Sent on behalf of GOMR
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.
(January 9, 2024) – GOMR (Grumpy
Old Men Racing) is
pleased to announce the signing
of reigning Progressive
American Flat Track
Rookie of the Year
Declan Bender to
compete in the 2024 Mission
SuperTwins championship aboard
an Indian FTR750.
Bender turned pro in 2023 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 ‘23 Daytona opener.
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.
Sarah Goad said, “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. 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.”
Bender said, “I am beyond
excited for the opportunity that
Russ Briggs and the Goads have
given me this year. 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.”