Press Release | August 13, 2024
Vision Wheel M4 Ecstar Suzuki rider Richie Escalante (54) has been medically cleared and plans his return to MotoAmerica Superbike competition and plans to race Mid-Ohio, August 16-18.
This is a press release from Suzuki…
Brea, CA – (August 13, 2024) – Vision Wheel M4 Ecstar Suzuki rider Richie Escalante (54) has been medically cleared and plans his return to MotoAmerica Superbike competition. Escalante will race at the MotoAmerica PermCo Superbikes round, August 16-18 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH.
The popular 2020 MotoAmerica Supersport champion, Escalante remains the first athlete from Mexico to earn a MotoAmerica championship. With consistent results in his second Superbike season, Escalante placed fourth overall in the 2023 Superbike championship with 11 top-five results.
For 2024, Escalante raced a next-generation Suzuki GSX-R750 in the Daytona 200 as part of Team Hammer’s effort, spending most of the 200 pressuring the eventual winner for the lead. Escalante also set the track record in qualifying for the legendary 200-miler. With the Superbike season’s inaugural race at Road Atlanta in April, Escalante was involved in a post-race incident with another rider, after earning a top-ten result in Superbike Race 1.
“Last week, my doctors cleared me to race. It’s been a long four months of recuperation, but I’m finally able to compete again and enjoy my sport. See you all in Ohio!” offered Escalante, “I’d also like to thank my sponsors, supporters, and fans who reached out to me during my time away,” added Escalante.
“We are excited Richie has recovered from his incident at Road Atlanta, and look forward to seeing him back on track at Mid-Ohio,” said Chris Ulrich, Vice President of Operations at Team Hammer.
“Suzuki is pleased to see Richie healthy and returning to MotoAmerica Superbike racing on the GSX-R1000R. He has trained well to return, and we anticipate he’ll regain his racing form at Mid-Ohio and beyond,” said Chris Wheeler, Suzuki Motorsports Manager.
Suzuki congratulates Escalante on his return to the Vision Wheel M4 Ecstar Suzuki racing effort and looks forward to his racing for the remainder of the 2024 MotoAmerica season. Suzuki also wants to thank Xavi Forés for his contributions to the Suzuki roadracing effort during Richie Escalante’s rehabilitation, and for his Superbike podium result at Ridge Motorsports Park.
For Suzuki road racing news, results, and team updates, visit suzukicycles.com/racing/road-racing. For more information and updates on Team Hammer, visit teamhammer.com.
