Jay "APE Jay" Eshbach - 1944 - 2024
- Jacob Green
- Apr 15, 2024
- 3 min read
The acronym "A.P.E." will ring a bell with anyone who has been a part of Motorcycle Drag Racing in any way, shape, or form in the past 50 years. On Saturday, April 13, 2024, Jay Eshbach suddenly passed away, leaving behind a legacy that began in 1974 from his very own garage in Torrance, California. Jay pushed his business to an unfathomable success, and it is no doubt that Motorcycle Drag Racing would not be what it is today without the hard work and efforts of Jay, his wife Dianne, or his team.
From the small things like cylinder head stud nuts, all the way to complete crankshafts - for the legendary KZ and GS platforms or the dominant Hayabusa, APE offers it all to those who are on the hunt for speed. The business at APE is far from over, as Jay's son Ben Eshbach and Dianne are now at the helm of the legacy that he leaves behind.
Social media flooded with heartfelt messages to Jay, his wife, family and closest friends.
"This was not news I wanted to be first with. I was waiting for the family to post about this sad news before I shared it, but the cat is out of the bag. Jay Eshbach was such a great man in our sport, and really a great man in every aspect. The most positive thing I can think of right now is that Dianne and APE aren't alone. Everyone in the #motorcycledragracing community is so relieved that Ben Eshbach is there both personally and professionally to help Dianne steer this course. The community is heartbroken but loves you both."
-Tim Hailey, eatmyink.com
"In what has become a truly sad year for motorcycle sport, we were very sad to hear that a true icon of our the motorcycle industry, Jay Eshbach has passed. The company he founded with his longstanding wife Dianne blazed a trail through the motorcycle drag racing evolution, pioneering and devising new and innovative products to make our machines quicker, faster and more able to produce and handle the higher HP we all sought. On a personal basis I have had the pleasure of dining with Dianne and Jay on a number of occasions, including with my family on his visits to Santa Pod, he was a great supporter and sponsor of King Racing and a well respected and valuable partner to Puma Engineering. Godspeed Jay, my thoughts are with Dianne, Ben and Candice."
-Ian King
"I recieved some news yesterday that sent a shock through me. We lost a true LEGEND of our sport and a great person and friend of mine. Jay Eshbach was a young man at heart and will always cherish the friendship we had. As I said last nite I dedicated my wins to APE for Jay. Both bikes have all "the good stuff" as I call it from APE especially the billet strokers! I know one day I will see you again and we can talk! Till then I will continue to fly your brand you dedicated your life to!
Please keep the Eshbach family in your prayers especially Mrs Dianne.
Love you Jay! Thank you for everything you done for motorcycle drag racing!
On the phone with Jay's daughter last nite I told her I was about to run the final with Jay's crank. I told her if I win I am sending the trophy to them for Jay. She said I know you will win. When the win light came on tears filled my eyes and I am 100% sure Jay was smiling!
Trophy is on the way!"
-Dustin Lee, Hard Times Parts & Service
Wes Brown, Sonny Vick, Dustin Lee, Tamara Lee, Corey Lee & Ayden Lee celebrate in the Winner's Circle with APE billet crankshaft-equipped Suzuki Hayabusa drag bikes "2-tone and Ol' Reliable" at Brainerd Motorsports Park (Ringgold, GA) following a double-up victory in Dave's Auto Body Top Gas and MPS Pro ET. - Schnitz Racing SDBA Voodoo Season Opener 4/13/24
"Jay Eshbach and his lovely wife Dianne have been friends of Karen and I for over 35yrs. They were one of the first to help us when we first started racing. This is a very sad time for us and so many more.
Our Hearts and Prayers go out to Dianne and family. RIP my friend!"
-Gary Stoffer
Godspeed, Jay, and thank you for making our old aluminum fly!
Please keep the Eshbach family in your thoughts and prayers at this time. Information regarding arrangements will be given by Jay's immediate family in due time.
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