Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki's Hayden Runs Down Podium FinishJune 6 - Elkhart Lake, Wis

Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki’s Roger Hayden had a day to remember getting his second podium of the season with an amazing run to the front from his 18th-place starting position during a rainy first race of the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class at Road America. Even with two separate caution periods that held the field’s positions for four of the 13 laps, Hayden made every lap count to take home second place. Teammate Jamie Hacking also worked from a starting position outside the top-10 to finish eighth.

Roger Hayden - Coming Back

Hayden didn’t waste any time coming through the pack, passing seven riders in the first lap. Even with the unstable conditions Hayden continued to push, moving up another five positions two laps later. Sixth would have been a great finish from his starting position, but Hayden didn’t stop until he was contesting for the lead and eventually finishing second.

“It was a pretty fun race,” said Hayden. “I tend to be hot and cold in the rain. The bike felt good and I was able to gain a little bit of confidence to push forward. A lot of guys went down in front of me and I just had to stay smart. At the end of the race I couldn’t see too well and I made sure I kept it up on two wheels.”

After overcoming bad memories at Barber Motorsports Park and making it through Infineon Raceway, Hayden is back where he belongs. Hayden isn’t a stranger to the podium, making it there consistently since the start of his career in 2001. Although he starts back in 18th for Sunday’s race, Hayden has the confidence back to run for the front.

“I’ve had a rough few races and this feels good to give back to the guys,” said Hayden. “Getting on the podium always puts confidence back in yourself and to the team. I hope we can carry this momentum forward to tomorrow and (Mazda Raceway) Laguna Seca.”

Results

AMA Pro Road Racing Series
Road America – Elkhart Lake, Wis.
June 6, 2009

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Results

1.    Chris Peris, Calgary, Canada, Honda
2.    Roger Hayden, Owensboro, KY., Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki
3.    Martin Cardenas, Miami, Fla., Suzuki
4.    Taylor Knapp, Lapeer, Mich., Buell
5.    Damian Cudlin, Austalia, Yamaha
6.    Daniel Eslick, Broken Arrow, Okla., Buell
7.    Shawn Higbee, Mukwongo, Wis., Buell
8.    Jamie Hacking, Denver, N.C., Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki
9.    Michael Barnes, Boca Raton, Fla., Buell
10.  Fernando Amatini, Venezuela, Kawasaki

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Point Standings

1.    Martin Cardenas, Miami, Fla., Suzuki, 224
2.    Jamie Hacking, Denver, N.C., Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki
3.    Daniel Eslick, Broken Arrow, Okla., Buell, 183
4.    Jason DiSalvo, Las Vegas, Nev., Suzuki, 158
5.    Josh Herrin, Clovis Calif., Yamaha, 144
6.    Chris Peris, Calgary, Canada, Honda, 123
7.    Chaz Davies, Carlsbad, Calif., Aprilla, 108
8.    Steve Rapp, Hawthorne, Calif., Yamaha, 103
9.    Jake Zemke, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda, 103
10.  Tommy Aquino, Saugus, Calif., Yamaha, 101
14.  Roger Hayden, Owensboro, KY., Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki
19.  Leandro Mercado, Lodi, Calif., Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki