ROGER HAYDEN SCORES A PAIR OF SUPERBIKE PODIUMS AT BARBER
Yoshimura Suzuki Riders Score Three Podium Results in Two Races
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing’s Roger Hayden and Jake Lewis came away with another solid weekend of results in the MotoAmerica Superbike weekend at the picturesque Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Hayden nailed down two podium finishes, taking home a second and a third from Barber on his factory Suzuki GSX-R1000. Rookie sensation Lewis scored his third-straight podium in race one and finished the weekend with a fourth in race two.
Those results, combined with a race one crash by series leader Cameron Beaubier, tightened up the MotoAmerica AMA Superbike standings after 10 races. Lewis and Hayden are still third and fourth respectively in the series, but they each shaved away the points gap to the series lead, in the amount of four points for Lewis and 11 for Hayden.
It was a quick start for Hayden, who qualified second in Superpole to start from the middle of the front row. He used the power and handling of his Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 to trip the scoring beam with a time of 1:26.054. Lewis qualified fifth in the combined Superbike/Superstock 1000 session with a 1:26.469.
Hayden was very pleased with his qualifying run at Barber.
“That session was the best I’ve felt on the bike all year in qualifying,” Hayden explained. “There were a few things I was struggling with that seemed to be a lot better. I really focused on doing multiple fast laps in a row, not really chasing an outright lap time in order to help get a strong race set-up.”
Meanwhile Lewis conceded that he’s still figuring out qualifying the Superbike with this being just the fifth track visited so far in 2015.
“Every track we go to it’s a new learning experience for me since I’m on the Superbike,” Lewis said. “Barber is a pretty technical track and sometimes I’m still getting the speed and handling of the bike sorted out for qualifying.”
In Barber race one it was setting up to be a great fight between Josh Hayes and Hayden in the closing laps, but a red flag on lap 16, due to fluid on the track, put an early end and ruined a possible last-lap battle. The end result was Hayden, who led portions of the race, lost by a mere 0.397-second margin to Hayes. It matched the best result of the season for Hayden and proved he has the speed to be a winner this season.
“I went into the chicane and lost the rear and then it hooked up and I almost high-sided and lost quite a bit of time to Josh there,” Hayden said. “It was pretty fun. I had a feeling when I heard him (Hayes) behind me that he was going to try to come by. When he did I tried not to make it easy on him. It was a pretty good race.”
In the second leg Hayden again was battling most of the race for the lead with Cameron Beaubier and Hayes, but in the last three laps lost touch when he made a mistake and ran wide in a couple of turns on the same lap. He talked about it.
“I was giving it all I had just to stay with those guys. With about three or four laps to go I got into turn five way too deep and ran wide. I tried to make it all up going into the museum corner and ran wide again and those guys got a big gap. I knew I wasn’t going to catch them and I didn’t see any point in trying to chuck it down the road trying to, so I just brought it home. I was pretty happy to run with those guys for the first 17 laps. The race pace was definitely a lot quicker than I thought it would be. We’re improving and I’m going to another track I like in Miller, so hopefully we can go at it again.”
Lewis ran strong at times in both races, actually leading early in race two. He ultimately finished third in Superbike in race one and fourth in race two.
“It was a good weekend overall,” Lewis commented. “I was pretty close to the front, just a few tenths here and there, so I’m getting closer. In race one I stayed close and was able to learn a little bit and in the second race I didn’t quite have the pace I needed and I couldn’t catch them, so I backed it down a bit to make sure I got good points. I’m looking forward to moving on to Miller. I’ve had some good luck there in the past and our Suzuki will go good there because it has a couple of fast straightaways.”
The Barber Motorsports Park races will be nationally televised on June 14th on CBS Sports Network at 3:00 pm Eastern.
The Yoshimura Suzuki squad returns to action on June 26-28 at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah. Check out www.motortrendondemand.com/live/ to watch the races live on June 28.
Barber Superbike Race 1 Results:
1. Josh Hayes (Yamaha)
2. Roger Hayden (Suzuki)
3. Jake Lewis (Suzuki)
4. Danny Eslick (Honda)
5. Chris Fillmore (KTM)
6. Chris Ulrich (Suzuki)
7. Elena Myers (Suzuki)
8. Bernat Martinez (Yamaha)
9. Mathew Orange (BMW)
Barber Superbike Race 2 Results:
1. Cameron Beaubier (Yamaha)
2. Josh Hayes (Yamaha)
3. Roger Hayden (Suzuki)
4. Jake Lewis (Suzuki)
5. Danny Eslick (Honda)
6. Chris Fillmore (KTM)
7. Chris Ulrich (Suzuki)
8. Elena Myers (Suzuki)
9. Bernat Martinez (Yamaha)
10. Mathew Orange (BMW)
2015 Superbike Championship Points:
1. Cameron Beaubier (Yamaha), 201
2. Josh Hayes (Yamaha), 195
3. Jake Lewis (Suzuki), 145
4. Roger Hayden (Suzuki), 137
5. Bernat Martinez (Yamaha), 99
6. Elena Myers (Suzuki), 87
7. Chris Ulrich (Suzuki), 73
8. Danny Eslick (Honda), 72
9. Chris Fillmore (KTM), 32
10. Stefano Mesa (Honda), 35
Team Yoshimura Suzuki is grateful for the support of their sponsors: Yoshimura R&D, Suzuki Motor of America, Motorex, Parts Unlimited, Dunlop, Shorai, Sunstar, K&N Performance Filters, NGK Spark Plugs, RK Racing Chain, Genmark Automation, Pilot, Chicken Hawk Racing and Zeta.
About Yoshimura R&D of America: Yoshimura is “The Leader in Performance” and has been for more than 55 years. With unmatched skills, knowledge, and passion for racing, Yoshimura is on the forefront of the aftermarket exhaust industry. Yoshimura pipes are race bred and feature the same legendary performance, fit and quality that has been their trademark for more than five decades. To learn more about Yoshimura and view their wide variety of performance products, visit www.yoshimura-rd.com.
About Suzuki: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Outboard Motors and Automotive Parts and Accessories via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. SMAI’s supplier, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles and Outboard Motors. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has 147 distributors in 201 countries. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
More, from a press release issued by Triumph Motorcycles (America):
FONG FINISHES ON THE PODIUM TWICE AT TRIUMPH SUPERBIKE CHALLENGE
ATLANTA (June 15, 2015) – Triumph factory rider Bobby Fong aboard the #50 Latus Motors Racing / Castrol / Triumph Daytona 675R produced a pair of third place finishes in Supersport action at Barber Motorsports Park during round five of the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing.
After ending up a close third during Saturday’s Supersport race, Fong battled oppressive temperatures during Sunday’s Supersport race. From second position on the grid, he got the holeshot and led the first nine laps of the 18-lap race. A three-way battle for the lead developed before Fong crossed the line in third place, 1.058 seconds behind first. The weekend’s success moves Fong up to seventh in the MotoAmerica Supersport point standings, despite having to sit out the Road Atlanta round due to a shoulder injury.
“It’s great to be back on the podium and reward the Latus Motors Racing / Castrol / Triumph team for all the hard work they put in every weekend,” said Bobby Fong. “Barber Motorsports Park is always an awesome track to race at, and I’ve got to thank all the fans that braved the heat to watch some exciting racing.”
Fong’s strong race weekend at the Triumph Superbike Challenge earned VETMotorsports a total bonus of $1,050 from Castrol’s VETMotorsports Performance Match Fund. The donation brings the season total earned for the organization to $3,100. The Latus Motors Racing team will continue to embed Sgt. Chad C. onto their team for the remainder of the MotoAmerica season to support VETMotorsports’ outreach program.
The Triumph Superbike Challenge will air on CBS Sports Network,, Sunday, June 21, at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Fong and the Latus Motors Racing / Castrol / Triumph team will be back in action June 26-28 at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah for round six of the MotoAmerica series.
About Triumph
Triumph Motorcycles is the British motorcycle marque that produces a wide range of sport, cruiser, adventure and touring motorcycles. From the storied Bonneville to the class-leading Speed Triple and Daytona 675R, Triumph offers a blend of design, character and performance that result in truly distinctive motorcycles. First established in 1902 and now located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England, Triumph has always set the pace for category-winning machines. The company is solely owned by Bloor Holdings Ltd., and Triumph Motorcycles America, its North American operations, are based in Atlanta. To see the full range of Triumph motorcycles, visit www.TriumphMotorcycles.com<http://www.TriumphMotorcycles.com>.
About Castrol
Castrol, one of the world’s leading lubricant brands, has a proud heritage of innovation and fuelling the dreams of pioneers. Their passion for performance, combined with a philosophy of working in partnership with manufacturers, has enabled Castrol to develop oils that have been at the heart of numerous technological feats on land, air, sea and space for over 100 years. Today, the company’s vast portfolio of high performance lubricants, including Castrol EDGE, Castrol GTX MAGNATEC, Castrol GTX and Castrol Power RS, are available in almost 140 countries worldwide. For more information on Castrol’s premium lubricants, please visit www.Castrol.com<http://www.Castrol.com>.
About VETMotorsports
Founded in 2012, Veteran Empowerment Through Motorsports (VETMotorsports) is an award-winning, non-clinical outreach program that embeds qualifying warfighters with existing race teams to provide them with unique motorsports experiences. By placing veterans in hands-on, high-stress, team environments that mimic active duty, the organization gives them direction, empowerment and challenges that help them focus on ability and moving forward rather than disability and the past. To date VETMotorsports has helped more than 65 injured warfighters participate in 35 motorcycle and auto racing events across the United States. To learn more about VETMotorsports, participate in the program, or make a donation, visit www.VETMotorsports.org<http://www.VETMotorsports.org>.
More, from a press release issued by Millennium Technologies/KWR:
KWR earns top-10 finishes under the Alabama sun
MACEDON, N.Y. (June 15) — The Millennium Technologies/KWR team earned top-10 finishes at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama this past weekend for the fifth round of the AMA/FIM MotoAmerica series. Kyle Wyman finished 11th/8th in the Supersport category while younger brother Travis earned 7th/5th results in Superstock 600, overcoming hot and humid conditions typical to the circuit.
Both Kyle and Travis faced mechanical gremlins during qualifying which took valuable time away to set a fast lap, ending up in 10th and 7th on their respective grids. The troubles bled over into Saturday as well for the first races of the weekend.
“Saturday’s race was going good, but after the start I must have slipped the clutch too much and fried it,” Kyle said. “From there I just rode the bike as hard as I could but without toasting it too much. I was surprised the clutch lasted the entire race the way it was slipping, but I’m glad it did and am happy to have finished 11th despite the issue.”
For Sunday’s race two, a new day brought a new bike setup and a fresh start for the Millennium Technologies team. Kyle improved to an 8th place result and lessened the gap to the leaders.
“After Saturday’s race we weren’t happy with the result,” Wyman added. “We threw a pretty wild bike setup at the Millennium Technologies Yamaha and found something that really worked well. Saturday we finished 69 seconds behind the leaders, and Sunday we were only 32 seconds behind the leaders. Although 8th isn’t where we want to be, we know we are now headed in the right direction for the rest of the season. I can’t wait to head to Miller Motorsports Park in a couple weeks.”
Travis, who has six podium finishes so far this season, failed to find the podium during the races at Barber, but hopes to return to form at Miller.
“Everyone needs to have a tough weekend every once in awhile,” Travis said. “Unfortunately we were just behind a little bit because of the issues in Friday qualifying, but despite the issues we still finished in the top-5 on Sunday and gained valuable points. I can’t wait to get to Utah.”
Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah will host round six of the AMA/FIM MotoAmerica Road Racing series June 26-28, 2015. Look for Kyle and Travis to return at Miller and for youngest brother Cody to return to action for round seven at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in July.
Stay up to date with KWR by visiting www.kylewymanracing.com
About Millennium Technologies:
Millennium Technologies is a premier supplier of high performance engine services and parts for many types of vehicles, notably in the powersports market. Starting in 1997 as a Nickel-Silicon-Carbide cylinder relating and servicing company, Millennium Technologies has branched out into complete service for cylinders, heads, crankshafts and top-ends and also supplies relevant parts such as pistons, gaskets, camshafts and more by working with OEMs, dealers, race teams and weekend mechanics. Millennium Technologies is also the parent company of its extended branches Revolution Performance, Xport CNC Services, Ballistic Performance Components and Forward Motion. For more information visit www.mt-llc.com
About Kyle Wyman Racing:
Kyle Wyman Racing (KWR) was formed in 2011 as a motorcycle road racing team focusing on healthy sponsorship opportunities for companies within and outside the motorcycle industry. KWR is the 2012 AMA Pro Harley-Davidson series championship winning team and current partner with Millennium Technologies family of companies. For more information visit www.kylewymanracing.com
More, from a press release issued by Tuned Racing:
Tuned Racing Riders Podium in MotoAmerica at Barber Motorsports Park
Tuned Racing is starting to realize their potential in MotoAmerica. With podium finishes from Jason Aguilar and Bryce Prince, the team is starting to show their ability to compete for the top spots that they expected earlier in the season. Bryce qualified on the front row, 2nd on the grid, with Jason right behind on the 2nd row in 5th position.
In the 600 Superstock Race 1, both riders got great starts with Bryce in 1st and Jason in 4th. Joe Roberts got by Bryce, but Bryce kept it close, with Jason staying in the lead pack in 4th. Halfway through the race, Bryce suddenly slowed and pulled off the track with an electrical problem that ended his race. Jason moved into 3rd and brought home Tuned Racing’s first MotoAmerica podium.
“I finally had a good weekend at Barber Motorsports Park for round 4 of the Superstock 600 Championship. We got the bike dialed right away, and were able to qualify 5th. In the first race I got a great start and was with the lead pack for about half the race. Then they slowly started gapping me as my tire went off, so I backed off the pace knowing I had a podium in the bag. I finished the race in third for my first podium of the season and by far my best pro result in a long time. We made some changes for Sunday to see if we could run at race pace on the tire for the entire race. But at the start, I got caught up in a first couple laps battle with a bunch of riders which allowed the leaders to get away. I slowly worked my way up to fourth and stayed there for the rest of the race. Great weekend for myself and the team! I can’t wait for the next round at Miller now. Big thanks to my amazing team and all my sponsors for all their help and support”, stated Jason.
Race 2 on Sunday presented new challenges as the track surface was more slippery than the previous day. Bryce nailed the holeshot again and led the first lap until Joe Roberts got by. Bryce re-passed for the lead and led the next 3 laps. Joe got by again, with Bryce earning his first MotoAmerica podium with a 2nd Place finish. Meanwhile, Jason did not get such a good start, and got caught up in a pack. It took half the race, but once he worked his way through the pack, he was in 4th. However, the lead group was too far ahead to catch. Jason finished a respectable 4th Place capping his most successful pro racing weekend.
“Overall it was a very up and down weekend for me at Barber. Thursday night we made a few changes to the setup of the bike, I wanted to try something different because I knew I needed to close the gap to the front after Road America. Come Friday, end the day P2 for a front row start. The bike wasn’t perfect, but we had gotten a setup that I felt comfortable to run up front. I was able to hold on to p2 for qualifying, which was my best starting position for the season. Going into race 1, I knew I needed to get a good start. I got the holeshot, and battled with Joe Roberts, putting a small gap on 3rd place. Coming into Charlottes’ web the bike died due to an unfortunate electrical malfunction. I was very disappointed, knowing I had a sure shot at a podium, even a possible chance for a win. We regrouped, and got the bike running for Sunday. In morning warm-up, I was able to finish in P1, going faster than I qualified. I knew we had something for race 2. Starting race 2, I got the holeshot again, and was able to battle Joe for the lead. I led 3 of the first 4 laps, but after I ran wide, Joe was able to get around me. He slowly started to gap me a few tenths here and there, and I made another mistake halfway through, which cost me the race. At that point I had a solid gap to 3rd place, so I decided to bring it home on the box. I was very pleased with the result on Sunday, and I feel that if I had been able to run the full race Saturday, I could have set up the bike a little better for Sunday’s race. I was able to drop more time and dip into the 1:28s, setting a new personal best for me at Barber. I’m excited heading to Miller, which is one of my favorite tracks!”, explained Bryce.
In Supersport, Corey Alexander continues to learn the Tuned Racing Yamaha R6. Corey finished 12th in Saturday’s race, and improved to 11th in Sunday’s race.
“This weekend was another tough weekend for us. I’ve always struggled personally as a rider at Barber and that didn’t change this year unfortunately. The bike worked well but we are still searching for a setup that works well with me. I’m also still adapting to the R6 and I still have some things to change with my riding style to really jive with the bike, though I do like the package Tuned Racing has given me. It’s just taking some time to get acquainted but I’m confident we will get it sorted and we’ll be contending with the top 5 guys where we should and need to be. Thanks to Mike Pond and the whole Tuned Racing team as well as my guys Tim and Brian for all of their hard work. Also, big thanks,” stated Corey.
Team Owner/Manager Mike Pond added, “Wow! What a great weekend. I am really proud of all of my riders. They have all been working really hard and have made great strides in the right direction. Congrats to Bryce Prince and Jason Aguilar on their podium finishes. I also am very thankful and to have such good friends that I also call teammates. These guys donate their time to make our team great! I really think this is the turning point for our year. Stay Tuned for more!”
Tuned Racing thanks all of its sponsors:
Tuned Industries, Dunlop Motorcycle Road Racing Tires USA, EFSigns.com, PSR-USA, SBKPaint.com, Galfer Brakes, Arai, Dynojet, Big Gun Exhaust, SuperLite Sprockets, EK 3D Chains, SpeedAngle, FT ECU, Shorai Batteries, Torco Advanced Lubricants, Optimal Racing Bodywork, Fly Street, OFD Racing, Scott’s Plumbing, Lets Ride Trackdays, Motoyard.com, ACT Racing, and Solarmax Technology.
Corey Alexander thanks his personal sponsors:
MJRS Freeman Racing, Spidi Leathers, XPD Boots, Arai Helmets, Boxed Water Is Better, RideHVMC, Defy All Odds Apparel, Lapizta Watches, Ammo NYC, and Saddlemen Seats.
Jason Aguilar thanks his personal sponsors:
RS Taichi, Moto-Liberty, Scorpion USA, Sidi, and Impact Safe-T Armor.