Photography by Larry Lawrence
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 9, 2015) – Cameron Beaubier won the red-flag shortened MotoAmerica AMA Superbike race two Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, completing a sweep of the weekend. The race was called after 15 of a scheduled 18 laps when a light rain began to fall heavier. Beaubier’s margin of victory over Roger Hayden was 0.015 seconds. Josh Hayes finished a close third, just 0.297 seconds back.
The result of Beaubier’s sweep is that he carries an 18-point lead into the series finale (336-318) over his Monster Energy Yamaha teammate. Hayes is no longer in control of his own destiny. Beaubier could finish behind him in second in both New Jersey races and still win the title. Hayden is out of the championship picture, but could play a spoiler roll at New Jersey and possibly help Hayes catch his younger teammate. Hayden joked in the press conference afterwards that he was taking bids from Beaubier and Hayes.
Hayden got a rocket start on the Yoshimura Suzuki featuring the special GSX-R 30th anniversary red and black paint scheme. This time Josh Hayes was determined to be with the leaders at the start and he and Cameron Beaubier were right there on their factory Monster Energy Yamaha’s behind Hayden. At one point Hayden got sideways and lifted. Hayes nearly hit him from the rear, but a bit of good riding by both avoided what could have been a disastrous result.
Hayden led the early laps, but on lap five Beaubier drafted into the lead going into turn one. That started a back and forth for the lead that would go on for the rest of the race.
Steve Rapp was caught up in a mess when two other riders collided in front of him. Rapp was hit and crashed his Atom Racing BMW. He was able to rejoin the race.
Jake Lewis was with the leaders in the beginning, but gradually fell back several seconds behind the leading trio. Jake Gagne emerged in fifth, first Superstock bike.
In the closing laps light rain began to fall. All three of the leaders were slipping under acceleration.
With two laps to go the red flag came out when rain came stronger and the scoring reverted back to lap 15 giving Beaubier the victory.
“I’m definitely really pleased,” said Beaubier, who scored his eighth win of the season matching Hayes. “I mean 18 points is a decent gap, but I know how good this guy (Hayes) is at New Jersey so it’s going to be a pretty stressful, tough weekend.
“This race was pretty tough the last few laps when it was raining. I think all of us were riding a little timid. It seemed like whoever was in front was going just a little bit slower because they didn’t know how much grip there was. It was easier to ride around in second than to lead in those conditions. I had a feeling they were going to throw the red flag so I was doing everything I could just to stay in front.”
A champion will be crowned at the series finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park on Sept. 11-13.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Aug. 9, 2015
Superbike/Superstock 1000 Combined Results:
1. Cameron Beaubier (Yamaha)
2. Roger Hayden (Suzuki)
3. Josh Hayes (Yamaha)
4. Jake Lewis (Suzuki)
5. Jake Gagne (Yamaha)
6. Josh Day (Yamaha)
7. Sheridan Morais (Aprilia)
8. Tyler O’Hara (Yamaha)
9. Taylor Knapp (Yamaha)
10. Chris Ulrich (Suzuki)
Superbike Results
1. Cameron Beaubier (Yamaha)
2. Roger Hayden (Suzuki)
3. Josh Hayes (Yamaha)
4. Jake Lewis (Suzuki)
5. Chris Ulrich (Suzuki)
Superstock 1000 Results
1. Jake Gagne (Yamaha)
2. Josh Day (Yamaha)
3. Sheridan Morais (Aprilia)
4. Tyler O’Hara (Yamaha)
5. Taylor Knapp (Yamaha)
