Josh Hayes
Team Graves Yamaha rider Josh Hayes wrapped up the AMA (American Motorcycle Association) Superbike championship on his Yamaha R1 at the Barber Motosports Park in the USA on Sunday. The win, which was Hayes’ first career championship victory, is also the first victory for Yamaha in the American premier road racing class since 1991 when Thomas Stevens took the win. The championship came down to the wire with Hayes needing a second in the first race and a top eight finish in the second to secure the title, beating rival Tommy Hayden by 12 points in the final standings.
Meanwhile Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R6 rider Josh Herrin finished third in the AMA Daytona SportBike Championship, while Austin Dehaven won the AMA SuperSport title on his Yamaha YZF-R6.
Josh Hayes
“A huge thank you to Yamaha for bringing me onboard for my first Superbike ride,” said Josh Hayes afterwards. “I am glad I was able to race well and bring home the R1’s first AMA Superbike championship.”
Yamaha road racing team manager Tom Halverson added, “This is probably the best team we’ve ever had, and the effort that everyone has made to win the championship is just incredible. From the machinists to the secretaries back at Yamaha, thank you. The race crew has really been amazing this year too. Josh has been a great rider, and it’s easy to stand behind him because he puts in so much effort.”