New Englander Nathan Bettencourt will be joined by a new teammate when he and his Bettencourt Racing Powered By AK Race Fab team compete this weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
While Nathan races at NJMP in the Parts Unlimited Talent Cup By Motul, Matthew Paternoster will compete for Bettencourt Racing Powered By AK Race Fab in the SC-Project Twins Cup Championship aboard an Aprilia RS 660 sponsored by Sticker Mule.
Paternoster, from Delanson, New York, near Schenectady, is completing his first season as an expert-level rider, and his MotoAmerica debut at NJMP is the realization of a personal goal. “Matt’s been grinding all year, working hard on his program, and he earned this shot,” commented Adam Kells, crew chief and owner of AK Race Fab. “We’re proud to have him under the AKRF tent, and we are excited to see him on track.”
After a season of steady progression and multiple top-10 finishes in Talent Cup, including a top-five result two weeks ago at Circuit of The Americas, 15-year-old Nathan Bettencourt, from Medford, Massachusetts, will once again pilot his Krämer APX-350 MA, while looking to capitalize on his familiarity with NJMP’s Thunderbolt Raceway layout. “We’ve seen Nathan’s confidence grow round by round,” Kells said “He knows this track and, with the hard work put in by him and the team, he’s ready to cash in at this round.”
Joining the team as co-crew chief this weekend is Charles “Jesse” Sandoz of Wonalancet, New Hampshire. Sandoz is the co-owner of Seacoast Sport Cycle in Derry, New Hampshire. He is an Aprilia and Ducati Master Technician, as well as a multi-class club champion with more 30 years of trackside technical experience. “It’s an honor to have Jesse under our tent this weekend to help keep Matt and his Aprilia in contention,” said Kells. “His knowledge, technical abilities, and drive have made him an incredible employer, mentor, and more importantly, friend, over the years.”
Bettencourt Racing Powered By AK Race Fab is proud to represent a growing roster of regional sponsors and supporters. Fans can follow the team’s progress on Instagram via @akracefab, @nathanbettencourtracing, @seacoastsportcycle, and @stickermule
