The following is from Suzuki…
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC, in partnership with Team Hammer, Inc. is pleased to announce the return of Sean Dylan Kelly to the team for the 2025 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing season. Kelly will compete in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship aboard the Suzuki GSX-R1000R, aiming to add another title to his impressive racing résumé.
Kelly, known as “SDK”, last raced for Team Hammer in 2021, where he dominated the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship, securing 12 wins and 17 podiums in 18 races. His performance that season propelled him to the Moto2 World Championship, where he competed internationally from 2022 through 2023.
After returning to the United States in 2024, Kelly made an immediate impact in MotoAmerica Superbike, finishing his rookie season fourth overall in the championship standings. His debut year was highlighted by seven podium finishes, including his first career Superbike victory at Circuit of The Americas (COTA).
Now, the 22-year-old Florida native looks to build on that success as he reunites with Team Hammer to challenge for the 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.
“I’m back with Team Hammer, where I have some of my absolute best racing memories,” said Kelly. “It feels good to be coming back to the team to give it a shot in Superbike. I am excited to see what the Suzuki GSX-R1000R is like now that I have two Moto2 seasons and a year of Superbike under my belt. Clearly the objective is to do the best we can and eventually that means to win races as we put it all together.”
Kelly will team up with Richie Escalante, a familiar rival from his Supersport days. The two previously battled at the top of the class in 2020 and 2021, combining for 33 wins in 36 races while claiming respective championship and runner-up honors. Their renewed partnership promises to bring added strength and depth to Team Hammer’s MotoAmerica Superbike effort.
“We’re getting the band back together,” said Chris Ulrich, Vice President of Operations for Team Hammer. “We had an opportunity to reunite with SDK, and we think we can make a serious run at the championship. We know his work ethic and his skill, and we are looking forward to making something happen. We have good equipment and two competitive Superbike riders in Sean and Richie Escalante. We think it is a good combo.”
“We’re excited to welcome Sean Dylan Kelly back to the Suzuki family,” said Chris Wheeler, Suzuki’s Motorsports Manager. “He’s a proven champion with an incredible work ethic and a deep understanding of what it takes to win. His return to Team Hammer aboard the Suzuki GSX-R1000R strengthens our Superbike program, and we’re eager to see him battle at the front this season. We believe his experience on the world stage and his success in MotoAmerica will make for an exciting year.”
