2012 AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series
The most prolific rider in the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series, three-time winner Kyle Wyman, had nothing but rave reviews for the newly unveiled NOLA Motorsports Park race course following a two-day test earlier this week on his KLR Group/Spyke’s Harley-Davidson.
The 22-year-old Wyman’s best lap time around the 16-turn, 2.75-mile facility was clocked at 1:50.659, more than two seconds faster than the 1:52.512 turned in by Tyler O’Hara, who is clinging to a six-point lead in the championship standings.
Kyle Wyman says: “We had a great two days at NOLA. I always love the opportunity to go to a new track, especially when it’s new to everyone. It was built by the same people as Miller Motorsports Park, so I expected the track and facility to be just as nice, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. I congratulate the track owners and everyone involved in putting this place together. It’s a great test and an awesome track.”
The 2012 AMA Pro Road Racing Series concludes at NOLA with the Triumph Big Kahuna New Orleans, which takes place from Oct. 5-7. As close as the racing has been this year between Wyman, O’Hara and Michael Barnes – the three riders who have earned victories in the popular class – the title could very well be decided in the Bayou State.
Kyle Wyman says: “I can’t wait to get back here in October for the season finale. I think this will prove to be the perfect place to cap the year, hopefully with a championship. But right now I can’t think too much about that. I have to stay focused on the next race on the schedule so my sights are firmly set on Mid-Ohio and getting a third win in a row for the KLR Group. I can’t think of any better way to go into the XR Showdown then coming off of three straight wins, and I really want to make that statement.
“The NOLA test was very positive on the performance front. We were able to test quite a few different setups and we found one that worked quite well. The technicians from Ohlins also were involved and they had some neat things they wanted us to try. Overall, it couldn’t have gone any better.
“It was incredibly hot, over 100 degrees most of the time during the day, and once again my hours at Planet Fitness paid off as I was able to continue riding throughout both days. I think we got the most out of our time.”
The next tour stop occurs July 13-15 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, with the Buckeye SuperBike Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire.
