JORDAN SUZUKI RACES TO 1ST SBK VICTORY
Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki's Roger Hayden celebrated the team's first AMA Pro National Guard Superbike victory of the season at the penultimate round at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida on Saturday afternoon - then followed this up with a third-place podium finish by Ben Bostrom in Sunday's rain-delayed race.
On Saturday, National Guard Jordan Suzuki's Hayden had plenty to celebrate, capturing his first AMA Pro National Guard Superbike Pole Position in the morning, and then went on to race his Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000 to his first-ever Superbike win in the afternoon. In the 23-lap race, Hayden got a great start, took the lead within the first several laps and never looked back. At one point, Hayden led the field by almost eight seconds.
"It feels really good to get my first Superbike win," said an emotional Hayden. "It's been a long time since I've won a race. But we've put in a lot of work and come through a lot of injuries. Many people have stuck in there with me - my family, mainly - and I want to dedicate this win to my family for everything they've done. I also have to thank the National Guard Jordan Suzuki team because they took a chance on me when nobody else would and I hope that this weekend makes them feel like they made the right choice."
On Sunday, weather conditions were less than stellar and the race started with a wet track. As the sun came out, conditions were questionable, but MJM's Bostrom did not let it affect him. The Californian started from the second spot on the grid and led briefly before settling into second. As the race progressed, Bostrom continued to battle for a podium position for all 23 laps before bringing home a well-earned third place.
"I can't thank everybody enough," said Bostrom. "There's been some sketchy weather and sketchy racing, and I was just glad to be out there putting on a show for everyone. My Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000 has been podium material all year but I haven't been able to put it together. I haven't had too many opportunities to shine for my team, but they've stood by me and now I'm looking forward to a few more opportunities to shine again at the last race weekend."
In the 2012 AMA Pro National Guard Superbike Championship points standings, Hayden sits in fourth place, while Bostrom moved up to sixth. The Michael Jordan Motorsports team's next event of the 2012 AMA Pro National Guard Superbike Championship season is the final round at NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans, LA, on October 5 - 7th.
