Yamaha U.S. Road Racing Teams Back In Action This Weekend At Road America In Wisconsin Cypress, CA May 28, 2013 – For the Yamaha U.S. Road Racing Teams, Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, is always a favorite venue on the AMA Pro Road Racing schedule. Historically, Yamaha has had a lot of success on Road America’s historic 4.05-mile, 14-turn road course. A couple of long-time team members (and their spouses) were born and raised in America’s Dairyland state. And, after an all-too-long hiatus following the first round of the season at Daytona way back in March, the boys in blue are raring to return to action this weekend in Wisconsin. MONSTER ENERGY/GRAVES/YAMAHA: HAYES & HERRIN To say that Road America is a favorite track of three-time reigning AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Champion Josh Hayes is a massive understatement. Let’s face it, the Mississippi Madman absolutely, 100% loves the place. And, why wouldn’t he? Road America is fast, which suits his #1 Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha YZF-R1 well, plus Josh pretty much owns the track, at least in terms of wins and records. Take last year, for example. In final qualifying for the two SuperBike races at Road America in 2012, Josh clicked off a blistering lap of 2:11.33, which set a new track record. And then, in Race 1, Josh ran away with the win as he built up a lead of more than 11 seconds by the time he took the checkers. In Sunday’s Race 2, as if Saturday’s performance wasn’t dominant enough, Josh crossed the finish line with his nearest competitor almost 14 seconds behind him. And, just for good measure, during Race 2, Josh laid down a fastest race lap of 2:11.216, which unbelievably surpassed the record-breaking lap that he ran in final qualifying. Did we mention that Josh Hayes loves Road America? Which brings us to this year, where Josh returns to Road America after suffering two unprecedented DNFs at Daytona. He’s had way too many weeks to think about those DNFs. And he’s had way too many weeks to take out his frustration on his Cannondale bicycle, pedaling like a man possessed along the roads and trails near–and, actually, pretty far—from his home. “I’m in the best shape of my life right now,” Josh said. “And, I’ve got that 48-point deficit from Daytona to thank for it.” Two words of warning for Josh’s SuperBike competitors at Road America: Uh-oh. One of those closest competitors, in both talent and team proximity, is the current SuperBike points leader, last year’s SuperBike Rookie of the Year, and rider of the #2 Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha R1, Josh Herrin. After his breakthrough SuperBike win at Daytona, Josh took advantage of the long hiatus to correct an “arm-pump” condition that he’d been dealing with in his right forearm over the past couple of seasons. With the successful surgery behind him and a test at NOLA Motorsports Park to determine that he was fit and ready to defend his SuperBike Championship points lead, Josh comes into Road America as the man on top. Last year at Road America, Josh qualified third and also finished third in Race 1 and Race 2. He now knows what it feels like to win a SuperBike race, so look for him up front and giving his identically first-named teammate all he can handle this weekend. YAMAHA EXTENDED SERVICE/MONSTER ENERGY/GRAVES/YAMAHA: BEAUBIER & GERLOFF In AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike competition, this year’s Daytona 200 winner and runner-up are both finally back in action as the dynamic duo of Cameron Beaubier and Garrett Gerloff will once again be on board their Yamaha Extended Service/Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha YZF-R6 machines. Cameron, who rides the #6 R6, put in as dominant a performance as you’ll ever see at Daytona, and he’s itching to pick up right where he left off this past March. “It’s been such a long break that it almost feels like the start of a whole new season,” Cameron commented. “But, I’ve kept my fitness level up and my eyes on the prize. I’m super-psyched that Road America is finally here.” Equally excited is Garrett, who will actually be racing for the very first time at Road America. “I was here with the team last season, but I wasn’t able to ride due to my injury at Daytona last year. I’m anxious to get out there on that long, fast Road America course and let my #8 Y.E.S./Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha R6 stretch its legs. It’s been a long wait, so I’m really looking forward to getting back to racing.” MEET THE YAMAHA U.S. ROAD RACERS AT DON AND ROY’S MOTORSPORTS Luckily, you don’t have to wait till this weekend to meet Josh Hayes, Josh Herrin, Cameron Beaubier, and Garrett Gerloff. Get yourself to Don and Roy’s Motorsports at 17740 West Bluemound Road, in Brookfield, WI, this Thursday from 5 to 9 PM. Beginning at 6:30 PM, the four Yamaha riders will be on hand to sign posters and memorabilia, greet fans, and share a few other surprises. Don’t miss the fun. FOLLOW THE YAMAHA U.S. ROAD RACING TEAMS Everyone on the Yamaha U.S. Road Racing Teams is excited to get the season back under way this weekend at Road America. It’s also the debut of AMA Pro Road Racing on the CBS Sports Network, so check your local listings and be sure to tune in or set your DVR for full TV coverage of the races at Road America and also for the rest of this exciting AMA Pro Road Racing season. For more news, results, and other team info, be sure to check out Yamaha’s Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @YamahaMotorUSA.