode strong from the get-go. I had a great start during the race, and one of the guys tried to pass me in the first turn but I didn’t let that happen. After that, I never looked back. I have no idea what went on behind me; I was just worried about getting that win.” With Saturday’s victory, Eslick jumped from fourth to second place in the championship standings and is now just one point out of first. Eslick’s goal from the beginning of the season was to collect his second career Daytona SportBike championship for GEICO and Richie Morris Racing. He got his first in 2009. “Slowly but surely we’re getting up there,” Eslick said. “Our first race hurt us but we have definitely made up for it so far this season. We still have some work to do, but if we keep doing what we’re doing, we’re going to have a great shot at the title.” The native Oklahoman was joined on the podium by two other riders from his home — Dane Westby and Cory West. Not only are they all from they same state, they all happened to ride Suzukis, a first for the manufacturer this season. “It’s great to be up here with these guys,” Eslick said. “It’s great for Suzuki but it’s even better for Oklahoma. I guess that’s just how we Oklahomans roll.” The second race of the weekend for AMA Daytona SportBike begins at 2:15 p.m. CT Sunday at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. More, from a press release issued by Vesrah Suzuki: VESRAH SUZUKI’S CORY WEST ON THE PODIUM AT THE BARBER SUPERBIKE CLASSIC AND NOW TAKES OVER THE 2011 DAYTONA SPORTBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD. Vesrah Suzuki’s Cory West returned to the podium for the 3rd time this season with a 3rd place in the AMA Pro Racing Daytona Sportbike Race 1 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham AL. Cory was part of a sweep of the Daytona Sportbike podium by the new for 2011 Suzuki GSX-R 600. He also took over 1st place in the 2011 Daytona Sportbike championship. Taylor Knapp finished at the tail end of the front group in 6th place and moved back into the top 10 with 9th place in the 2011 Daytona Sportbike championship. Corey Alexander had a day to forget with a crash during final qualifying this morning and then being assessed a 5 second penalty for jumping the start of AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport race 1. He managed to finish in 8th place after the penalty. Mark Junge Team Owner Vesrah Suzuki “It was an exciting day for the team with Cory taking over the championship lead and finishing on the podium. This team is about consistency as shown in our past racing history.” Cory West Vesrah Suzuki #57 “I had a good launch at the start and made a nice pass around the outside in turn 4 to get myself up to 4th on the first lap. I worked my way up to 2nd pretty quick and tried to reel in the leader but the gap stayed about the same. About halfway through the race I started having shifting issues and got swallowed up by 3 or 4 riders. I figured out how to keep the bike in gear after a few rough laps and then caught the pack that was racing for 2nd. I just waited until there were 2 laps to go to start making moves and got back into 2nd position. The fight continued and I ended up 3rd at the finish. The points leader had a mechanical and I pulled away from the rider that was behind me in points, so a 3rd place felt like a win. I took over the points lead so I’m very happy about that! We’ll do our best to come out of here with another good finish and try to hang onto the championship lead. Big thanks to my Crew Chief Tony Pogue, and the entire Vesrah Suzuki crew for a great race bike today.” Taylor Knapp Vesrah Suzuki #44 “I’m pretty happy with the way the weekend is going. I had a decent start and felt comfortable with the pace we were running even though the track was very slippery because of the heat. I was able to hold onto the lead group and came home in 6th. There is one corner that I’m having trouble with on the track but we have some changes to try in warm-up tomorrow morning and hopefully that will give me that edge that I need to put my Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R 600 on the podium. I would like to thank my Crew Chief James Lickwar and mechanic Don Dougherty as well as Mark Junge.” Corey Alexander Vesrah Suzuki #5 “Today was a pretty rough day for me. Fortunately after having some trouble in final qualifying yesterday’s time held up and I started on the outside of row 1. Sadly enough I jumped the start and I was docked 5 seconds putting me a little behind. I’m happy to end today with a top ten but I definitely look forward to having another shot at putting my Vesrah Suzuki up front tomorrow. Thanks to my mechanics Barry and Tim for their extra hard work this weekend and Mark Junge for building great bikes.” Vesrah Suzuki wants to thank all of their sponsors for their support for the 2011 season Vesrah, American Suzuki, Rockstar Energy Drink, Nielsen Enterprises Suzuki, Penske Racing Shocks, Traxxion Dynamics Fork Components, Yoshimura, Catalyst Racing Composites, Sudco Int., Bazzaz, Factory Pro, Maxima Racing Oils, Vortex, DID Chain, GPR Stabilizers, Trek Bicycles, GP Tech, Active, Pilot, Suzuka Tire Warmers, Pit Bull & Road Rage Designs More, from a press release issued by LTD Racing: BEST DAYTONA SPORTBIKE RESULT YET FOR HUNTLEY NASH AND LTD RACING Y.E.S. YAMAHA Birmingham, AL June 18, 2011 LTD Racing Y.E.S. Yamaha’s Huntley Nash earned his first Daytona SportBike top ten at Barber Motorsports Park on Saturday. Nash charged from the fifth row to ninth place with his strongest ride of the year. The 19-year old earned his bestyet finish in the AMA Pro Racing class he just joined in March after winning races in SuperSport last year, including one at Barber Motorsports Park. “It was our first top ten and that was a goal of ours,” said Nash. “It felt like I was dead last on the start but I made a few passes and gained some spots in the race. I feel we can do better tomorrow as we continue to refine the setup, especially at the front end of the bike. Confidence has been the biggest thing for me this year and we keep gaining momentum.” Sam Nash fought to post a solid result for LTD Racing and earned another top ten finish in the SuperSport battle as he took ninth place. The full-time law student and part-time racer ran as high as seventh in the race at the scenic Alabama circuit and was able to earn that result in the deepest race of the year with 37 entries. “My race was pretty satisfying but at the same time it was a little lonely out there,” said Sam. “I rode my own race. I got to the place I finished pretty early and I wish I could have been able to push harder and maybe caught the next group. Still, it was progress for us and we have another one tomorrow.” LTD Racing Y.E.S Yamaha teammates Tomas Puerta and David Gaviria led the East and West divisions of AMA Pro SuperSport as the day began but the top position of the points table was not the only place they would come together. Puerta unfortunately crashed and collected Gaviria on the first lap of Saturday’s event. Neither rider was able to restart the red flagged event, an East division race and therefore a points contest for Puerta. “I got a good start and in turn one I was fourth or something but I didn’t really feel the bike slip away from me in that turn. I’m not exactly sure what happened,” said Puerta. “I was upset to have crashed the bike and taken out David. It wasn’t good for my position in the championship. I am very sore but will come out fighting hard tomorrow and at the other East races to do my best and make up points.” “It was tough luck for us both but if there’s any good part of it for me personally is that is was an East Coast race,” said Gaviria. “With Huntley, we’re moving forward,” said LTD Racing’s Director of Competition Gary Medley. “The Daytona SportBike class is really tough and the margin for error is small. It’s really pushed Huntley to get better and he’s been making little steps and now he’s found himself in the top ten. He’s grown a lot this year. We’ve made more changes for tomorrow and look to keep upping the pace. The SuperSport race was tough. Our guys are trying hard and sometimes bad things happen. Sam came through and was able to get another top ten so good for him.” Sunday will see two more chances for LTD Racing Y.E.S. Yamaha, with the final Daytona SportBike and SuperSport races of the weekend.