IRVINE, Calif. (February 27, 2009)—Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. announced today that road racer Roger Hayden has been granted a leave of absence from the team and will not participate in the upcoming Daytona 200 in Daytona Beach, Fla. According to Mike Preston, Kawasaki Road Racing manager, the leave is because of personal reasons. “Roger is a valued member of the extended Kawasaki family, and the relationship is one of mutual respect and understanding. We look forward to him rejoining the team as soon as possible,” said Preston. Kawasaki has posted two consecutive one-two podium finishes at the Daytona 200, and the Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki effort next week will be led by Hayden’s teammate, Jamie Hacking. Editorial Note: When asked by Roadracingworld.com for more information, Roger Hayden declined the opportunity to comment.