2011 AMA Superbike
The Laguna Seca round of the 2011 AMA Superbike Championship was dominated once again by the Suzuki GSX-R1000, and brought one of the closest finishes of the year, with Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Tommy Hayden taking the win over Josh Hayes (Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R1) by a mere 0.232 of a second.
And as Hayden robbed the first spot from Hayes on Sunday, his teammate Blake Young robbed the final podium position from Roger Lee Hayden (Michael Jordan Suzuki) by a mere 0.045 of a second.
Following in fifth was the other Michael Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000 piloted by Ben Bostrom, who made his debut in MotoGP earlier in the day.
This made for four Suzuki’s in the top five, showing the dominance of the GSX-R 1000. The Laguna Seca win was Tommy Hayden’s third victory of the season, while Young’s result allows him to maintain the lead in the overall points standings.
AMA Superbike Suzuki Rider Quotes:
Tommy Hayden (Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSXR1000 Superbike) says: “From the beginning, the race went really well. I got a great start and the Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000 was working really good. Josh Hayes came by on the first or second lap, we went back and forth a couple times and then he got into his rhythm.
“I settled in and followed him around for a little while and we were going pretty fast; it definitely wasn’t an easy pace, but we see-sawed around the track a little bit – he had some places where he was fast, I had some places where I was – but overall the gap stayed within a couple bike-lengths the whole way. But eventually I was able to find a place where I could make my move… and I got in the lead. The last lap was obviously pretty intense… but it’s been a pretty fun weekend: I’ve enjoyed myself and it’s great to top it off with this win.”
Blake Young (Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike) says: “It feels pretty good to be leading the points. I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself and remember the important things, like I’m here to have fun. My number one goal at Daytona was to stay on the motorcycle for every race this year and put in a decent effort toward winning the Championship for the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team.
“I feel like I’ve had the pace in the past, but injuries have taken me out of the hunt. Today, I wish I’d been able to fight for the lead, but I’m happy to be on the podium and looking forward to focusing on the last race.”
Roger Lee Hayden (Michael Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000) says: “It was a pretty good weekend at Laguna Seca. We were pretty much on pace from the time we unloaded. The GSX-R1000 felt good, though it took a little bit of time for me to get comfortable. We had a strong qualifying session and got in the front row with third, which is important at Laguna because of the MotoGP grid with three to a row.
“I got a pretty good start – I was behind Blake (Young) and I was trying to get around him as quick as possible because I felt like I had a little more pace than he did and I could see the leaders getting away. About seven laps to go, I made a pass and I really tried to hold him off to the finish, but he was able to nip me at the line.
“It’s disappointing to miss the podium there at the end, but my Michael Jordan Motorsports team is getting stronger every weekend and I really want to thank them and the National Guard and my crew because they’ve been working really hard for me all year.”
Ben Bostrom (Michael Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000) says: “Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki was well capable of winning. But the rider bit off more than he could chew this weekend. My apologies to the team and sponsors. I really look forward to putting the bike in its proper position in New Jersey. A huge thanks to MJM and American Suzuki for the opportunity to ride the GP bike.”
The final event of the 2011 AMA Pro SuperBike Championship series will be at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville on September 2-4th.
Laguna Seca AMA Superbike Class Results:
1. Tommy Hayden (Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000)
2. Josh Hayes (Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R1)
3. Blake Young (Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000)
4. Roger Hayden (Michael Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000)
5. Ben Bostrom (Michael Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000)
6. Larry Pegram (Pegram Racing BMW S1000RR)
7. Steve Rapp (San Diego BMW S1000RR)
8. Martin Cardenas (M4 Suzuki GSX-R1000)
9. Chris Clark (Pat Clark Yamaha YZF-R1)
10. Geoff May (Amsoil EBR Buell 1190)
2011 AMA Pro Superbike Class Standings:
1. Blake Young – 311
2. Josh Hayes – 306
3. Tommy Hayden – 263
4. Martin Cardenas – 200
5. Larry Pegram – 169
6. Ben Bostrom – 168
7. Roger Hayden – 163
8. Chris Clark – 132
9. Steve Rapp – 122
10. Geoff May – 114
