Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

What’s That Popping That I Hear?

When most Superbikes or Formula Xtreme machines shift up gears a pop can be heard. Generally, this can be attributed to the ignition cut-out of the electric shifter cutting spark, unburned fuel being run through the engine, then ignited when the spark returns on the other side of the shift. But Tommy Hayden’s Supersport ZX-6R pops when he upshifts and an ignition cut-out is illegal for the AMA Supersport class.

“I pre-load the shifter when I accelerate,” said the oldest Hayden brother. “When it hits the rev-limiter, it automatically shifts up a gear.” And pops.


Hacking Still Sore

Team Blimpie Yoshimura Suzuki’s Jamie Hacking says he is still sore from his crash in the AMA Superbike race at Laguna Seca July 13. “It was a pretty big tumble,” said Hacking Friday morning on VIR’s pit lane. “I’m still real sore. It’s my back mainly. I’ve been to the Chiropractor and had massages, but the muscles just won’t let go. At least my foot isn’t hurting anymore. At Mid-Ohio, I couldn’t push off on it or nothing.”

Hacking is at the end of his current contract with Suzuki, and said he didn’t know yet what he will be doing for the 2003 season.