Iker Lecuona getting an early bump to MotoGP, giving Kelly an opportunity to fill his Moto2 seat on The American Racing Team KTM.
Begin press release:
Iker Lecuona to ride MotoGP class in Valencia and the American Team to have second American rider at the last race of the season.
Iker Lecuona, The American Racing Team KTM rider, will ride in the MotoGP class at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.
The Valencian Grand Prix was going to be the last race for Lecuona with the American Racing Team, but Miguel Oliveira’s injury opened the opportunity for Iker to debut in the MotoGP category that offered by Tech3 Team and as a reward from American Racing team for all the hard work he has done in last 3 season and especially in 2019.
As a replacement rider the 17-year-old American rider Sean Dylan Kelly will join the American Racing team for his Debut at the Moto2 World championship. The American Racing Team will be participating with 2 American riders Joe Roberts and Sean Kelly in the world championship race in Valencia.
Eitan Butbul:
“The team was approached by Tech3 team to offer the option to have Iker to replace Olivera on the MotoGP bike at the last race in Valencia, we were very happy for this opportunity and though it would show our appreciation to Iker after 3 seasons and we fully agreed to release him to participate at his home race on a MotoGP bike.
As a Replacement rider for the Valencia race the team will have the 17 Years old American rider Sean Dylan Kelly to have his debut at the Moto2 world championship, Sean rode 3 years at the Red Bull rookie cup until 2018 and in 2019 season he finished 4th place at the Moto-American Super sport with Team Hammer, we thought it will be an amazing opportunity to let him try the Moto2 bike in a race weekend and at the same time have 2 American Riders.
This debut and Wild card to follow is a result of a corporation between the American Team and Team Hammer to work together when possible to create career opportunities for young American racers.”
Iker Lecuona:“To have this opportunity in my home Grand Prix is a proud moment for me. We must enjoy this beautiful experience, but above all learn as much as possible for the future. All this would not have been possible without the help and encouragement of Hervé Poncharal, as well as Eitan Butbul and the American Racing Team amazing Crew, they helped me to grow as a rider and as a person. I also want to wish the best possible recovery to Oliveira, who will be my team mate next season. I will give my best in Valencia as I always do”.
Sean Dylan Kelly, Team Hammer Rider:
“I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole career and I have a good idea of what I am getting into. I am just going to learn and enjoy the competition and do my best. I’m really grateful to Eitan with American Racing Team KTM for believing in me, for giving me this chance. Also, thanks to John and Chris Ulrich of Team Hammer for not just having me race on their team, but for also helping me along the path.”
Chris Ulrich, Team Hammer Vice President of Racing Operations:
“Team Hammer has a reputation for finding, developing, and winning with talented young American racers, then launching them on the next step in their professional careers. We have helped Sean understand how to ride a 600, use data, and set up a motorcycle during the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport season, his first on a 600 after competing on Moto3 bikes for three years in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. So we are happy that Sean’s performance while racing for our team has earned him an opportunity to ride as a fill-in Moto2 World Championship rider at Valencia in a little more than a week. This is just the first step for SDK, and we have agreed to explore potential future opportunities with American Racing Team owner Eitan Butbul. I’m proud to be a part of it and will be in Valencia to cheer SDK on!”
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