Aquino Takes First Win, Eslick Takes Second Championship

Tommy Aquino found the top of the box for the first time this season today at New Jersey Motorsports Park. The Yamaha rider came out on top after a fierce battle with Josh Herrin, Dane Westby, and Cameron Beaubier. Danny Eslick ended the day in 6th, but took home enough points to claim the 2011 Daytona Sportbike Championship.

When Aquino stepped up onto the podium, he was nearly in tears. And apparently, he had been near the tipping point since the last lap.

"This is just the greatest feeling," Aquino said. "I swear I almost broke down and started crying on that last lap."

Aquino was lining up Westby for a pass, but the M4 Suzuki rider got caught up with a lapper and gave the lead over to Aquino.

"I just had to put in one flawless lap," Aquino said. "I'm a professional race, that shouldn't be hard. But it was."

Eslick, who won the Daytona Sportbike Championship in 2010, clinched his second consecutive title today with a 6th place finish.

"Tomorrow's a victory lap," Eslick said. "I'm going to be sliding, popping wheelies. This is awesome."

Daytona Sportbike Race 1 Results - NJMP

Tommy Aquino
Josh Herrin
Cameron Beaubier
Cory West
Taylor Knapp
Danny Eslick
Jason DiSalvo
PJ Jacobsen
Tyler OHara
Santiago Villa