DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 12, 2014) – In order to preserve and honor the spirit and positive attitude of the late Tommy Aquino, AMA Pro Racing announced today that a “Tommy Aquino Spirit Award” will be granted to an AMA Pro Road Racing rider who best embodies the spirit of the paddock during the 2014 season. The paddock will vote for the rider who exemplifies qualities mirroring those of Tommy including passion for the sport, fan engagement and team interaction. The award will be presented on behalf of Cortech and SHOEI at the conclusion of the 2014 AMA Pro Road Racing season.
“Over the past eight years we have had the pleasure of working with Tommy Aquino, but he was much more than just another SHOEI athlete,” said Hiro Mizushima, President of SHOEI Safety Helmet Corp. “His personality really shined through his radiant smile, and everyone appreciated his presence. Always easy to work with, Tommy earned a place within the SHOEI family as one of us, someone we would do anything we possibly could to help out. Losing someone like Tommy is like losing one of our family members, he will truly be missed.”
“Cortech and Helmet House are honored to present this award,” said Richard Kimes, CMO and Director of Training for Cortech and Helmet House. “Tommy was like family to us and we’re proud to help carry on his legacy.”
“I want to thank both Cortech and SHOEI for their gracious gesture in the name and spirit of Tommy Aquino,” said David McGrath, Senior Director of Competition, AMA Pro Racing. “Tommy brought youth, levity and an uplifting spirit to our community. His good nature and infectious smile are fondly remembered by all. He is and will be sorely missed.”
Aquino raced in AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike from 2009-2012, finishing inside the top five on 30 occasions and acquiring nine total podiums. Aquino’s biggest on-track moment in AMA Pro Racing competition came in 2011 at New Jersey Motorsports Park where he recorded a Race 1 victory on the back of his No. 6 Yamaha Extended Service Yamaha YZF-R6.
