HOLLAND, Mich. (June 19, 2014) — After a promising finish at Road America, the Riders Discount Triumph team heads to scenic Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama for the first two-day event weekend of the 2014 AMA Pro Road Racing season.
“I’m ready for the Triumph SuperBike Classic weekend,” Danny Eslick said. “Coming off a win in Brazil, my confidence is high and I’m ready to get back to the front and race for a win.”
“Barber should be an interesting round with the new two day format,” said Brian Gibson, Riders Discount Triumph team owner. “I believe Saturday we have Q1, Q2 and Race 1. Then on Sunday we have a morning warm up, and Race 2. No rest for the wicked as they say and the Riders Discount Triumph team should be ready for the challenge. Hopefully we can leave Barber with two strong finishes to help catch us back up to that number one spot after our crash at Road America.”
Eslick is currently 2nd in the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Championship behind Jake Gagne. Eslick came away with a win and a second place finish the last time he raced in the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class at Barber Motorsports Park.
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 Celtic/HVMC Suzuki:
Celtic/HVMC Suzuki’s Alexander Leads AMA Pro SuperSport As Team Travels To Barber
After dominating performances at Daytona and Road America, Celtic/Hudson Valley Motorcycles Suzuki’s Corey Alexander carries a 29 point lead over his closest competitor Hayden Gillim, with teammate Wyatt Farris holding third position, just two points shy of Gillim, but ten points clear of Dustin Dominguez in fourth. Both Alexander and Farris seek to improve on their 2013 results at Barber, with Farris taking a seventh and a fourth place finish and Alexander taking double sixth place finishes last year. Given the speed and consistency both Celtic/HVMC Suzuki riders have shown so far this season, everyone is excited for the upcoming races in the very competitive AMA Pro SuperSport class. Barber marks the first weekend where the schedule will be compressed into two days only, with all practice and qualifying on Saturday ahead of the first race Saturday afternoon.
Corey Alexander put in a tremendous effort for round two at Road America with a recent collarbone injury and surgery that might have slowed down another rider, but provided him with extra motivation. Corey said “I’m very anxious to get to Barber and keep our positive momentum aboard the #5 Celtic/HVMC Racing Suzuki. I’ve spent the last few weeks healing up from the collarbone injury just to insure that I would be good for this coming weekend. Barber has always been a track I’ve liked a lot, but I’ve also struggled to get a strong result. I know that the team has prepared a great bike for us this season, and it’s one that can get the job done. Thanks to MJRS Freeman, Spidi Leathers, XPD Boots, Arai Helmets, Boxed Water Is Better, Defy All Odds Apparel, Oakley, Crossfit OSA, and Lapizta Watches for all the encouragement and support!” Please follow Corey Alexander on twitter and Instagram via @corey5alexander , keep track of him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/corey5alexander , and check out his webpage – www.corey23.com – as well.
Wyatt Farris has been training hard for the upcoming battle at Barber Motorsports Park, and knows what he needs to accomplish to earn points for the championship. Wyatt stated “I’m looking forward to this weekends races at Barber, it’s one of my favorite tracks on the schedule. I know my Celtic/HVMC Suzuki racing team has been working hard back at the shop to make sure I have the best package come Saturday morning. I’m looking to put two solid races together, and getting the results that we know we can. I can’t thank the team and our sponsors enough for making this all possible! Huge thanks to my personal sponsors Jon Block Group, Cortech, Shoei, Defy All Odds Apparel, Above Category, and CT Racing. I couldn’t do this without you!” You can keep up with Wyatt Farris via Instagram or Twitter @wyattfarris19 or join him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wyattfarrisracing .
Sponsors for the Celtic/Hudson Valley Motorcycles Suzuki team include: HVMC Racing, Suzuki, MJRS Freeman, Orient Express, Jon Block Group, Yoshimura R&D, Bazzaz, Gemini, K-Tech Suspension, Pitbull, Maxima Racing Oils, Galfer, Chicken Hawk, Motion Pro, Armour Bodies, Saddlemen, Star School, DesignStar3, Zero Gravity, Signs Ink, GB Racing, DID, and Vortex.
CELTIC RACING
Celtic Racing was established in 2001 by Barry Gilsenan, and over the past 13 seasons has established itself as a premier privateer racing team. Celtic Racing has seen consecutive championship seasons in AMA Pro Racing SuperSport from 2012 to 2013. 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. For more information regarding Celtic/HVMC Suzuki please join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/celticracing and follow @celticracing on twitter and Instagram – we appreciate all your support!
HUDSON VALLEY MOTORCYCLES
Hudson Valley Motorcycles has been serving New York’s Hudson Valley and Westchester County as well as Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and greater New England with Ducati, Kawasaki, and Suzuki Motorcycle/ATV Sales, Parts, and Service since 1966. Established by Richard Alexander Sr, the dealership is a family run business with employees who have been part of the family for decades in some cases. With deep and long standing customer relationships around the region, Hudson Valley Motorcycles is known for outstanding customer service, in-depth product expertise, and the foremost service department for machines of all brands. Please visit www.hvmotorcycles.com, join them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HVMotorcycles or follow them via @hvmotorcycles .
ORIENT EXPRESS
Established in 1973, Orient Express is celebrating its 41st year as a high performance motorcycle parts distributor and race shop. Orient Express offers engine and motorcycle building services, precision machine work, suspension servicing, and dyno tuning services. 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 AMA Pro Racing:
AMA Pro SuperSport heads to Barber Motorsports Park for Round 3 of AMA Pro Road Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 19, 2014) – AMA Pro SuperSport resumes this weekend at the Triumph SuperBike Classic at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. The class for up-and-coming stars of tomorrow and fast local club aces has seen some exciting action so far in 2014 and this weekend’s doubleheader promises more of the same.
The Barber circuit offers a different set of challenges than the last round, held at Road America. For the whopping 50 pre-entered riders, the technical Barber Motorsports Park layout offers little time to rest or regroup from mistakes. The key at Barber is concentration. The Alabama tract’s 14 turns are packed in to 2.38 miles of scenic circuit, and the fastest AMA Pro SuperSport pilots know to attack the track in sections.
Fans can watch every qualifying session and race LIVE in high definition on FansChoice.tv.
Corey Alexander on the No. 5 Celtic/HVMC Racing Suzuki GSX-R600 leads the series in points heading into the weekend. With three wins so far in 2014, Alexander has shown he’s the man to beat this year. But after winning both Daytona races and the first at Road America, Alexander lost out to Hayden Gillim on his No. 69 TOBC Racing Suzuki GSX-R600 in a draft-to-the-line battle in Elkhart Lake.
Just reaching the starting grid was a big step for Alexander after injuring his shoulder in a training accident before the race. Fresh off surgery, Alexander was very quick in Wisconsin despite not even being sure he’d be fit enough to ride on Friday morning.
Relatively speaking, Alexander didn’t have a great couple of runs at Barber last year, taking sixth place twice. The New Yorker will be looking to recapture the dominance he showed in the first three races of the year. The reigning East champ has shown steady progression over his time in the class, and this weekend will be a good gauge of how far he has come.
Gillim is coming off his win in Wisconsin and the Kentuckian seems to be settling in with his new team. Gillim now looks poised to take the fight to his rival Alexander on a routine basis.
Known for his hot streaks, Gillim can be untouchable on his good days. Over his time in the class, he has worked hard to become more consistent and has grown as a racer. But if Gillim wants to battle Alexander for the championship up to the very last corner of the season like he did last year, he needs to finish in front of him with more frequency.
Gillim has some catching up to do as he trails Alexander, 115-86 in the point standings. A good result will go a long way in closing that gap.
Wyatt Farris, pilot of the No. 19 Celtic/HVMC Racing Suzuki GSX-R600, is third, trailing Gillim by just two points. Farris has made great strides since mid-2013 in the class and has become a regular on the podium. The Californian has been in the top five in every 2014 race, running second in both Daytona contests.
Farris’ aggressive style has earned him good results, but at Road American had at least one rival unhappy with his tactics after he came together with Dustin Dominguez on the No. 68 HSBK Racing Yamaha YZF-R6in the race.
Dominguez, a six-time class winner, would certainly like to return to the top of the podium in Alabama. The talented Oklahoman has shown speed in 2014, but luck hasn’t always been in his favor. Dominguez has second and third place finishes this year, but his best ride might have happened last time out.
After finding himself on the ground, Dominguez started last following a red flag in Sunday’s race. His run from the back of the pack to eighth in Wisconsin was certainly a spectacular ride.
The top rookie in AMA Pro SuperSport is next in the standings. Californian Jason Aguilar aboard the No. 96 Tuned Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 holds the slot, having risen through the pack in a short time. Aguilar is riding high after earning his first AMA Pro podium on Sunday at Road America. Aguilar made a late double draft move to earn third in Wisconsin, showing he has substantial racecraft to match his speed.
New Yorker Cody Wyman on the No. 3 Harv’s Harley-Davidson Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 has seen solid fortunes this year and has emerged as the leader in a tight group fighting for sixth in series points. Wyman leads Texan J.C. Camacho, rider of the No. 623 Camacho Racing Yamaha YZF-R6and young rider Kaleb De Keyrel on board the No. 51 De Keyrel Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 in the standings. Just three points separate each racer.
De Keyrel looked especially racy at the last event, earning fourth and fifth in the doubleheader.
Mexico’s Erick Sanchez on the No. 64 EYK Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R6 leads Armando Ferrer and his No. 78 DMS Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 for ninth in points.
Young rider Connor Blevins on the No. 33 Excel Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R is just outside the top ten but closing. He finished seventh both times out in Wisconsin and is poised to move up the standings.
Class veteran Miles Thornton, pilot of the No. 72 D&D Castrol Triumph Daytona 675 has experienced a tough 2014 so far. The former class podium finisher has seen three races below his usual standard after fighting in the second pack in the opener and taking sixth.
Another challenge for the AMA Pro SuperSport field is the new two-day event format. With two qualifying sessions on Saturday morning, the emphasis is on getting up to speed quickly. At 4:10 p.m. local time (5:10 p.m. ET, 2:10 p.m. PT), the competitors will begin their 15-lap race.
On Sunday, the lights turn green at 1 p.m. (2 p.m. ET, 11 a.m. PT) for the 15-lap finale.
How to Watch
FansChoice.tv is the official home for live streaming coverage of AMA Pro Road Racing and AMA Pro Flat Track events in 2014. The site also provides 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 Kyle Wyman Racing:
Kyle Wyman looking for hot streak in Alabama heat
MACEDON, N.Y. (June 19) — Fresh off of his Road America Harley-Davidson series victory, Millennium Technologies rider Kyle Wyman will be chasing additional championship points at this coming weekend’s AMA Pro Road Racing event at Barber Motosports Park. Wyman will be pulling double-duty once again competing in both the Harley-Davidson and Daytona Sportbike categories.
Wyman’s last trip to Barber was a successful one. He won the Harley-Davidson series race there in 2012 after a race-long battle with rival and current series points leader Tyler O’Hara.
“I’ve been looking forward to this event since the checkered flag flew at Road America,” Wyman said. “I’ve never been more hungry to race as I am now. The motivation I carried into the last race has far from worn off, and I can’t wait to head back out on both of my Millennium Technologies machines. In the Harley class we have an 18-point gap to make up, so I’m determined to chip away at the deficit.”
The first two rounds of the AMA Pro Daytona Sportbike series have left Wyman in 6th place in points, after putting in a strong effort at Road America with two 8th place finishes to his credit. The 600cc class is a new venture for KWR, and bike familiarity will play a key role in their climb to the top five.
“I’m really happy to be where we are in points on the Yamaha,” said Wyman. “We have a short season but we’ve been making rapid progress with the bike. We’ve finished 6th a few times in this class and I think Barber will give us a great opportunity for a top five. I have faith in my crew and the bike, and I’m feeling fit and prepared for the heat.”
LIVE coverage of the AMA Pro Road Racing series event from Barber Motorsports Park will begin at 8:40 a.m. CST for Daytona Sportbike qualifying. Visit www.fanschoice.tv for coverage. Racing will begin Saturday June 21st at 2:00 p.m. CST and Sunday June 22nd 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
More, from a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:
AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series heads to Barber Motorsports Park for Round 3 of AMA Pro Road Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – While still early, the 2014 AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson title battle is already taking shape as the season resumes this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala., for the Triumph SuperBike Classic.
The man in command is Tyler O’Hara on the No. 29 Josh Chisum Racing/Bartels Harley-Davidson XR1200. O’Hara is one of the most decorated riders in the category’s history, with seven race wins and six poles to his name – both just one shy of the all-time record.
And while O’Hara has never finished outside the championship top three during his time in the class, the Californian is still seeking his first AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson crown. Similarly, O’Hara has landed on the box in each of his three previous attempts at Barber Motorsports Park, but he has yet to climb atop the podium at the beautiful 2.38-mile, 14-turn road course.
O’Hara will look to correct those near-misses this time around, but it won’t be easy with a deep field of talented contenders to deal with.
His two closest championship competitors, Gage McAllister, pilot of the No. 51 Folsom Harley-Davidson XR1200, and Danny Eslick aboard the No. 69 Ruthless Racing Harley-Davidson XR1200, offer starkly contrasting threats.
Second-ranked McAllister showed flashes of greatness during his rookie season in 2013 and the teenager has taken another big step forward this year. He came out swinging with a runner-up result at the Daytona opener and backed that up with another top five at Road America. As a result, he currently owns 41 points, just seven behind O’Hara’s class-leading 48.
One point further back is the immensely experienced and talented Eslick. The Oklahoman won the inaugural AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson title in 2010 and also boasts a pair of AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike championships. Additionally, Eslick has earned podiums in classes ranging from AMA Pro SuperBike to SuperSport to Formula Xtreme during his AMA Pro career that has spanned more than a decade.
Despite the presence of O’Hara, McAllister and Eslick, the two men who might be considered the most likely to win this weekend aren’t even ranked in the championship top five.
Kyle Wyman on the No. 33 KWR/Millennium Technologies Harley-Davidson XR1200has displayed remarkable form in 2014, taking the checkered flag first in both outings thus far. However, a Daytona DNF sees Wyman playing catch-up, as he’s currently sixth, some 18 points behind O’Hara. Wyman has an impressive history at Barber Motorsports Park, racing to the 2012 race win by 0.047 seconds over O’Hara.
There is also defending series champion and BMP race winner Steve Rapp aboard the No. 1 Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson XR1200. Rapp’s title defense has gotten off to a nightmarish start. He retired early after taking the pole at Daytona and then crashed out of contention for victory at Road America after showcasing tremendous pace at the front.
While he sits 23rd in the points, Rapp is a threat to win every time he throws his leg over an XR1200. That’s especially true at Barber Motorsports Park, where he edged current HMC/KTM Racing SuperBike pilot Chris Fillmore for the win in 2011, then won going away at the venue last season.
While Rapp has struggled early in 2014, his teammates, Ben Carlson on the No. 45 Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson XR1200 and Nick Hansen,riding the No. 97 Aerostar Global Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson XR1200, have done well to keep the Suburban Motors team in contention. Carlson is currently ranked fourth, one point behind Eslick, while Hansen rounds out the championship top five heading into Alabama.
Class upstarts Eric Stump on the No. 77 OPR/Liberty Chevrolet Hard-Davidson XR1200, Hayden Schultz aboard the No. 59 Chili Pepper Racing Harley-Davidson XR1200, and Ryan Kerr No. 28 Thunder Roads Magazine Harley-Davidson XR1200, hold down seventh through ninth, respectively. Series veteran David Estok and his No. 123 Thrashed Bike Racing Harley-Davidson XR1200 round out the top ten.
The AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series will first hit the track on Saturday, June 21 at 10:20 a.m. local time (11:20 ET and 8:20 PT) for its opening practice. Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning qualifying sessions will set the grid, and then the class will kick off Sunday’s race action with its 11-lap contest at 12:15 p.m. (1:15 p.m. ET and 10:15 a.m. PT).
How to Watch
FansChoice.tv is the official home for live streaming coverage of AMA Pro Road Racing and AMA Pro Flat Track events in 2014. The site also provides 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.