Photography by Larry Lawrence
BIRMINGHAM, AL. (June 21, 2014) –The hot and humid conditions made it tough going for both man and machine Saturday in the AMA Pro Superbike race at Barber Motorsports Park. Veteran Josh Hayes used his years of experience to keep clean to easily win third race of the season. His victory combined with crashes by series leaders Cameron Beaubier and Roger Hayden, means that Hayes jumped from third to first in the series standings.
The attrition rate was incredible. Only 10 bikes were still running at the end of the race, which appropriately enough was red flagged when Frankie Babuska’s bike blew up and leaked oil on the white flag lap.
For Hayes he predicted this was going to be this type of race.
“I said going in that it’s a major challenge in these conditions,” Hayes said. “On a day like this it’s not necessarily about who is the fastest, but who can stay consistent and kept it on two wheels. I feel bad for the guys who crash, but hey, this was a tough race and to finish strong in these conditions is an accomplishment.”
David Anthony and Chris Clark finished second and third. The best results for both riders.
“It was a matter of attrition out there, but I kept riding to the end, so I’ll take it,” said Anthony, who found the podium for a second race in a row.
Clark earned his first career podium and was thrilled. “It was incredible, it really means something,” Clark said. “It was definitely a race of attrition and I probably didn’t deserve it, but it still feels great for me and the team.”
Hayes sprinted to a fast start and immediately opened a gap on the Suzuki’s of Hayden and Cardenas. Cardenas went out early with a big crash and that moved Beaubier up to third.By lap three the top three ran close with Hayes leading Hayden and Beaubier. Chris Fillmore ran a solid fourth, leading the rest of the field.
On lap five Beaubier went into the grass, stayed in third, but lost touch with the leaders.
Chris Ulrich crashed out of ninth on lap seven. Shortly after Beaubier crashed too. That mistake would cost him his series lead. His team tried to repair his bike, but was unable to finish in time for the restart.
David Anthony was the rider on the move mid-race. He pushed his way past Fillmore up to third.
A red flag flew on lap nine due to medical called to the aid of Ulrich. It was somewhat of a delayed red since Ulrich stood trackside a couple of laps before the race was stopped.
The race was restarted with 14 laps to go of the original 21 laps. Hayes and Hayden again were quickly alone at the front. Anthony held of Fillmore and Chris Clark in a battle for third.
On lap 15 Hayden crashed out leaving Hayes alone with a large 13-second lead. The attrition continued when Fillmore was seen sitting trackside, his KTM smoking, 16 laps in.
Hayes now leads the series by 17 points over Anthony (115-98). Hayden is third with 97 points. Beaubier took the biggest hit falling from first to fifth, now 25 points behind Hayes.
AMA Pro Superbike results from Barber Motorsports Park – June 21, 2014
1 4 Josh Hayes Gulfport, MS Yamaha R1 19 Laps
2 25 David Anthony Murrieta, CA Suzuki GSX-R1000 +12.057
3 6 Chris Clark Las Vegas, NV Suzuki GSX-R1000 +17.999
4 72 Larry Pegram Hebron, OH EBR 1190RS +27.452
5 13 Cory West Eureka Springs, AR EBR 1190RS +38.317
6 361 Sean Dwyer Palm Beach Gardens, FLSuzuki GSX-R1000 +38.678
7 76 Bernat Martinez Alberic, Spain Yamaha R1 +50.909 1
8 78 Reese Wacker Orange Park, FL Suzuki GSX-R1000 +53.176
9 17 Trent Gibson Spotswood, Australia Kawasaki ZX-10 +56.975
10 269 Johnny Rock Page Scottsdale, AZ Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1:10.
