Progressive AFT - News - Coolbeth Racing for Fourth Grand National Title in 2009

Coolbeth Racing for Fourth Grand National Title in 2009

May 15, 2009

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (May 14, 2009) - Championships in AMA Pro Grand National Flat Track motorcycle racing historically run in streaks, and in 2009 it will be Screamin' Eagle® Harley-Davidson® factory rider Kenny Coolbeth racing to join an elite list of racers with four consecutive Grand National titles. Coolbeth has won the championship each season since joining the Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson team in 2006. If he earns it again in 2009, Coolbeth would join Carroll Resweber (1958-61), Scott Parker (1994-1998) and Chris Carr (2001-2005) as the only riders to win four or more consecutive AMA Pro Grand National championships.

"To win just one championship in this series is a real challenge," said Coolbeth. "Winning a fourth in a row is going to test our experience, our teamwork and the skills of the rider and of the technicians who prepare the Harley-Davidson XR750 race bike. When it all clicks, we are running up front."

Coolbeth counts among his toughest challengers the Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew, the three riders for independent, dealer-owned teams that are supported by Harley-Davidson. For 2009, the Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew will include:

Moroney's Harley-Davidson/Screamin' Eagle with rider Bryan Smith, who won at Beulah Park in 2008 and finished second in the final points standings.

Latus Harley-Davidson/Screamin' Eagle with rider Joe Kopp, the 2000 AMA Pro Grand National Champion who won six races in 2008 and finished fourth in the final points standings.

Blue Springs Harley-Davidson/Screamin' Eagle with rider Jared Mees, a two-time runner-up for the Grand National title who placed ninth in the series standings in 2008.

In 2008, Coolbeth won six of 13 races on the AMA Pro Grand National Twins series, and finished on the podium at four other events. Coolbeth is supported at the races by Craig Lager, mechanic, and Brad Bishop, engineer.

"There are a handful of racers at every Grand National Twins event that can win it," said Coolbeth. "The Screamin' Eagle team shows up expecting to win every race, but when the competition is this tough, you can't relax until you are driving home."

The nine-race 2009 AMA Pro Grand National Twins series kicks off on May 24 at the historic Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fair Grounds in Springfield, Ill.

Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle racing. Screamin' Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use applications, while Screamin' Eagle parts offer street-use performance options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit www.harley-davidson.com for more information.

The Screamin' Eagle Flat Track team is sponsored by Matco Tools.