Yamaha’s Joe Roberts – 2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion
Joe Roberts made MotoAmerica history Saturday at Laguna Seca Mazda Raceway, the Wheels In Motion/MotoSport.com/Meen Yamaha YZF-R6 pilot (#27) clinching the Superstock 600 title with one round remaining.
With his Laguna Seca MotoAmerica Superstock 600 win, he became the first champion of MotoAmerica, North America’s new road-racing series spearheaded by three-time GP Champion Wayne Rainey. This was Roberts’ sixth-straight race win for a total of nine so far this season.
The 18-year-old Californian was joined on the Laguna Seca MotoAmerica Bazzaz Superstock 600 podium by two other Yamaha YZF-R6 supersports – Tune Racing’s Bryce Prince and HB Racing’s Michael Gilbert. The Yamaha R6 completed dominated at Laguna Seca; the top 12 finishers were all aboard Yamaha YZF-R6 machinery.
The pole-sitter Joe Roberts was strong all race, but the title hopes came into clear view when his rival – Triumph’s Richie Escalante – crashed out of the lead on lap five of 16. This left Joe Roberts battling with Prince; Roberts would cross the line a mere 0.219 of a second ahead of Prince.
“It feels great to come out and have the success that we’ve had this year. We’ve had to work hard this season, for sure, and I’ve had to push myself to go for it, but it’s been so worth it,” Joe Roberts says.
“It’s really been a good season, and I can’t wait for next year. The R6 is the best 600 out there, by far. It’s brought me back to a point where I know I can ride. It’s given me back the confidence that I needed to be a Champion, and I’ve really enjoyed riding the bike. Also, I want to give a big thanks to Keith Code for being there to help me with my riding over the past few years, and he’s made lot of great connections for me, too.”
Prince’s teammate Jason Aguilar finished fourth, with Wyman Racing’s Travis Wyman rounding out the top five.
The series now breaks until the final round September 11-13 at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Title-holder Roberts has 245 points – 62 over Escante with only 50 points available.
TV Schedule – 2015 Laguna Seca MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race
CBS Sports Network will air Laguna Seca MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race at 2 p.m. EST Sunday, July 26, and again at 5 p.m.
2015 Laguna Seca MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Race Photo Gallery
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