NOTE – Scroll down to see complete news daily. – Graves Motorsports www.gravesport.com
Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha Rider Hayes On Provisional SuperBike Pole At Infineon Raceway
Sonoma, CA May 4, 2012 – Two-time reigning AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Champion Josh Hayes qualified his crossplane-crankshaft Yamaha YZF-R1 on the provisional pole in the first SuperBike qualifying session at Infineon Raceway.
In his trademark, workmanlike manner, Josh got right down to business as the qualifying session began and immediately went to the top of the lap charts. While other riders pitted for adjustments, Josh continued to lay down lap after lap, imposing his considerable will on the rest of the field. He finished the qualifying session having run a total of 22 laps, which was more than any other rider on the track. His second-to-the-last lap was his fastest of the day as he clicked off a 1:36:032, which was nearly a full second faster than the second-place qualifier.
Commenting on his qualifying session, Josh said, “I ran a lot of laps, and we put on a fresh tire to finish out the session, which did the trick. I was doing 36′s pretty much the entire session, but that fresh tire almost put me in the 35′s. We’ll see what happens tomorrow. The R1 is really suited to this racetrack, and hopefully, I’ll be able to show even more of its awesome potential tomorrow.”
Josh’s Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha SuperBike teammate Josh Herrin qualified his R1 in 11th in his first-ever SuperBike qualifying session at Infineon Raceway. Josh is looking forward to moving up in tomorrow’s second SuperBike qualifying session.
That second qualifying session is scheduled for tomorrow at 9:50 AM PST, with SuperBike Race 1 going green later on day at 3:15 PM PST. SuperBike Race 2 is set for Sunday at 3:30 PM PST. Check your local TV listings for Speed TV’s telecast of both races.
Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha Rider Beaubier Returns & Qualifies Second In Daytona SportBike At Infineon Raceway; Teammate Hayden Sixth
Sonoma, CA May 4, 2012 – Well, that didn’t take long. Cameron Beaubier, who missed the Road Atlanta round of the AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike Championship due to fracturing his kneecap in a non-racing incident, made a remarkable comeback at his home track, Infineon Raceway. After just one morning practice session in which he ran in the top five, Beaubier put his Yamaha YZF-R6 in second position and on the provisional front row in the first DSB qualifying session at Infineon Raceway.
Cameron said, “I’m really happy to get back to racing, especially here at my home track. My family’s with me, and I’m stoked to put my R6 on the front row today. I love being back on the bike and with my Yamaha team, and I can’t wait to get back out there for tomorrow’s final qualifying and the race.”
Cameron’s Y.E.S./Graves/Yamaha Daytona SportBike teammate Tommy Hayden, who is filling in for the injured Garrett Gerloff, qualified his #8 R6 in sixth place and is looking forward to moving up in tomorrow’s second DSB qualifying session.
Final qualifying for Daytona SportBike is scheduled for tomorrow at 9:20 AM PST, and DSB Race 1 will go green later on Saturday at 2:00 PM PST. DSB Race 2 is set for Sunday at 2:15 PM PST. Check your local TV listings for Speed TV’s telecast of both races.
Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha Rider Hayes Wins SuperBike Pole At Infineon Raceway; Teammate Herrin To Start On Row Two
Sonoma, CA May 5, 2012 - Improving on his provisional-qualifying lap time from yesterday, two-time reigning AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Champion Josh Hayes won the pole in AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike final qualifying at Infineon Raceway.
Josh went to work quickly on his #1 crossplane-crankshaft Yamaha YZF-R1 and remained solidly at the top of the charts throughout the entire final qualifying session. Without the blustery wind that occurred during provisional qualifying on Friday, Josh turned a 1:35:872 today, which was his fastest lap of the weekend and, obviously, the fastest lap of any SuperBike rider. Remarkably similar to the scenario that played out yesterday, Josh was, once again, nearly a full second faster than the second-place qualifier.
This was three pole positions in a row-in as many events-for Josh so far this season, which has netted him three valuable bonus points towards the successful defense of his SuperBike title.
Josh’s Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha SuperBike teammate Josh Herrin made good on his aim to move up in final qualifying, and he will start from the second row aboard his #2 R1 for Race 1 later today.
SuperBike Race 1 will go green later today at 3:15 PM PST, while SuperBike Race 2 is set for Sunday at 3:30 PM PST. Check your local TV listings for Speed TV’s telecast of both races.
Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha Rider Beaubier Qualifies On Front Row In Daytona SportBike At Infineon Raceway; Teammate Hayden On Second Row
Sonoma, CA May 5, 2012 - Cameron Beaubier, who hails from nearby Roseville, was the fastest rider on the track in today’s final qualifying session at Infineon Raceway. Cameron was the second-fastest qualifier on the weekend and will be on the front row aboard his #6 Yamaha YZF-R6 for today’s AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike Race 1 and Sunday’s Race 2.
Cameron’s Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha Daytona SportBike teammate Tommy Hayden, who is filling in for the injured Garrett Gerloff, qualified his #8 R6 in sixth place and will be looking to get the holeshot from the second row of the grid to quickly move to the front.
Daytona SportBike Race 1 will go green later today at 2:00 PM PST. DSB Race 2 is set for Sunday at 2:15 PM PST. Check your local TV listings for Speed TV’s telecast of both races.
Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha Rider Beaubier On The Podium In Daytona SportBike Race 1 At Infineon Raceway; Teammate Hayden Finishes Fifth
Sonoma, CA May 5, 2012 – In his first race back from a knee injury, and in front of friends and family at his home track, Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha Cameron Beaubier rode a solid race and finished on the podium in third-place at Infineon Raceway.
Cameron got the holeshot on his #6 Yamaha YZF-R6 in both legs of the red-flag-interrupted race and remained in the top three throughout the entirety of the contest.
“I felt really good off both starts,” Cameron said, “and I got in a rhythm. My knee started to tense up a little bit, and I fell off the pace some as the race wore on. My R6 was really fast today, and my crew did a great job. We’ll come back tomorrow to improve our position in Race 2.”
Cameron’s Y.E.S./Graves/Yamaha Daytona SportBike teammate Tommy Hayden also got a great start in the first leg of the race, but he was unable to duplicate his effort on the re-start. Tommy put his head down nonetheless and started moving closer to the front in the early laps of the race until he got up to sixth place. Unfortunately, he couldn’t move into the top five on the day, but he still earned valuable points, and he remains in third place in the DSB season standings.
Daytona SportBike Race 2 is set for tomorrow at 2:15 PM PST. Check your local TV listings for Speed TV’s telecast of the race.
Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha Rider Hayes Dominates SuperBike Race 1 At Infineon Raceway; Teammate Herrin Finishes 4th
Sonoma, CA May 5, 2012 - Showing why he is the two-time reigning AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Champion, Josh Hayes got the holeshot and raced his crossplane-crankshaft Yamaha YZF-R1 to a thoroughly dominant win in SuperBike Race 1 at Infineon Raceway.
Josh was never headed in the race and, as the laps wound down, he continued to extend his lead all the way to the checkered flag. Along with the points that he earned for the win, Josh also captured the vital bonus point for leading the most laps. The win was Josh’s 20th in the AMA Pro SuperBike class, and he is now leading the season championship by 13 points going into tomorrow’s Race 2.
“I got a good start,” Josh said, “and I tried to settle into a rhythm where I could keep laying down consistently fast laps and stretch out a comfortable lap. My team gave me a great bike today, which enabled me to do just that. This is a good track for me, with awesome fans, and I’m really looking to getting back out there for tomorrow’s race.”
Josh’s Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha SuperBike teammate Josh Herrin, who started from 8th position on the grid, moved into 4th place in the early laps and, with bulldog-like intensity, he tenaciously held onto his position till the end.
SuperBike Race 2 is set for Sunday at 3:30 PM PST. Check your local TV listings for Speed TV’s telecast of the race.
Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha Rider Beaubier To Sit Out Today’s DSB Race At Infineon Raceway
Sonoma, CA May 5, 2012 – After finishing in a remarkable third place in yesterday’s AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike Race 1, Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha rider Cameron Beaubier will not compete in today’s Race 2.
After yesterday’s race, the local rider from Roseville, CA, consulted with his team and, together, it was decided that it would be better in the long run to rest the knee he fractured only five weeks ago and come back strong at the next AMA Pro round, which is Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT.
Commenting on the development, Keith McCarty, Motorsports Racing Division Manager for Yamaha, said, “Cameron’s got his entire career ahead of him, and we want to be careful with this. He felt a bit of fatigue during the latter part of the race yesterday, so the best plan of action at this point is for him to get some rest. He did a terrific job in the race, and we’re looking forward to his return to action at Miller.”
Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha Rider Hayes Has Tipover, But Still Finishes 7th In SuperBike Race 2 At Infineon Raceway; Teammate Herrin Suffers Rare Mechanical
Sonoma, CA May 6, 2012 - Major drama unfolded for the Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha team in Sunday’s AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Race 2 at Infineon Raceway as two-time reigning champion Josh Hayes suffered a very uncharacteristic tipover on lap two of the race. Both he and his crossplane-crankshaft Yamaha YZF-R1 were none the worse for wear, however. Josh quickly got back on the bike and started clicking off fast laps, which got him all the way up to 7th place when the checkered flag waved.
Josh raced hard and captured as many valuable SuperBike Championship points as he could. He’s now second in the standings, and despite the drama, he’s just four points out of first.
Meanwhile, Josh Herrin took over as lead bike for the team and worked himself into second place. Unfortunately, on lap 17, Josh’s #2 R1 suddenly slowed with a very rare mechanical issue, and he had to retire from the race.
The next race for the Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha team will be at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT, on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-28.
Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha Rider Hayden Finishes Second In Daytona SportBike Race 2 At Infineon Raceway; Moves Up To Second In Championship
Sonoma, CA May 6, 2012 - With both of his Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha teammates out of action due to injury, Tommy Hayden carried the flag for his team in Sunday’s AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike Race 2 at Infineon Raceway. Tommy rode another solid race on his #8 Yamaha YZF-R6 and finished second, improving on his fifth-place result in yesterday’s Race 1 and making it three podium finishes in five tries in DSB competition.
“I caught a break on a red flag and got off the line better on the re-start,” Tommy said. “My crew made some changes on my R6 overnight, and I was fast in the morning warm-up, so I knew I had a good setup for the race. I’m really happy that I was able to improve on my result from yesterday.”
Based on today’s results, Tommy has moved up another position in the ever-important DSB Championship standings, and he’s now in second place for the season title.
The Y.E.S./Graves/Yamaha team will travel to Tooele, UT, in three weeks for the next AMA Pro Racing round at Miller Motorsports Park on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-28.
Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha Rider Tommy Hayden Finishes Second In Daytona SportBike At Road Atlanta
Braselton, GA April 22, 2012 – After a third-place finish in Saturday’s AMA Pro Go Pro Daytona SportBike Race 1, Tommy Hayden moved up a notch on Sunday and finished second in Race 2 on his #8 Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha YZF-R6.
Just like in yesterday’s race, Tommy got another great start, which put him into second-place on the first lap.
“I’ve always been a pretty good starter,” said Tommy after the race. “It goes back to my flattrack days where, if you don”t get a good start, your race is lost. Good starts are obviously important in this class, too, so it”s something I focus on.”
As is a Tommy Hayden trademark, he rode smoothly in second place and maintained a gap of just 2/10s of a second throughout virtually the entire race, until he encountered a lapped rider on final go-around on the track and had to make the pass in a less-than-ideal spot. That slowed Tommy just enough that the win became out of reach.
“Over the past few years, I’ve been racing in SuperBike, so I’m still transitioning to the R6,” Tommy added. “It’s a fast bike, though, and really fun to ride. I”m happy with the progress we”re making, and I”m looking forward to Infineon.”
Tommy currently sits third in the championship points standings after two rounds and three races.
Tommy will, once again, be riding for the Y.E.S./Graves/Yamaha team at the next race in just two weeks when AMA Pro Racing visits the wine country of Sonoma, CA, for the Great Clips West Coast Moto Jam at Infineon Raceway on May 4-6.
Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha’s Hayes “Rode” Atlanta To A Dominant Win; Teammate Herrin Finishes Third
Braselton, GA April 22, 2012 – Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha rider and two-time reigning AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Champion Josh Hayes raced his crossplane-crankshaft YZF-R1 to a dominant win in Sunday’s SuperBike Race 2 at Road Atlanta. His teammate Josh Herrin also got on the podium with his #2 R1 for the second time in as many days, notching another well-earned third place.
Josh Hayes made up his mind to get to the front as quickly as possible and try to create a comfortable lead, which he did in short fashion. On Lap 6, Josh clicked off a lap of 1:24.922, which was nearly half a second faster than his pole-position-winning lap on Friday. He maintained a blistering pace throughout the race, pulled a sizeable gap on second-pace Blake Young, and continued to stretch out his lead to more than 5 seconds. As lapped riders came into play, the gap closed up just a bit in the closing laps of the race, but Josh spurred his R1 on and won by a dominant 5.214 seconds ahead of Young, who finished in second.
After accepting the stylish surfboard trophy for being the “Big Kahuna” at Road Atlanta, Josh commented, “I’m glad to put one together here today, and get the win. We changed a few things on the bike for today’s race, and we were able to put down some really good laps. It’s a lot easier on my ticker to get away a little bit and ride my own race. After yesterday, I didn’t expect it to go that way, but I’m happy that it did.”
Just as he did yesterday, Josh earned another valuable bonus point for leading the most laps in today”s race. With those two bonus points, the bonus points for his pole positions at Daytona and Road Atlanta, and his two race wins so far this season, Josh is, once again, leading the SuperBike season championship.
Josh Herrin, who lives in Dublin, GA, not far from Road Atlanta, ran in second place at the start of the race, narrowly missing out on his fourth holeshot in as many races. Josh got into third behind his Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha teammate and Young, and then he maintained his position all the way to the end of the 20-lap event. In just the second SuperBike round of his career, Josh had a memorable weekend in front of a throng of family and friends as he earned a pair of podium finishes and has clearly built momentum as AMA Pro Racing heads to the West Coast for the Infineon Raceway round.
Josh said, “It was a really good race, and I had fun. It was good keeping Josh and Blake in my sights at least for the first few laps. I’m happy to get on the podium twice here in front of my home crowd. The R1 is just an awesome bike to ride. I can’t wait to get to Infineon.”
The Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha team”s next race is in just two weeks when AMA Pro Racing visits the wine country of Sonoma, CA, for the Great Clips West Coast Moto Jam at Infineon Raceway.
Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha Riders Hayes & Herrin Both On SuperBike Podium At Road Atlanta; Hayden Also On Podium In Daytona SportBike
Braselton, GA April 21, 2012 – It was a day filled with podium finishes for the Yamaha U.S. Road Racing Teams in AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike and AMA Pro GoPro Daytona Sportbike.
Reigning two-time SuperBike champion and Road Atlanta polesitter Josh Hayes finished second on his Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha YZF-R1 in the hotly contested SuperBike race one. His teammate Josh Herrin, who lives in nearby Dublin, GA, earned his first podium in only the third SuperBike race of his career. Josh got the holeshot twice and led from the start in both legs of the race, which was red-flagged when race winner Blake Young took a spill on lap 14 of the 20-lap event. Blake, Josh Hayes, and Josh Herrin all battled for the win, and Blake ultimately notched the victory.
Along with the bonus point that he earned for qualifying in pole position, Josh Hayes also earned an additional bonus point for leading the most laps (13 of the 20) in the race. Josh and Blake are now tied for the lead in the championship.
After the race, Josh Hayes said, “Big congrats to Blake on the win. It was a hero ride for him, and my hat’s off to him. My team gave me a good, competitive bike today, and we led the most laps…but unfortunately not the final lap. So, we’ll look at things tonight to see what we can do to move up a position in tomorrow’s race.”
Josh Herrin said, “When the red flag came out, it gave me a second chance, and I gave it everything I had. I wanted to get on the podium here at my home race in front of my fans. So, I’m happy, and I can’t wait for tomorrow.”
HAYDEN THIRD IN JUST HIS SECOND DSB RACE FOR YAMAHA EXTENDED SERVICE/GRAVES/YAMAHA TEAM
Tommy Hayden, who is substituting for the injured Garrett Gerloff, rode Garrett’s #8 YZF-R6 to a remarkable third-place finish in just the second AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike race of the young season.
About the race, Tommy said, “I got a great start, which was something I was focused on. My plan was to get up there with the front group and see what we could do. We’re getting there session by session. The bike’s really fun to ride, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s race.”
Tommy Hayden and his Y.E.S./Graves/Yamaha R6 will start Daytona SportBike Race 2 tomorrow at 2:15 PM EST, and SuperBike Race 2, featuring Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha riders Josh Hayes and Josh Herrin, will go green at 3:30 PM EST. Check your local TV listings for Speed TV’s telecasts of both of tomorrow’s races.
Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha Riders Hayes & Herrin Both Qualify On SuperBike Front Row At Road Atlanta; Hayden Fifth On Daytona SportBike Grid
Braselton, GA April 21, 2012 – In final qualifying for AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike at Road Atlanta, Josh Hayes won the pole position on his crossplane-crankshaft Yamaha YZF-R1. His teammate Josh Herrin will also start on the front row for this afternoon’s SuperBike race. And, in Daytona SportBike final qualifying, Tommy Hayden was fifth-fastest and will start on the inside of the front row, just behind the pole winner.
Josh Hayes, who captured seven poles last season on the way to his second AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Championship in a row actually earned the pole position and important bonus point based on his fastest time in Friday’s first qualifying session.
Josh Herrin, who lives in nearby Dublin, GA, improved on his qualifying time from yesterday, and he will start from third position on the grid in his first-ever Road Atlanta SuperBike race later today.
Commenting on his final qualifying session, Josh Hayes said, “Conditions were a little bit different this morning than they were yesterday, so I was glad to get in my fastest lap on Friday. I went out and practiced a couple of starts, too, so I’m ready for the race.”
Josh Herrin said, “I was pretty excited about my fast lap and being able to improve on my quickest time from yesterday. I like the way my R1 sounds at this track. I have 50 friends and family coming here, so I’m really looking forward to the race.”
HAYDEN MOVES UP IN DSB
In AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike, Tommy Hayden and his crew worked diligently to improve on their position from Friday’s qualifying, and it paid off. Tommy, who is substituting for the injured Garrett Gerloff (also on hand at Road Atlanta to meet fans and sign autographs, but not quite ready yet to climb back aboard his #8 YZF-R6), moved up the chart around the middle of the final qualifying session and put himself comfortably in fifth.
Daytona SportBike Race 1 will go green later today at 2:00 PM EST, and SuperBike Race 1 will follow DSB at 3:15 PM EST. Check your local TV listings for Speed TV’s telecast of both of today’s races.
Follow Graves Motorsports social web pages for coupon specials, news and pictures!
https://www.facebook.com/GravesMotorsports
https://twitter.com/#!/Gravesport
Support your favorite Monster Energy Graves Yamaha / Y.E.S. Rider with BIG SAVINGS
From 4-21-2012 through 4-22-2012 use the following coupon codes to save 20% off retail purchase (not valid for dealer or WORKS customers). In the coupon section at the bottom of the page during the checkout process at Gravesport.com use the following coupon codes for a 20% discount savings! Save HUGE and support your favorite riders! CODES: “joshhayes” or “joshherrin” or “tommyhayden”
Introducing the 2012 Graves Motorsports race teams, riders and motorcycle “Profile Pages!” Featuring Monster Energy / Graves / Yamaha -and – Y.E.S. / Graves / Yamaha – Pro Racing Teams. Competing in the 2012 AMA Pro Racing Superbike and Daytona Sportbike championship series with riders Josh Hayes, Josh Herrin, Cameron Beaubier, Garrett Gerloff and Tommy Hayden (profile page coming soon).
For a limited time use coupon code “gravesracing” (in the coupon section of our checkout page for 15% off saving off retail purchases of $100 or more (not valid for dealer or WORKS customer sales).
All Fairing Brackets are now being discontinued and are CLOSEOUT priced. When checking out online use coupon code fb (in the coupon section of the website at checkout) for 25% off savings on your order. Offer good on INSTOCK items only (stock will show on website). You can also mention this special on call in orders to receive the special, Call Toll Free 855-994-0990 Thank you.
AMA Monster Energy Graves Yamaha Y.E.S. Homestead Testing
Monster Energy Graves Yamaha / Y.E.S. Graves Yamaha rider comments provided from a recent AMA Pro Racing press release yesterday from the Homestead, Miami testing.
Quotes from Day 1:
Josh Hayes (No. 1 Monster Energy Graves Yamaha YZF-R1) – “I rode here in 1999 and in 2001, when I rode for John Ulrich, but I think the track has changed a little bit because the banking is different than when I rode it last. I can honestly tell you I didn’t remember too much of it; when I thought of the last turn I thought of Loudon; when I thought of the turn onto the back straight I think I was really thinking of Phoenix; and turn one I think I was thinking of Texas World Speedway. You know, it was like trying to put all of the pieces together as to where I really was. It felt like it was totally new to me, I don’t remember much about it. Things are going okay, we made some progress. As we’re making progress, those guys are moving forward too. We have a little bit of catching up to do but at some point they’re going to stall and hopefully we’ll just keep going until we catch up to them. All in all, I can’t complain.”
Cameron Beaubier (No. 6 Y.E.S./Graves Yamaha YZF-R6) – “We are just trying to get the suspension dialed in for when we come back for the race. My bike worked really well all day. The track is pretty cool, it flows really well and it was a lot of fun today. I really like the last section, the right-left, because you just throw the bike around and then drive it out, it’s pretty cool.”
Tommy Hayden (No. 8 Y.E.S./Graves Yamaha YZF-R6) – “The day went pretty well, I was happy with it. It nice to get out there and just get a little more relaxed, start trying to get used to a 600 a little bit and get used to the team a little more. We addressed a few small things to get me a little more comfortable. We steadily chipped away at everything today, chipped away at the lap time a little bit. I’m definitely a little more competitive than I was at Daytona. I’m feeling pretty good, I had a fun day. This is a pretty cool track, I hadn’t really ridden here before. I enjoyed myself.”
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.
Cypress, CA March 20, 2012 – Tommy Hayden, who was called into last-minute duty for the Daytona 200 after Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha team rider Garrett Gerloff was injured in the first practice session of the AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike season, is testing today and Wednesday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Hayden finished a very impressive 7th in the Daytona 200, and he will continue to race the Number 8 Yamaha YZF-R6 at the next two DSB rounds, including Road Atlanta on April 22-22 Road Atlanta and Infineon Raceway on May 4-6.
Keith McCarty, Motorsports Racing Division Manager for Yamaha, said, “Garrett is on the mend and in good spirits after his unfortunate injury last Thursday. We’ll continue to monitor his progress, and we’re looking forward to his return to the team. He fractured his right femur, and that’s a serious injury. We all want to make sure the bone heals properly. Garrett just turned 16 last summer, so he’s obviously a very young rider. He’s also very talented, too. Garrett, his family, and all of us at Yamaha want to make sure he’s back to 100% before he climbs back aboard his R6. Meanwhile, we’ve got a very experienced and capable replacement rider in Tommy Hayden, who rode for us a few years ago, so we’re at Homestead today and tomorrow, and Tommy is getting more and more comfortable on the R6 with each lap he takes.”
Tommy and his Y.E.S./Graves/Yamaha teammate Cameron Beaubier are both testing for the next two days and looking forward to the Big Kahuna Atlanta at Road Atlanta next month. Cameron finished 3rd in last Saturday’s Daytona 200.
—————
The same Championship winning parts on all Monster Energy Graves Yamaha / Y.E.S. Graves Yamaha race machine can be found at wwww.gravesport.com . Graves Motorsports is a leading motorcycle sport bike parts and accessories manufacturer. Graves Motorsports produces exhaust systems, fender eliminator kits, frame sliders, velocity stacks, engine case covers, engine performance and the leading resource for Dynojet Power Commander + accessories. Graves Motorsports has two locations: Van Nuys, California and Kennesaw, Georgia. Toll Free Sales # 855-994-0990
Monster Energy Graves Yamaha 2012 Daytona AMA Pro Racing
Various press releases from this weekend’s Daytona International Speedway AMA Pro Racing round. You can see images, videos and information on the Graves Motorsports Facebook, Youtube and Twitter pages (links at the bottom of our website).
Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha Rider Hayes On Pole For AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike At Daytona
Daytona, FL March 16, 2012 – Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha rider Josh Hayes, who captured seven poles last season on the way to his second AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Championship in a row, earned the pole position in today’s final qualifying session at Daytona International Speedway.
Josh’s Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha SuperBike teammate Josh Herrin equaled the fourth position on the starting grid that he earned in Thursday’s first qualifying session, which means that both riders will start from the front row aboard their crossplane-crankshaft Yamaha YZF-R1 SuperBikes.
Commenting on his pole-qualifying effort, Josh Hayes said, “My R1 is fast! It’s good to get that first point of the season, and I’m really looking forward to this afternoon’s race. With Josh and I both qualifying on the front row, we’re really excited to have the pair of Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha R1s at the head of the pack.”
SuperBike Race 1 will go green later today at 4:00 PM, and SuperBike Race 2 is set for Saturday, March 17 at 11:00 AM. Check your local TV listings for Speed TV’s telecast of both races.
###
About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.
Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.
———————
Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha Rider Beaubier Qualifies On Front Row For Daytona 200
Daytona, FL March 16, 2012 – Competing in just the second Daytona 200 of his young career, Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha rider Cameron Beaubier earned second position in today’s final qualifying session, and he will start on the front row for Saturday’s 71st running of the prestigious Daytona 200.
Cameron’s freshly recruited teammate for the Daytona 200, veteran rider Tommy Hayden-who was called into service late yesterday as a replacement for the injured Garrett Gerloff-qualified on the fourth row. Tommy is very much in position to move up during Saturday’s race, as he gets more seat time and acclimates to his Yamaha YZF-R6 during the main event.
Commenting on his qualifying session and the upcoming 200-mile race, Cameron said, “We’ve got a good race setup for tomorrow’s 200. It’s 57 laps, so we’re happy to be on the front row for the start. I’ll be working hard to keep myself up front and in position to win my first Daytona 200.”
Yamaha is well represented at the front of this year’s Daytona 200 starting grid. There are 6 Yamaha R6 Daytona SportBikes in the top 10 for the race.
Start time for Saturday’s Daytona 200 is 1:00 PM. Check your local TV listings for Speed TV’s telecast of the race.
———————
Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha Rider Hayes Blitzes The Field In AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Race 1 At Daytona
Daytona, FL March 16, 2012 – Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha rider Josh Hayes was a man on a mission in AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Race 1 at Daytona International Speedway as he successfully began his defense of his Championship title with a dominant win at “The World Center of Racing.”
Josh moved to the front of the pack in very quick fashion and clicked off fast lap after fast lap. He scored a valuable bonus point for leading the most laps-in fact, he led every lap of the 15-lap race—then took the checkered flag more than eight seconds ahead of 2nd-place finisher Blake Young. Josh also recorded the fastest lap of the race.
His Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha SuperBike teammate Josh Herrin actually got the holeshot when the race went green in his first-ever SuperBike race. For a brief moment on lap one, Herrin and Hayes were in first and second position, respectively, on their identically prepared crossplane-crankshaft Yamaha YZF-R1 SuperBikes before Hayes ultimately took the lead and was never fronted. Herrin unfortunately low-sided his bike and eventually had to retire from the race.
After celebrating the win with his crew and climbing to the top of the podium in Victory Circle, Josh Hayes said, “Man, my 2012 R1 is fast. What a day…I’m so happy. I’ve got to thank my whole Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha team, including my crew chief Jim Roach for working so hard in the off-season and this weekend to give me such a dominant motorcycle. It’s a great start to the season, and I can’t wait for tomorrow’s race.”
SuperBike Race 2 is set for Saturday, March 17 at 11:00 AM. Check your local TV listings for Speed TV’s telecast of the race.
———————
Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha Rider Hayes Finishes Second In AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Race 2 At Daytona; Teammate Herrin Is Fourth
Daytona, FL March 17, 2012 – With both of its riders finishing in the top 4, the Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha team performed well in AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Race 2 at Daytona International Speedway.
Josh Hayes, who earned another valuable point in the championship by leading the most laps, was perfectly positioned on the final lap to use the famous Daytona draft for the win, and Josh crossed the finish line in a photo finish. Blake Young held on to win the race by a scant two one-thousandths of a second. Josh, who is the two-time reigning SuperBike Champion, leaves Daytona in the lead of this year’s championship.
Number-2 Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha SuperBike rider Josh Herrin ran an exciting and tactical race where he diced back and forth with Roger Lee Hayden. In only his second race aboard the crossplane-crankshaft Yamaha YZF-R1, Josh finished in a very respectable 4th place.
Commenting on his race, Josh Hayes said, “Wow, that was exciting, but I just mistimed it on that last lap. My crew gave me a great bike today, but that one was on me. It was a great race for the fans, and I can’t wait to get to Road Atlanta. It’s going to be a great season.”
The Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha team’s next race is in almost exactly a month when AMA Pro Racing makes its welcome return to Road Atlanta for the Big Kahuna Atlanta.
———————
Yamaha YZF-R6 Rider Pascarella Wins Daytona 200; Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha’s Beaubier Finishes On Podium; Teammate Hayden Is 7th
Daytona, FL March 17, 2012 - 19-year-old Joey Pascarella won the 71st running of the Daytona 200 aboard his Yamaha YZF-R6. Riding to help raise awareness and support for the March of Dimes March for Babies, Joey led 41 laps of the 57-lap race.
Also the same age as Joey and hailing from the same part of California, Cameron Beaubier raced his Yamaha Extended Service /Graves/Yamaha R6 to a podium finish. Cameron was fast and out front at the start of the race, and he led 5 laps at the “World Center of Racing.” The final lap was as exciting as any 200 ever raced, and Cameron was in contention to notch the win. As always, drafting played a key role in the outcome, and Cameron crossed the finish line in third.
Tommy Hayden was called into action at virtually the last moment as a replacement rider for Garrett Gerloff, who was unfortunately injured in the first AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike practice on Thursday. Despite very little seat time in preparation for the race, Tommy relied on his immense experience and finished in a very impressive 7th place.
After the race, Cameron said, “I’m proud to put my Y.E.S./Graves/Yamaha R6 on the podium, but I’m also disappointed to not win the race. My crew gave me a great bike, and the pitstops were flawless. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season.”
The Y.E.S./Graves/Yamaha team’s next race is in about five weeks’ time when AMA Pro Racing makes its return to Road Atlanta for the Big Kahuna Atlanta on the weekend of April 20-22.
Be sure to follow the Yamaha U.S. Road Racing Teams on Facebook.
———————
Daytona, FL March 16, 2012 – Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha rider Josh Hayes was a man on a mission in AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Race 1 at Daytona International Speedway as he successfully began his defense of his Championship title with a dominant win at “The World Center of Racing.”
Josh moved to the front of the pack in very quick fashion and clicked off fast lap after fast lap. He scored a valuable bonus point for leading the most laps—in fact, he led every lap of the 15-lap race—then took the checkered flag more than eight seconds ahead of 2nd-place finisher Blake Young. Josh also recorded the fastest lap of the race.
His Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha SuperBike teammate Josh Herrin actually got the holeshot when the race went green in his first-ever SuperBike race. For a brief moment on lap one, Herrin and Hayes were in first and second position, respectively, on their identically prepared crossplane-crankshaft Yamaha YZF-R1SuperBikes before Hayes ultimately took the lead and was never fronted. Herrin unfortunately low-sided his bike and eventually had to retire from the race.
After celebrating the win with his crew and climbing to the top of the podium in Victory Circle, Josh Hayes said, “Man, my 2012 R1 is fast. What a day…I’m so happy. I’ve got to thank my whole Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha team, including my crew chief Jim Roach for working so hard in the off-season and this weekend to give me such a dominant motorcycle. It’s a great start to the season, and I can’t wait for tomorrow’s race.”
SuperBike Race 2 is set for Saturday, March 17 at 11:00 AM. Check your local TV listings for Speed TV’s telecast of the race.
Use Coupon code - hayes1 for a 25% discount good until Sunday at midnight at www.gravesport.com (Not valid for WORKS or dealer accounts). 2X AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes’ Podium Video http://youtu.be/DPuW_inj2Zs
What happens when you combine a Graves WORKS Project / 2012 Yamaha R1 / purpose-built stunt bike, a three-time XDL stunt champion, fast cars, hot girls, helicopters, an awesome race track and film the entire event through Tyler Kirk Films? Pure and sic drift insanity and the most advanced drift bike ever built. Graves Yamaha champion stunt rider Bill Dixon and Graves Motorsports teamed up for the epic undertaking of creating a purpose-built stunt bike designed to showcase Bill Dixon’s stunt capabilities. When they tested the bike at Willow Springs Raceway, it blew away everyone’s expectations. “When Chuck Graves told me there were no limits to what Graves Motorsports could do, I had no idea he meant it literally,” said Bill Dixon, “The bike is the epitome of badass.” Watch for Dixon”s favorite shot of the video; him passing the Nissan GTR mid-corner in a high speed drift with the helicopter hovering on the outside of the turn. “Bill had so much fun drifting the Graves Yamaha, I was jealous,” said Chuck Graves of Graves Motorsports, “Projects like this are the driving force at Graves. ’Create without limits’, ‘Strive for 11/10ths’, ‘Give maximum effort’ and ‘Just a bit more’ are the maxims we live by at Graves. I can’t wait for the next project!”
