First test at new NOLA facility led by championship hopeful Wyman NEW ORLEANS (June 29) — The most prolific rider in the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series, three-time winner Kyle Wyman, had nothing but rave reviews for the newly unveiled NOLA Motorsports Park race course following a two-day test earlier this week on his KLR Group/Spyke’s Harley-Davidson. Wyman’s best lap time around the 16-turn, 2.75-mile facility was clocked at 1:50.659, more than two seconds faster than the 1:52.512 turned in by Tyler O’Hara, who is clinging to a six-point lead in the championship standings. “We had a great two days at NOLA,” the 22-year-old Wyman said. “I always love the opportunity to go to a new track, especially when it’s new to everyone. It was built by the same people as Miller Motorsports Park, so I expected the track and facility to be just as nice, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. I congratulate the track owners and everyone involved in putting this place together. It’s a great test and an awesome track.” The 2012 AMA Pro Road Racing Series concludes at NOLA with the Triumph Big Kahuna New Orleans, which takes place from Oct. 5-7. As close as the racing has been this year between Wyman, O’Hara and Michael Barnes — the three riders who have earned victories in the popular class — the title could very well be decided in the Bayou State. “I can’t wait to get back here in October for the season finale,” Wyman said. “I think this will prove to be the perfect place to cap the year, hopefully with a championship. But right now I can’t think too much about that. I have to stay focused on the next race on the schedule so my sights are firmly set on Mid-Ohio and getting a third win in a row for the KLR Group. I can’t think of any better way to go into the XR Showdown then coming off of three straight wins, and I really want to make that statement. “The NOLA test was very positive on the performance front. We were able to test quite a few different setups and we found one that worked quite well. The technicians from Ohlins also were involved and they had some neat things they wanted us to try. Overall, it couldn’t have gone any better. “It was incredibly hot, over 100 degrees most of the time during the day, and once again my hours at Planet Fitness paid off as I was able to continue riding throughout both days. I think we got the most out of our time.” The next tour stop occurs July 13-15 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, with the Buckeye SuperBike Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire. More, from a press release issued by KTM: KTM/HMC Superbike Team has Successful Test Days at NOLA New Orleans, LA The KTM/HMC Superbike Racing Team had a successful week of testing at the AMA Official Test Days at NOLA Motorsports Park following the sixth round of the series that was held at Barber Motorsports Park last weekend. Team rider, Stefan Nebel, was the focus of the NOLA test session, after his teammate, Chris Fillmore, was injured over the weekend and unable to attend the test session. Nebel and his crew quickly set to work on the first day of testing to help him get adjusted to the new track. “We made quite a few adjustments on the first day and got my KTM RC8 R working great. I felt comfortable pretty quickly and by the end of the day was really enjoying my time on the track,” mentioned Nebel. On the second day the team focused on testing tires and electronics to work toward the set-up they will need for the final AMA Pro SuperBike round that will be held at NOLA at the end of the year. “This session was exactly what I needed to get comfortable riding in the US. I have not had many opportunities to test with the team without the stress of a race day so it was a welcome change to be able to just focus on my riding and bike set-up. I am more confident with my set-up and speed and I look forward to hopefully returning to this track for the final round at the end of the season,” stated Nebel.