Progressive AFT - News - Estenson Racing’s Jake Johnson and Kolby Carlile Going Old School on XRs at X Games

Estenson Racing’s Jake Johnson and Kolby Carlile Going Old School on XRs at X Games

July 19, 2018

Posted on behalf of Estenson Racing

PHOENIX, Ariz. (July 19, 2018) – Estenson Racing went through its flat track arsenal and will be breaking out its XR750s to come out swinging at the X Games Minneapolis. Riders Jake Johnson and Kolby Carlile are going for the Gold at the fourth edition of the Harley-Davidson Flat Track race held this year inside the U.S Bank Stadium on Sunday, July 22, at 11:30 a.m. CT.

No stranger to flat track racing at the X Games, Jake Johnson has a pair of top-five finishes to his credit. But this year’s race is shaking things up with a different format and a shorter track, giving the veteran only one prediction: expect the unexpected. Johnson is happy to return on a trusty old weapon – the famed XR – and hopes that will prove to be the X-factor at this year’s X Games.

On the flip side, Johnson’s teammate Kolby Carlile is new to the game. It will be the 2017 American Flat Track AFT Singles Champion’s big debut in the X Games, as well as his first foray on an XR. Carlile is not only excited to be a part of what is considered extreme sports’ biggest stage, but is also looking forward to having his first go on the XR750, a bike that he may not have had an opportunity to race now that it’s been relegated to more of a museum piece than the mainstay it used to be in the sport.

Jake Johnson – #5:

“The cool thing about X Games is there’s a lot on the line, there’s a lot to be gained, but really nothing to be lost. There are no points. It’s just a one-off deal. There’s a gold medal on the line and it’s a prestigious race, but there’s nothing to lose so it’s kind of one of those races where you just go for it and if it works out, great. If it doesn’t, oh well. You tried.

“It’s going to be a tough one, though. It’s obviously a way different event than what we’re used to; really fast-paced, pretty unique tracks. This year it’s going to be really small. So I’m looking forward to getting back on the ol’ XR. I think it will suit the track.”

Kolby Carlile – #36:

“I’ve watched X Games since I was a kid, so for me to finally be an official X Games athlete is super-exciting. I’m the rookie in the class and I’m going to give it the best shot I’ve got. It’s going to be a great learning experience on the Twin.

“This will be my first time on an XR, and I’m super-excited to be racing it at the X Games. It has always been a dream of mine to be able to say that I have a raced a really good XR and there aren’t going to be many more times to ride these things so I am glad I can do it now.”