Both Aaron and Roger will be in the paddock this weekend for the MotoAmerica event at VIR
This week’s Throwback Thursday goes back to August 2005 at Virginia International Raceway, where Aaron Yates (20) and Roger Hayden (95) put on an absolute masterpiece in AMA Superstock combat. Aboard his Yoshimura Suzuki, Yates controlled the pace from the green flag with Roger Lee’s factory Kawasaki glued to his rear tire. With gaps frequently hovering under a tenth of a second, Hayden bided his time, waiting for the final two laps to strike. A sudden red flag on lap 14 cut the duel short, handing Yates the victory and a crucial 21-point championship cushion, while Roger settled for a hard-fought second.
Fast forward to today, MotoAmerica heads back to the undulating VIR circuit this weekend with both icons firmly in the mix. While their leathers are hung up, the competitive drive remains alive and well. Aaron will be down in the hot pit supporting his son, Superbike contender Ashton Yates, while Roger takes to the broadcast booth to break down every lap of the action as television analyst. From trading paint at 160 mph two decades ago to working in supporting roles, their passion for the sport is still evident.
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