Texas-based privateer racer Heath Small will ride in place of injured Jake Holden on the Pirelli-backed Lion Racing Suzuki team during the AMA Superbike Championship event at Road Atlanta. Holden suffered two serious crashes at Virginia International Raceway, falling in turn one during the August 27 AMA Superbike race and then running into the back of Jason Pridmore at the kink in the front straightaway and crashing at 165 mph during the August 28 Superstock event. Holden broke bones in his right foot and left hand but will sit out mainly due to the concussion he suffered in the second crash. “I just don’t want to put him jeopardy,” said Lion Racing Suzuki team owner Carry Andrew, who added that Holden also hit his head in his August 27 crash. Holden flew to his home in Washington Tuesday, August 30. Andrew said putting Small on his bike fulfilled his obligations to his sponsors and gave Small a chance to showcase his talent. Small will ride in Superstock and Superbike at Road Atlanta. Small usually races Pirelli-shod Yamahas and has competed in all four AMA road race classes in 2005. Lion Racing Suzuki’s John Haner will continue to race for the team at Road Atlanta.