Roger Hayden Wants To Race Superbikes In 2006

Roger Hayden Wants To Race Superbikes In 2006

© 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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Roger Hayden, the 22-year-old younger brother of reigning AMA Supersport Champion Tommy and U.S. Grand Prix winner Nicky Hayden, hasn’t signed a contract for 2006 and wants to race in Superbike. After struggling on Erion Hondas in 2002 and 2003, Roger Hayden found his form when he joined the Kawasaki factory team in 2004. He took four podiums in Superstock, finishing sixth in that Championship, and won four Supersport races and battled his oldest brother Tommy right down to the wire for that Championship. Tommy Hayden won the title and Roger Hayden finished second. In 2005, Roger Hayden is again battling his brother and teammate Tommy Hayden for the AMA Supersport Championship. Roger Hayden has won two races, standing on the podium a total of six times in eight races and holding second place in the standings with two rounds remaining. All of this has resulted in a strong demand for young Hayden, placing a new, extra burden on him as he tries to snatch the Supersport Championship from the firm grasp of his brother. “I’ve got two more races this year that I want to concentrate on and finish the year out strong,” said Roger Hayden. “I wish it (contract negotiation) was already over with, to be honest, because it’s kind of worrying me a bit. “It’s just kind of weird for me. Two years ago at this time I was begging for somebody to give me a ride. To be honest, a few years ago I thought maybe I was done. I had already talked to my dad about what I was going to do after racing. “Now, I’ve got a few different offers. I’m just trying to wait and figure out what I’m gonna do. I haven’t signed a contract with anyone yet. I’m just trying to negotiate it all. Kawasaki has the first right of refusal, so if they match any other offer, I’ll stay where I’m at. It’s not like I’m dying to leave or anything, so if that’s the case that’s it. “I do have a good crew (at Kawasaki), but at the same time, I have future goals I want to achieve. I want to race against the big boys in the main class. I’ve definitely got a strong support system at Kawasaki, but that only takes you so far. I think it’s my time to try it out in Superbike. That’s where I want to be, in the premier class. Anybody who says it’s not is lying.” Hayden said his ultimate desire is to race a Superbike for Kawasaki, but he doesn’t know Kawasaki’s 2006 AMA racing plans yet.

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