Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Beth Wyse

John Haner won all three races he entered Sunday at the Church of Speed’s Grand Bayou Festival of Speed at No Problem Raceway in Louisiana. Haner’s sweep continued his domination of the event–he broke the track record during qualifying a day earlier.

Haner won the first Heavyweight Expert race from the pole, leading all 20 laps and pulling a huge gap over the rest of the field on his Suzuki GSX-R750. Vincent Haskovec and Greg Moore, who were also riding GSX-R750s, were left to battle for second. Moore held onto the spot until the final turn of the last lap, when Haskovec took advantage of a small opening to pass, relegating Moore to third.

In the Middleweight Expert class, Heath Small got the holeshot, but was passed by Haner on the sixth lap. Haner held on for the win on his Yamaha YZF-R6, but was challenged several times by Moore, who finished second on his Suzuki GSX-R600. Small wound up third, also riding a Yamaha YZF-R6.

By the final race of the day, the 25-lap Heavyweight Expert feature, a light rain was falling and the cold, damp conditions resulted in a slower pace and smaller starting grid. Haner took his time working up to the front, taking the lead on lap 10. Haskovec and Moore did not let Haner run away like he had before, with both of them challenging for the lead. Moore passed Haskovec in the final turn just before the white flag came out and held on for second. Haskovec finished third.

Bradley Champion took a convincing victory in the Lightweight race, winning by more than half-a-lap on his Suzuki SV650. Martin Musil ran by himself in second place for most of the race, finishing in that spot while Craig Montgomery, who finished third, fought to reel him in. Musil and Montgomery were also on Suzuki SV650s.

The number of participating racers was smaller than Church of Speed officials had expected, with the largest field consisting of 20 bikes. The Lightweight class, which combined Expert and Novice racers, had only eight competitors. The fan turnout was small, as well, mostly due to the rain and temperatures in the 40s. Many of the spectators were the participants in the stunt show held as a part of the weekend’s events.

Race organizers were unable to supply complete results.

Heavyweight Race 1, 20 laps
1. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R750
2. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750
3. Greg Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750
4. James Compton
5. Marc Gifford

Heavyweight Race 2, 25 laps
1. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R750
2. Greg Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750
3. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750
4. Marc Gifford
5. Shannon Ball

Middleweight Race, 20 laps
1. John Haner, Yamaha YZF-R6
2. Greg Moore, Suzuki GSX-R600
3. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R6
4. Bradley Champion, Suzuki SV650
5. Brett Champagne, Suzuki SV650

Lightweight Race, 20 laps
1. Bradley Champion, Suzuki SV650
2. Martin Musil, Suzuki SV650
3. Craig Montgomery, Suzuki SV650
4. Shannon Silva, Aprilia RS250
5. Jason Jenkins, Suzuki SV650