SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (June 4, 2009) – Deeley Racing – powered by Harley-Davidson® dirt track star Don Taylor – made a strong second appearance on a mile track in AMA competition., Supported by both Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada and Clare’s Cycle, Don rode his XR750 motorcycle through two timed practice/qualifying sessions to twelfth position overall. He then put in a splendid effort in his qualifying heat race to score a third place and earn a direct transfer into the twenty-five-lap main event.

Mile flat track racing features speeds of up to 130 mph, and drafting the rider in front is a key part of success. It is a part of dirt track that is new to our five-time national champion, but he adapted quickly to this test of bravery and skill, and at the end of the grueling twenty-five-mile race, he placed tenth.

In a tightly knit group of riders who were constantly swapping positions, Don ran as high as fifth. After the race, Taylor commented, “I’m very happy right now. It was really close out there. It was tough and the draft has such a big effect, but it was fun. Last year, I missed out on the program by one qualifying position, so this is payback for me. I also need to thank Steve Beattie and Brian Olsen for this.” He continued, “Steve flew down with my suspension, put it on, dialed it in, and I had absolutely no complaints all day.”

Beattie is a former flat track racer sponsored by Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada and was instrumental in getting Deeley’s support for Taylor. He has also coached Don and helped him in the pits at a number of races, including the Daytona double header where Taylor scored two top-ten finishes back in March.

Brian Olsen used to tune for Steve Beattie and now is responsible for building the Harley-Davidson® XR750 dirt track motor in Taylor’s Deeley-supported racer. “Brian knows these motors like the back of his hand,” confirmed Taylor. “This bike was so strong right through the race, the motor just keeps pulling. Brian gave us a very fast, reliable motor and I really thank him for his work. I’m going to have to win one of these races for these guys. I also want to thank Randy and all the folks at Clare’s Cycle – they’ve been with me since day one. I couldn’t be doing this without their help and obviously Deeley’s, too”.

Don Taylor will have his next chance to win one for his team at the AMA Pro Racing Grand National Championship half-mile event to be held at Bulls Gap, Tennessee, and the half-mile event at Volunteer Speedway on June 20.

Taylor will also be out to keep his “number one” plate here in Canada, and will have a full slate of short-track and half-mile CMA events to contest between AMA rounds. He has won the CMA “number one” plate a record five times straight and has every intention of keeping the winning digit under the Deeley Racing tent. Taylor’s Canadian campaign begins this Saturday night, June 6, at Niagara Raceway in Welland, Ontario.

About Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada

Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Harley-Davidson® and Buell® motorcycles, Genuine Motor Parts and AccessoriesTM, and MotorClothes® apparel, which are provided through a national network of authorized Harley-Davidson and Buell Retailers. Office and distribution warehouse facilities are located in Richmond, British Columbia, and Concord, Ontario.

Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada Media Contact:

Alex Carroni – Public Relations Specialist – 905-482-4236; email: alexcarroni@deeley.com

 

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