News - Laguna Seca

Rockstar Makita Suzuki on the podium at Laguna Seca

•    Tommy Hayden finished third at Laguna Seca on Sunday.
•    Hayden is only 9 points behind the points leader of the series.
•    Hayden and his GSX-R1000 have been on the podium at 10 races so far in 2010.

Brea, Calif. – July 26, 2010 – Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Tommy Hayden battled his way to a podium finish at Round 7 of the AMA Pro American Superbike race at Laguna Seca on Sunday. Hayden was focused on a good result after putting in one of the fastest times in practice on Friday.

Hayden started the race from the front row shooting off the line in fourth place. The Laguna Seca course is notoriously tough, but Hayden and his GSX-R1000 held on and put together a solid race. He found his way up one spot to third, where he stayed until the checkered flag.

“It’s been a tough weekend and I wasn’t really comfortable,” Hayden said after the race. “I couldn’t carry enough corner speed that I needed, which is key at this track. It was an uphill battle and we’ll think about some things and come back at VIR and hopefully be able to gain back some confidence.”

Hayden is now eight points behind the leader in the class, and he’s looking forward to the next doubleheader at VIR in August to gain even more points. Australian Superbike Champion Josh Waters was set to compete at Laguna Seca, but after Friday practice decided he was not fully ready to race. Waters was injured during a test at Willow Springs two weeks ago but is expected to make a complete and full recovery.

Round 8 of the AMA Pro American Superbike series takes place on August 13-15 at VIR in Virginia. Look for Tommy and his GSX-R1000 to be at the front of the pack fighting for the win.