Bummer a huge blow to the series. Hoping the old man gets healthy! thanks for several awesome years!!
Total bummer for everyone, but yeah Mr. W needs to focus on his health it sounds like. Maybe someone can swoop in and keep a version of the team running? Hopefully Scholtz can find another ride and stay in the series. Might actually be a good thing for him at the end of the day.
Sad... Health Issues Lead To Dissolution Of Westby Racing Tulsa, OK – December 18, 2023 – Citing personal health issues, Tryg Westby, owner of Westby Racing, has made the difficult decision to dissolve the team, effective immediately. The announcement was made today by Westby himself. “This is one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make in my entire life,” Westby said. “I’ve been dealing with a lot of health issues over the past few years, and it’s been getting more and more difficult for me to get to the races. So, after a lot of careful thought, I’ve decided to conclude our long run as an AMA and MotoAmerica race team. “I started this team with my son Dane, and after he passed, we continued to run the team as an answer to ‘WWDD?,’ which is ‘What Would Dane Do?’ Well, the answer to that was to keep racing because we had unfinished business that we started with Dane. But, now, due to my health, it’s time to close this chapter of the Westby legacy. “I want to personally thank all the riders, crew members, staff members, sponsors, and team partners—especially Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.—who have worked with us over the years. We had a lot of success and good times together. I wish everyone well in their next endeavors, and I also want to thank MotoAmerica for allowing us to be part of their excellent road racing series.”
Damn, my favorite underdog crew to pull for these last few years. Those guys accomplished so much. Super bummed to see them go but such is life. Hopefully the reduced stress and demand allows Tryg to get healthy.
Bummer but I figured they’d be around another year and have a real sendoff. Tryg was looking a little worst for wear when I saw him at the track and I wondered how long he’d keep doing this. Always my favorite though, going back to when Dane was coming up through. Hope Matty and Chuck can find something else, and Tryg takes care of himself. Thanks for the memories, Westby.
Best wishes for Mr. Wesby. As with Paolo Simoncelli, I was amazed that he had the strength and motivation to continue in the sport after such a tragic loss. But then again, maybe it was an additional way to stay connected to their boys. Anyway, all of us fans benefited from the effort and commitment.
I think Westby racing was the class act in the whole paddock. Many years ago I stopped by to talk to Mr. Westby about Dane who I had the pleasure to ride with at Colin's boot camp. He gave me several minutes of his time in the middle of a hectic day to just reminisce. I thought I was helping him but turns out he was helping me. Like I said, class of the field and I wish him the best.
SBU Freddy said they are working to field a bike in 24. I would assume Mathew would be the rider if it happens as Freddy worked with Westby last season
I wonder what they will do about the super fans that paid,I believe $150 for pit privileges/lunch with the team next season?Maybe raffle off that sweet r1 thats a street bike they have in the pits? We got to have lunch with the team last season,and talk to them.My girlfriend us to see the team all the time in a grocery store in Canton,and they gave us the free hook up.Great team,and surely will be missed. I think his name is Otto? the truck driver for the team was a great guy,since we both got to talk shop about truck driving. Are there even any open seats left for Scholtz on a team?
That had to be an awfully tough decision to make. Sad to see them go, hope Mr W isn't suffering too much.
Makes me think back to the first time I saw Dane on track back in 2009 @ NJMP when he was riding the Gulf-inspired livery. *I know that's not him on the bike there, it was the only pic I could still find online of the livery
I still have the windscreen from that bike on a shelf at the shop after Dane threw it down the road at NJMP.
