Progressive AFT - News - Rush gets things rolling in Daytona for Motorcycle-Superstore.com

Rush gets things rolling in Daytona for Motorcycle-Superstore.com

March 15, 2013

Courtesy of Geiger Media, on behalf of Motorcycle-Superstore.com:

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 15, 2013) - Mikey Rush got the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles season off to a strong start Thursday with a late-race pass on his Machete Energy Honda to take the Grand National Championship class victory and a piece of the Motorcycle-Superstore.com Bell Helmet bonus.

"I love Daytona," Rush said. "I won here in my rookie year back in 2007 and that was a great feeling and tonight is every bit as good. Both Jared Mees and Brad Baker were on their game but I was patient and worked my way to the front."

The night did require its fair share of patience after two red-flag stoppages in the first five laps with Rush lining up sixth on the final staggered start. The 25-year-old from Hollister, Calif., spent much of the middle section of the race picking his way through the crowd before making a pass for the lead on Lap 19 of 25 and holding on for the win.

"Brad made it extremely difficult for me tonight and I was lucky to make that pass late in the race and eventually stick it for the win," Rush said. "The feeling I have right now is incredible. I love competing against these guys."

Jason Isennock overcame a balky bike in the Pro Singles to finish second in the main event. Isennock's motorcycle didn't want to fire on the starting line in the main event, and it required some help from fellow competitor Mike Poe to get the motor going.

A 26-year-old from Owings Mill, Md., Isennock shook of the strange start and ran a strong race, finishing second to Kyle Johnson with Poe running third.

"Kyle ran a strong race from start to finish," Isennock said. "You can't take that away from him, but I'm glad to put the Superstore helmet up on the podium the first race out."

Action continues Friday night in Daytona.