Progressive AFT - News - Estenson Racing’s Jake Johnson and Kolby Carlile ready to kick off the 2018 at the Daytona TT

Estenson Racing’s Jake Johnson and Kolby Carlile ready to kick off the 2018 at the Daytona TT

March 14, 2018

On the eve of the American Flat Track season opener at the Daytona TT, the Estenson Racing squad looks to hit the ground running with some wins.

Leading the campaign in the AFT Twins class is the newest member of the squad -- Jake Johnson. The two-time Grand National Champion is eager to race his Teddy and Cory McDermitt tuned Yamaha FZ-07 for the first time tomorrow night at the Daytona International Speedway. Johnson is quite at home on a TT track and looks to end his win drought in Daytona Beach, where he last won on the Short Track outside of the Speedway nearly two years ago.

Similarly, Johnson’s teammate Kolby Carlile is ready to get back in action and defend his AFT Singles Championship on the Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F. The “Flying Tomato” has stepped his game in the offseason and feels better than ever going into 2018. Carlile also had a good showing at the inaugural Daytona TT and would love to improve last season’s podium finish with a win.

Jake Johnson – AFT Twins #5:

“It’s the normal deal; a little bit nervous, excited… I feel confident, though. I did well there last year and most of the TTs, but then again, it’s Daytona – there’s a lot of unknowns.

I’m looking at the big picture early, I want to make a run at that championship. So I’m going to go for the win, but also going to try and not break the motorcycle in half and come out of Daytona with some good points and not a goose egg. That’s the big thing, and that can happen pretty easy. Looking for a good solid finish tomorrow, but I want that win.”

Kolby Carlile – AFT Singles #1:

“I feel really good. My body’s a lot stronger than it’s been in years past, my training’s better and I’ve been riding the motorcycle more than I ever have. And the confidence that having the number-one plate brings, I think it is really going to add up to hopefully a repeat title.

I had a good start to the season last year at Daytona. I feel really good on the TT’s, so I’m looking forward to having an even better start to the season here tomorrow night.”