Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Josh Hayes underwent four hours of surgery on his left hand last night and will be out for at least six weeks, according to his Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki mechanic, Barry McMahan.

Hayes crashed in Supersport practice Saturday morning after hitting a painted curb in the California Speedway infield. It was misting at the time.

The injury means that Hayes will miss a scheduled three-day test at Road Atlanta in mid-April as well as the Sears Point AMA National at the beginning of May.

The team is considering replacing Hayes in AMA Formula Xtreme for the Sears Point event.