Geoff May To Fill In For Fallen Rider Dane Westby
Cycle News Staff | April 6, 2015
Geoff May (left) and Yamalube/Westby Racing team manager Chuck Giachetto.
Former World Superbike and AMA Superbike rider Geoff May will campaign the number 00 Yamaha YZF-R1 of the late Dane Westby at round one of the MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Championship this weekend at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.
After a heartbreaking couple of weeks in which Westby lost his life in a road accident, team manager and Westby’s father, Tryg, announced the Yamalube/Westby Racing team would continue to compete in year’s championship as a tribute to a young rider who was set to have the biggest year yet in his short career.
“We brought Dane to the top, so why not give another guy the same chance?” said Tryg Westby. “When in doubt, I ask myself, ‘WWDD? What Would Dane Do?’ Dane would push on, and finish strong. That’s what we’re going to do this weekend at COTA.”
The decision to race comes with solid support from Yamalube, with the company’s Trevor Kemp commenting that, “This was Tryg Westby’s decision to have the team race at COTA, to honor his dear son Dane, and to help everyone heal from this terrible tragedy. I admire Tryg greatly for making this decision.”
For May, the chance to race at COTA comes off the back of a strong third place at the Daytona 200. May’s effort was indeed a grassroots one, with his Project Mayday Yamaha YZF-R6 funded by fans via the GoFundMe.com website.
“First and foremost, my thoughts go out to the Westby family and the team,” May said in a statement. “I am humbled and honored to help carry the Yamalube/Westby Racing flag. During my racing career, I’ve had the privilege of watching Dane rise through the ranks in the AMA paddock. I am positive that he was on the verge of having a huge year. I hope to honor him with my results and to possibly bring some peace to Tryg, the Westby family and Yamalube/Westby Racing.”
