Estenson Racing heads to Peoria, Illinois, in full force with a four-rider line-up in American Flat Track’s AFT Twins class for the 73rd running of the Peoria TT on Saturday, August 17.
Leading the way is JD Beach, who already has a pair of TT wins this season aboard the Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT – the Super TT and Buffalo Chip TT. It’s been awhile since the dirt track/road racer has raced at the legendary venue, and will also mark his debut there on the Twin. With his success earlier this season, Beach is fired up and looking to take another “W” this season.
His teammate Jake Johnson is hungry for that TT win as well. After a heartbreaking end to the Buffalo Chip TT, leading every lap from pole position and coming short on the final run to the checkers with a technical issue, the two-time Grand National Champion is looking for some redemption. Johnson already has five career TT wins to his credit and multiple podiums at the Peoria Motorcycle Club, including last year’s Peoria TT.
Joining the team for another TT race is retired road racer Roger Hayden. It’s been nearly 15 years since the youngest Hayden brother has raced Peoria, and he is looking forward to his return with the Estenson Racing squad. The team as a whole has been going well on the TT tracks this season and the Kentuckian continues to make progress on the bike every race with the team. He looks to keep that progress rolling into Peoria.
The rookie on the team, Kolby Carlile, also looks forward to returning to Peoria. He’s quite comfortable on TT tracks and has had success there in the past in the AFT Singles class. The New Yorker heads into the 13th round of the championship with confidence and aiming for a season-best result in the premier class.
JD Beach – AFT Twins #95:
“It’s Peoria this weekend. I’m really excited for it. It’s a track that I’ve liked a lot in the past. It’s been a while since I’ve raced there. There are so many rumors right now about how the jump and is going to be, and with [Henry] Wiles out this year, so there’s going to be some exciting racing. I’m bummed that I’m not going to get a chance to race against him, but there’s still going to be a lot of fast guys. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I know it’s a TT track and our bike has been good at those, but it’s going to be interesting this weekend since the track is so much bigger than the ones that we have been racing. I’m looking forward to it.”
Jake Johnson – AFT Twins #5:
“I’m looking for a little redemption after the Buffalo Chip. Peoria, it’s going to be another tough one. There’s a big question mark in the air right now if the “King of Peoria” [Henry Wiles] is going to be there or not. If he’s not, not saying that he’s unbeatable, but it’s going to open the doors for somebody new. Then again, it’s not going to be the same if Henry is not there. Either way, I’m going for a win at Peoria. I think we’re going to have a good shot there. We’ve been strong on the TT’s. It’s the last TT of the year, so kind of got to go for broke on that one and see what we can do. I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully we can redeem ourselves and get that win this year.”
Roger Hayden – AFT Twins #195:
“I’m really excited for Peoria. I raced there about 15 years ago and the atmosphere with the fans and stuff was awesome. The Main Event was going pretty good at the Buffalo Chip TT until we had an issue, so hopefully I can carry that over to this weekend and have a good result for the Estenson team. They have all been really helpful to me and it would be nice to pay them back with a good finish.”
Kolby Carlile – AFT Twins #136:
“I’m looking forward to the Peoria TT this weekend. I always enjoy the TT rounds as I am generally comfortable on them. The track has apparently changed the jump again so that will be a new factor, but I’m confident that we can find a setup to get comfortable on it quickly. “I’m looking for a good result, and to try to learn as much as I can from my teammates since they are so good on the TT tracks.”