Veteran AMA Pro rider Tommy Hayden will replace injured Garrett Gerloff on the #8 Yamaha Extended Service (Y.E.S.) Graves Yamaha YZF-R6 in the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike season-opener, the Daytona 200, this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. According to a reliable source close to the situation, Hayden arrived in Daytona Beach, Florida, at about 7:30 p.m. local time, is currently signing a contract with Yamaha and will be on the Y.E.S. Graves Yamaha Friday morning for the first of two qualifying sessions before Saturday’s 200-mile race. Hayden spent the last five seasons racing for the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team and primarily competed in the AMA Pro Superbike class, but the Kentucky native was left without a ride in 2012 due to economic factors leading to fewer available rides in the AMA Pro paddock. Hayden rode for Yamaha during the 1999, 2000 and 2001 seasons, competing in both the 600cc Supersport and Superbike classes. More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.: Tommy Hayden To Ride Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha R6 In Daytona 200 Daytona, FL March 15, 2012 Veteran road racer Tommy Hayden will compete in the 2012 Daytona 200 aboard the Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha YZF-R6®, as a replacement rider for Garrett Gerloff, who suffered an unfortunate injury in the closing minutes of the first practice session for the Daytona SportBike class and the Daytona 200. Commenting on the rider substitution, Keith McCarty, Motorsports Racing Division Manager for Yamaha, said, “Our hearts go out to Garrett Gerloff, and we wish him a speedy recovery. As for Tommy, we’re very fortunate to be able to enlist a rider of his caliber for the Daytona 200, and as a teammate with Cameron Beaubier. Tommy formerly rode for us, so we know first-hand how capable he is. It’s an unfortunate set of circumstances, to be sure, but we’re pleased to be able to have Tommy race Garrett’s Number 8 Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha R6.” According to Tommy, “The last thing a rider wants to do is replace an injured rider. But, I rode for Yamaha a few years back, and they have always treated me like a special member of their family. I couldn’t be happier to be back!” Qualifying for the Daytona 200 begins Friday, March 16, at 1:10 PM, and the Daytona 200 will go green on Saturday, March 17, at 1:00 PM. About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States. Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.