DAMIAN CUDLIN:

Damian Cudlin’s 2009 AMA season has been anything but lucky. Making his AMA debut in the Daytona Sportbike series this year, Cudlin made an impact at various rounds this season, featuring in multiple Superpole sessions and scoring a best finish of 5th at Road America. However his aspirations took a hit when he found himself on the sidelines at a number of races, after losing his ride twice in two different teams.

The young Aussie will be hoping for the ‘luck of the Irish’ this weekend however, as he’s been chosen to ride for the Celtic Racing Team in the AMA SBK final in New Jersey.

The Irish team has tasted success this season in the hands of Michael Laverty, who is forced to miss the Jersey round due to conflicting World Supersport commitments. The chance to fill in for Laverty is seen as a lifeline for Cudlin who’ll make his AMA SBK debut at the New Jersey Motorsports Park.

“I’m really grateful that I’ve got this opportunity to show what I’m made of and that I’m back on the racetrack.” Cudlin explained. “It’s been a tough season for me here in the states and I really needed a chance like this to get things back on track. Barry Gilsenan from Celtic has really thrown me a bone here and I want to make the most of it and get a strong result at Jersey.”

Cudlin was quick to recognize the person who had the biggest influence in Celtic’s latest replacement; series champion and fellow Aussie, Mat Mladin.

“I want to thank Mat for the support he’s given me over the years and the way he’s made this happen for me. Most people would think the most successful racer in AMA history would have enough on his plate in his final appearance on American soil at New Jersey. But not Mat. It shows what kind of bloke he really is and I really appreciate it. I know he won’t cut me any slack on the racetrack though” Cudlin smiled.

The final races of the AMA season will commence on the 5/6th September.