DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — GOMR (Grumpy Old Men Racing) has signed of reigning Progressive American Flat Track rookie of the year Declan Bender to compete in this year’s Mission SuperTwins championship aboard an Indian FTR750.
Bender turned pro last year on the heels of a stellar amateur career that saw him earn 10 AMA Flat Track Grand Championships and more than 60 race victories among a host of other achievements. He then proved himself a frontrunner from the very start of his maiden Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER season, qualifying seventh at the Daytona opener in 2023.
Bender continued to improve as he gained experience throughout the season. The Cooksville, Illinois, native ended the year in outstanding form, securing a sixth and two sevenths over the season’s final four Main Events, which propelled him to rookie of the year honors.
GOMR will once again enjoy significant support from BriggsAuto.com as the team’s biggest sponsor with additional backing from Martin Trucking and Precision Body Works. Johnny and Sarah Goad will continue to helm the GOMR operation with Johnny serving as Crew Chief and Sarah in the role of Team Manager. Tom Draina and Buddy Pulliam are back to assist in turning the wrenches, while Miriam Pulliam and Dick Tibbits will provide additional support.
“Family has always been an important aspect of our racing program and that tradition continues with our children and grandchildren (Caylee, Raylynn, Raye and Clara) present to lend a hand or just root us on,” Sarah Goad said. “I also think this makes Declan a great fit, as he and his father, Mike, have accomplished so much working as a rider/dad team throughout Declan’s career.
“Declan is an exciting young rider. He has a huge future in the sport, and we believe he’ll be a contender for Mission SuperTwins Rookie of the Year honors in 2024.
“I also want to thank Russ and Ilene Briggs of BriggsAuto.com, CD Martin of Martin Trucking, and Buddy and Miriam Pulliam of Precision Body Works. It’s only through their support that we are able to continue competing in this sport we love.”
“I am beyond excited for the opportunity that Russ Briggs and the Goads have given me this year,” Bender said. “Their deep roots and knowledge in the sport are all I could ask for and more. I am ready to give it everything I’ve got this season and look forward to building on the success that I ended with in ‘23.”