| Author | Message | ||
     Jamesgangracing |
As many of you know, Mike Kirkpatrick (aka Coolice) is the newest employee at Erik Buell Racing and will be working on their AMA Pro Superbike team in 2012. For the past 7 years, he has been my crew chief, mechanic and coach, not to mention a great friend. We met at a track day at Road America where we were the first two guys with Firebolt XB9Rs. After a day of hanging out together, he offered to help with my race effort. Now anyone who knows me, knows I'm not much of a mechanic. And that's being generous. Mike brought my race equipment and preparation to the next level, which allowed me to focus on my riding and together we achieved more than I'd ever dreamed. We won 49 expert races, 7 CCS regional championships, 2 Blackhawk Farms class championships, the ASRA Team Challenge GTL National Championship, and we even took an AMA Pro race win(!), plus two more AMA podiums and 16th in 69th running of the Daytona 200, all on Buell XBs and 1125Rs. Now the time has come for Mike to take his dreams to the next level, and I'm so proud of him and happy for him. His big heart, determination, skill and amazing work ethic will serve the EBR race team well. And he'll do it all with a smile on his face because he is truly living his dream. Good luck my friend. I can never thank you or repay you enough for what you have given me. We all look forward to seeing you at the track and hearing all about your new adventures in the months to come... Paul James James Gang/Hoban Brothers Racing AMA Pro # 70  (Message edited by jamesgangracing on January 15, 2012) (Message edited by jamesgangracing on January 15, 2012) | ||
| Rocketsprink |
well said Paul. | ||
| Lemonchili_x1 |
That is sooooooo cool, awesome news! Congratulations Mike!  | ||
| Court |
The entire James Gang Racing Team has, in my eye, epitomized the very meaning of absolute total professionalism and class in the racing community. This is a total win-win-win across the board victory . . or should I say triumph . . er, no . . wait . .how about "huge accomplishment" for a lot of people. It's great to have Mike aboard at EBR and this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting racing seasons in the history of Buell Racing. Court | ||
| Davegess |
Court +++ | ||
| Jimidan |
That was a great heartwarming success story, Mr. James. Good luck to you in the future. Congratulations to Coolice and I know that we will all be pulling for you and the EBR teams. How can we best support them? By purchasing tickets and actually GOING to the AMA races. I know from past experience that many if not most Buell owners never go to AMA, CCS or ASRA races (I guess that is the HD gene in them). But if you are tuned into this "Buell Racing and more", you may at least consider it, right? If you have never been to these races, I think that you will be pleasantly surprised how fun and exciting they are. Plus, they are very reasonably priced considering that most of the venues offer on-site camping. They are, hands down, the best spectator sporting event that you can watch. They make NASCAR look like a parking lot at Walmart. I plan to attend all of the AMA races in the eastern half of this great nation of ours. Mr. Eric Buell's best days and bikes are ahead of him, so come along for the ride. (Message edited by Jimidan on January 16, 2012) | ||
| Tony216 |
Congrats Coolice!!! | ||
| M2typhoon |
I think Eric should give special passes to meet with Geoff and Danny if you pull in to race on a Buell.. but that's just me.  | ||
| Tony216 |
Erik Buell looks swapped at the track with fans. I have to say, Buell racers are about the most helpful group I have ever come across. | ||
| Xb1125r |
if you come to the races, Geoff and Danny from past experience have always welcomed their fans. that part of why I like this guys, very down to earth fellows. they keep it Real | ||
| Manxboy |
Very well said indeed Paul. EBR has hired a first class guy in Mike, his enthusiasm and attention to detail is second to none. Having had the pleasure at Daytona last March, of having Mike and the James Gang racing pit crew doing my pit stops during the 200, I can safely say Mike is THE man for the job! Thanks Paul for "sharing" your first class pit crew, hope we can do it again. Best of luck to Mike and EBR in 2012, it's going to be a great year. Pat Mooney. | ||
| Charlies_s1 |
Went to last years Laguna Seca race and I can say it was a blast, The people the bikes it's all there! I can say for sure that we are also going this year too, Great times in Monterey also. The only thing better than watching a Buell race is watching two Buells race, Thanks Erik. Go EBR.  | ||
| Reepicheep |
Definately go to the tracks... walking the pits, seeing the bikes and racers up close, seeing how stinking fast those guys are really riding... tv is a poor substitute. (Message edited by reepicheep on January 16, 2012) | ||
| Firstbuell |
Jimidan says to attend the AMA Pro races right you are, Sir! | ||
| Slaughter |
Or 3 - watch for the Crotchrocket.TV Shawn Higbee privateer effort | ||
| Daves |
I have known Mike for a long time now. He will be a great addition to the EBR team. |
