Road Racers Test Superprestigio Short Track
Yoshimura Suzuki Superbike rider Roger Hayden is quick in practice at The Orleans Arena
By Matthew Miles:
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 20, 2015) - Roger Hayden posted possibly the quickest lap times during Thursday night’s “All Star” test session for this weekend’s inaugural Superprestigio of the Americas at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
While no official times were taken, by my watch, Hayden circulated the roughly one-tenth of a mile short track designed by former AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Champion Chris Carr in 9.93 seconds.
Third overall in 2015 MotoAmerica Superbike points, the Yoshimura Suzuki factory rider is one of 16 non-AMA Pro Flat Track regulars invited to compete in SOTA’15. Fellow MotoAmerica regulars Josh Hayes, Jake Gagne, Joe Roberts, Taylor Knapp, and Gage McAllister will also race.
“I feel pretty smooth,” Hayden said between sessions. “I don’t feel like I’m pushing it as much as I could just yet. I’m having fun out there, and I think my pace is pretty good. I think I can keep it up, for sure.”
Hayden is racing an RM-Z450 with support from Yoshimura Suzuki. “It’s a stock motocross bike besides [modified] suspension and some sweet decals,” Hayden said. “This track is so little you don’t really need horsepower.”
In the weeks leading up to event, which features the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track finale on Friday night, Hayden spent time on his personal track in Kentucky, even sampling the 19-inch Mitas tires used exclusively for SOTA’15.
“This is a completely different track,” he acknowledged, “but they seem pretty good. I don’t have tons of experience on any of these tires.” Hayden’s best finish in an AMA Pro Flat Track national is third at the 2002 Springfield TT.
As for the race itself, Hayden doesn’t expect the track to change too much. “I think it’s going to be just like this—a little bumpy,” he said. “The start is going to be important, and I’m just going to try to do consistent laps.
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