1st Impressions
The 1st Impressions Racing squad is ready to go for the upcoming American Flat Track season. (1IR photo)
American Flat Track

Cose, Ott Join 1st Impressions Racing For AFT Season

January 11, 2023

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — 1st Impressions Racing will field Chad Cose and James Ott on Husqvarna FC 450 motorcycles in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER class for the upcoming Progressive American Flat Track season.

The team has also signed two-time Mission Production Twins champion Cory Texter to oversee the revamped program as team manager.

“It’s going to be a learning year, but I am confident in both Chad and James as the riders. I am excited to start working with them this offseason. With their talents, the sky’s the limit,” Texter said. 

Paul Ott will serve as crew chief and Ashley Kruppenbacker as lead mechanic.

“Next year is going to be awesome with the changes Eric is bringing to the team. Switching to the FC 450 and bringing in a second rider in James Ott alongside our current rider Chad Cose is going to make our team a contender next year,” Kruppenbacker said. “I am excited to spin the wrenches.” 

Cose is a veteran rider who has been winning races at the professional level for the entirety of his career, most recently as a member of 1st Impressions Racing in last year’s Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event at the Cedar Lake Short Track. Cose, who finished as the Mission Production Twins runner-up to Texter in 2021, is motivated to be a consistent force at the front of the field in 2023.

“Being able to get the team a win shows we have the potential to run up front,” Cose said. “It’s going to be a grind, but we will be ready to go.”

James Ott enters his first season on the team with considerable experience riding Austrian-based motorcycles. He concluded last season ranked inside the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles championship top 10 on the strength of a pair of top-five finishes.

“In the past, my dad and I have always pieced together what we could on a limited budget. Being on a team like 1st Impressions is an amazing opportunity. They are committed to winning,” Ott said. “It’ll be cool having a teammate in Chad this year and someone like Cory to get involved with his knowledge and experience as well. I am ready to get the season started.”