The AMA Suzuki Superbike Showdown just five weeks away.

Get ready for heart pounding excitement as the country’s best riders attack Road Atlanta’s 2.5 miles of swooping hills and thrilling turns at speeds as fast as 190 mph.

Your favorite riders – Aaron Yates, Larry Pegram, Ben Bostrom, Tommy Hayden, Jake Zemke, John Hopkins, Danny Eslick, Blake Young, Taylor Knapp and more – on your favorite bikes – Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Ducati and more – in your favorite classes – American Superbike, Daytona Sportbike and SuperSport.

DISCOUNTED TICKETS

2010 ticket prices discounted another 10%–20% from last year’s already discounted prices.
Saturday and Sunday single-day tickets are only $33 (down from $40 last year) and a two-day weekend ticket, which now includes FREE admission to Friday afternoon practice, is only $55 (down from $60 last year). It’s the perfect time to come and see the thrilling excitement for yourself. Remember, kids 12 and younger are free, so bring the entire family.

Buy your tickets today online at roadatlanta.com or call 800.849.RACE (7223).

Road Atlanta is located at 5300 Winder Highway, Braselton, Georgia 30517

AMA Pro Road Racing
Daytona 200 Week
Daytona International Speedway
March 3 – 5, 2010

Daytona 200 (57 laps) – 3/5/2010 8:00:00PM
1 8 J. Herrin Yamaha YZF-R6 57 WINNER 1:50.4520 51 Team Graves Yamaha 31*
2 2 D. Westby Yamaha YZF-R6 57 +7.964 1:50.7200 44 Project 1 Atlanta 25
3 15 S. Rapp Ducati 848 57 +24.496 1:50.3930 35 Team Latus Motors Racing 21
4 1 D. Eslick Suzuki GSX-R600 57 +40.973 1:50.6020 26 GEICO Powersports, RMR, Suzuki 19^
5 25 K. Coghlan Yamaha YZF-R6 56 +1 lap 1:50.8390 18 Aussie Dave Racing 16
6 57 C. West Suzuki GSX-R600 56 +39.919 1:51.9520 6 Vesrah Suzuki 15
7 99 G. May Suzuki GSX-R600 56 +1:50.590 1:52.6520 30 GMR Racing 14
8 11 S. Higbee Buell 1125R 56 +1:54.030 1:50.9540 47 Higbee-Racing.com 13
9 23 T. Knapp Ducati 848 55 +2 laps 1:53.1660 28 Ducshop Racing 12
10 53 E. Wood Honda CBR600RR 55 +15.626 1:53.4450 5 Team Heyser • Woodcraft 11
11 19 E. Haugo Yamaha YZF-R6 55 +50.989 1:53.8500 52 Viking Moto 10
12 125 R. Patterson Yamaha YZF-R6 55 +1:16.795 1:53.6660 16 D and R Racing 9
13 30 B. Fong Ducati 848 55 +1:17.343 1:53.0590 6 Crozier Roberson Motorsports 8
14 12 R. Orlando Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 55 +1:40.129 1:54.5850 16 Ricky Orlando Racing 7
15 32 S. Villa Suzuki GSX-R600 55 +1:40.244 1:54.8620 44 RoadRacingWorld.com 6
16 70 P. James Buell 1125R 54 +3 laps 1:55.6780 21 James Gang • Hoban Bros. Racing 5
17 65 A. Padovani Ducati 848 54 +18.553 1:55.6850 25 CR2 Corse 4
18 49 A. Lazo Yamaha YZF-R6 54 +31.987 1:55.1510 5 Alex Lazo Racing 3
19 77 D. Marchetti Ducati 848 54 +1:09.585 1:55.3820 13 Ducshop Racing 2
20 221 W. Sipp Buell 1125R 54 +1:09.855 1:55.2810 54 Walt Sipp Racing 1
21 37 J. Ashmead Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 53 +4 laps 1:56.4390 12 Brady Racing
22 192 R. Vargas Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 53 +49.807 1:56.0780 13 Vargas Racing
23 69 K. Keesee Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 50 +7 laps 1:56.7940 44 Brevard Superbike Racing
24 20 C. Martinez Ducati 848 50 +3.965 1:59.9510 12 Mid Cities Motorsports
25 170 D. Dumain Yamaha YZF-R6 49 +8 laps 1:56.7460 31 Moto Journal-Crit
26 13 M. Paris Yamaha YZF-R6 47 +10 laps 1:53.9920 27 MPH Racing, Inc.
27 61 B. McCormick Suzuki GSX-R600 31 +26 laps 1:50.8390 15 Picotte Racing
28 38 K. Turner Suzuki GSX-R600 30 +27 laps 1:53.7200 17 Turner’s Cycle Racing
29 594 D. McPherson Yamaha YZF-R6 29 +28 laps 1:56.2620 16 McNology Racing
30 17 B. Long Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 24 +33 laps 1:56.0530 8 LEVEL 10 Racing
31 34 M. Barnes Yamaha YZF-R6 21 +36 laps 1:53.3800 2 VRC Racing
32 6 T. Aquino Yamaha YZF-R6 17 +40 laps 1:51.0170 14 Team Graves Yamaha
33 78 R. Wacker Suzuki GSX-R600 15 +42 laps 1:55.9210 14 Wacker Racing LLC
34 75 J. Wood Suzuki GSX-R600 15 +5:03.726 1:53.7900 6 Vesrah Suzuki
35 113 C. Moodie Yamaha YZF-R6 10 +47 laps 1:58.7980 9 Bulldog Racing
36 84 A. Fania Suzuki GSX-R600 8 +49 laps 2:00.4050 3 KSW Racing
37 7 F. Amantini Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 1 +56 laps –.— 0 Team Amantini
38 36 M. Cardenas Suzuki GSX-R600 0 DNS –.— 0 Monster Energy/M4 Suzuki
39 4 C. Seller Yamaha YZF-R6 0 DNS –.— 0 Project 1 Atlanta
40 47 J. Day Yamaha YZF-R1 0 DNS –.— 0 Four Feathers Racing
41 54 P. Jacobsen Suzuki GSX-R600 0 DNS –.— 0 Celtic Racing
42 474 B. Skubic Yamaha YZF-R6 0 DNS –.— 0 Inotherm Yamaha Racing Team Slovenia
43 16 R. Wikle Suzuki GSX-R600 0 DNS –.— 0 Wikle Racing
44 14 M. Crozier Ducati 848 0 DNS –.— 0 Crozier Roberson Motorsports

Read more…

National Guard Jordan Motorsports' Jake Zemke leads the field at Daytona

Suzuki continued its tradition of owning the racetrack at the opening round of AMA American Superbike series in Daytona Beach, Florida this weekend – the GSX-R1000 taking seven of the top-10 spots overall after two days of racing.

National Guard Jordan Suzuki team rider Jake Zemke took first place in both 44-mile, 15-lap races and Tommy Hayden steered his Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000 to second place in both races. On Friday, he and Zemke were only .009 seconds separated as they crossed the finish line.

Jordan Suzuki’s Aaron Yates took pole position after setting the quickest qualifying lap in the day leading up to the double header; ending up fourth overall at the end of the event, while Blake Young, in his second year with the Rockstar Makita team, took fifth overall after grabbing the holeshot in Thursday’s race and leading for a few laps.

The RoadRacingWorld.com Suzuki, with Chris Ulrich aboard, took sixth overall. Taylor Knapp and his RidersDiscount.com Suzuki took seventh, and Shane Narbonne finished ninth on his DASPerformance.com GSX-R1000.

In the 69th running of the legendary Daytona 200, Geico Powersports RMR Suzuki’s Danny Eslick raced his GSX-R600 to the pole position and won the Rolex award for fastest qualifier. Eslick battled through the cold and challenging 200-mile race and took fourth, as Vesrah Suzuki’s Cory West took sixth overall. 

Daytona Superbike Race 1:
1. Jake Zemke (Suzuki)
2. Tommy Hayden (Suzuki) +0.238
3. Larry Pegram (Ducati) +0.259
4. Aaron Yates (Suzuki) +0.291
5. Blake Young (Suzuki) +0.307
6. Chris Ulrich (Suzuki) +27.398
7. Taylor Knapp (Suzuki) +27.43
8. Shawn Higbee (Ducati) +1 lap
9. Shane Narbonne (Suzuki) +9.078
10. Barrett Long (Ducati) +16.377

Daytona Superbike Race 2:
1. Jake Zemke (Suzuki)
2. Tommy Hayden (Suzuki) +0.009
3. Ben Bostrom (Yamaha) +0.081
4. Aaron Yates (Suzuki) +0.212
5. Larry Pegram (Ducati) +0.858
6. Josh Hayes (Yamaha) +1.838
7. Blake Young (Suzuki) +22.383
8. Brett McCormick (Suzuki) +29.235
9. David Anthony (Suzuki) +34.124
10. Taylor Knapp (Suzuki) +34.404 

Top 10 Points Standings:
1. Jake Zemke 62
2. Tommy Hayden 50
3. Larry Pegram 37
4. Aaron Yates 37
5. Blake Young 30
6. Taylor Knapp 25
7. Ben Bostrom 24
8. Chris Ulrich 24
9. Josh Hayes 23
10. Shane Narbonne 20

After losing out on the Daytona 200 victory in 2009, No. 8 Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R6 rider Josh Herrin secured his name in the history books by becoming the 69th winner of the Daytona Beach classic.  Held for the second year in a row under the lights, Herrin battled a number of riders before pulling away after a super quick pit stop on lap 39.  After that, he rode with tremendous composure and skill to take the checkered flag with a 7.964 second margin of victory on the historic 3.55 mile Daytona International Speedway.

Dane Westby and his No. 2 Project 1 Yamaha YZF-R6 took a well deserved second place and up until the last pit stop, it was a two man race.  Westby showed his skill by running up front all night, trading the lead with Herrin several times over the course of the 57 lap race.  Finishing third was 2007 Daytona 200 winner Steve Rapp on his No. 15 Team Latus Motors Racing Ducati 848.  Rapp also ran up front all night and was one of five riders to lead during the race. 

Leading the field off the line was pole winner Danny Eslick on the No. 1 GEICO Powersports RMR Suzuki GSX-R600 and as the field took the green flag from the standing start, fellow front row rider Martin Cardenas, riding the No. 36 Team M4 Monster Energy Suzuki GSX-R600, shot into the lead and led the field through turns one and two.  In a heartbreaking moment, Cardenas had the front end slide out on him going into turn three and down he went, his race over.  It was a devastating moment for what was clearly a big pre-race favorite.  Further back in the lineup, a number of riders came together in the next turn, necessitating a red flag and immediate race stoppage and full restart from the original grid.

One rider, P.J. Jacobson, was transported from the scene to Halifax Hospital but was later released.  Four other riders were examined at the infield care center and released and one rider, Bostjan Skubic, later complained of dizziness, was taken to Halifax for precautionary evaluation and was later released.  After a brief delay, the race was restarted and this time the field had three riders go off in turn one but with no impact on the race.  A tight group of 10 riders were drafting and swapping positions, with many changes every lap. Rapp, Herrin, Eslick, Team Graves Yamaha teammate Tommy Aquino, Kev Coghlan riding the Aussie Dave Racing Yamaha, Westby and more were all part of the action. 

Read more…

Another packed house turned out on another cold night for Round Two of the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship.  The new DAYTONA Flat Track presented the riders with a whole different race track from the Series opener. Despite being much smoother and faster the slick surface proved to be a major challenge all night.

Jake Johnson is sporting a new number on a new team, but the Zanotti Racing backed veteran ended the night with his fifth Daytona National win on his number 5 Zanotti Racing / Leo Vince backed Honda. “I knew I had to get out front and stay smooth,” said Johnson. “I could hear someone back there and with about four laps left I peeked. I saw that big number two and thought, ‘Oh oh here comes Coolbeth.’ I knew I had to keep my concentration and stay on my lines.”

Johnson had obviously been fast all night, but last night’s winner Sammy Halbert had been fast qualifier on his # 7 Woody Kyle Racing / Fredericktown Yamaha / Kings Kustoms backed Yamaha, picking up the $250 Arai fast qualifier check.

Johnson’s win in the second qualifying heat would put him on the pole for the National as the other two heats were red flagged at some point, ending any chance for fast time.

In the GNC Dash Sammy Halbert showed the same speed and determination as he had with last night’s win. Halbert stayed glued to the bottom while Joe Kopp had his # 3 American Agip / Latus Harley-Davidson backed Honda riding the rim.

Kopp came up just inches short at the line as the two Washington riders charged out of turn four. Johnson was just a tick back in third.

The start of the twenty five lap National saw Johnson on the point with Sammy Halbert right on his heels. As Halbert tried to shoot under Johnson exiting turn two he hit a slick spot starting and started a slow spin right in front of the entire field. Somehow everyone missed him and with the engine still running Halbert rejoined the chase.

Johnson had been presented a gift of a little space on the field as the avoided the # 7 bike and he made the most of it. Kopp was back up at the top of the track in second with Johnny Lewis and his # 10 Scott Powersports / Pit Posse / Monster Energy backed Honda in third.

Defending GNC Singles Champion Henry Wiles was also on the high line with his Kawasaki USA / Don’s Kawasaki / Shift Racing / Jones Brothers Racing backed # 1 Kawasaki, but that high line would go away and both Kopp and Wiles would fade into the pack.

While Johnson was cruising, the large crowds attention was riveted on the # 7 as Halbert caught the back of the pack by lap night and started working his way to the front, by lap fourteen he was in tenth place and still working forward. That was where the fairytale ended however as his Yamaha gave up and Sammy’s night was over too soon.

Almost unnoticed, Jared Mees had been working his Pro Honda Oils / Montgomeryville Cycle Center / Rogers Lake Racing backed # 21 Honda into second, but that was short lived as Kenny Coolbeth was coming from even farther back on his # 2 Bettencourt’s Honda / Jason Perry backed Honda.

Coolbeth was able to come from ninth to second by lap twelve, but that is where is drive stalled. Coolbeth cut into Johnson’s lead, but never challenged.

Johnny Lewis capped off a fine couple of days on his # 10 Scott Powersports / Pit Posse / Monster Energy backed Honda with a fourth place finish. Jethro Halbert kept Halbert Family racing in the mix as he rode a steady race to fifth on his # 69 Woddy Kyle Racing / Fredericktown Yamaha / Kings Kustom backed Yamaha.

In the Pro Singles class JD Beach had been road racing at the neighboring speedway all day and missed practice, but was allowed to ride one four lap qualifying session. He was able to turn sixth fast time his # 95C Alpinestars / Arai / Oakley / Team 95 backed Honda.

In the Pro Singles Main, defending Pro Singles Champion Brad Baker got the hole shot on his # 1 Mike Velasco Racing / Brothers Power Sports / Rod Lake backed Honda, but he had a whole horde of riders right behind.

On lap four Beach wedged himself under Baker as they exited turn two and took command for the remaining twelve laps. Stephen Vanderkuur pushed the # 10J Dallas Fort Worth Honda / D&D Exhaust backed Honda to the front of a three way battle over second.

As Beach cruised, the podium appeared to be set, but a last lap shake-up saw last nights winner, Jeff Carver slip his # 24P Van`s Yamaha / Yamaha Motor Co / GYTR / Carver`s BBQ backed Yamaha into second. Baker held on for third.

RESULTS:

Grand National Championship: 1. Jake Johnson (Hon); 2. Kenny Coolbeth (Hon); 3. Jared Mees (Hon); 4. Johnny Lewis (Hon); 5. Jethro Halbert (Yam); 6. Bryan Smith (Kaw); 7. Joe Kopp (Hon); 8. Henry Wiles (Kaw); 9. JR Schnabel (Yam); 10. Don Mullen (Hon); 11. Brandan Bergen (Hon); 12. Rob Pearson (Yam); 13. Mick Kirkness (Suz); 14. Raun Wood (Hon); 15. Chris Carr (Hon); 16. Gary Conklin (Hon); 17. Sammy Halbert (Yam); DQ. Matt Weidman (Hon).

Pro Singles: 1. JD Beach (Hon); 2. Jeffery Carver (Yam); 3. Brad Baker (Hon); 4. Stephen Vanderkuur (Hon); 5. Mikey Avila (Hon); 6. James Rispoli (Hon); 7. Cory Strickler (Yam); 8. Shane Narbonne (Hon); 9. Mikey Martin (Hon); 10. Rob McClendon (KTM); 11. Mickey Fay (Hon); 12. John Long (Suz); 13. Mike LaBelle (Hon); 14. Wyatt Maguire (Yam); 15. Andrew Smith (Hon); 16. Adam Cobb (Yam); 17. William Cato (Hon); 18. Jacob Constantine (Hon).

GRAND NATIONAL POINT STANDINGS: 1. Jake Johnson (42 pts / 1 win); 2. (TIE) Henry Wiles / Joe Kopp / Johnny Lewis (34); 5. Sammy Halbert (33 / 1 win); 6. Kenny Coolbeth (32); 7. Jethro Halbert (29); 8. Jared Mees (25); 9. Bryan Smith (18); 10. Don Mullen (17).

PRO SINGLES POINT STANDINGS: 1. Jeffery Carver (42 pts / 1 win); 2. JD Beach (35 / 1 win); 3. James Rispoli (32); 4. Stephen Vanderkuur (31); 5. Brad Baker (30); 6. Mikey Avila (29); 7. Mikey Martin (19); 8. John Long (14); 9. (TIE) Cory Strickler / Mike Poe (13).

AMA Pro Racing and Vance & Hines are pleased to announce the launch of the new AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series, a spec-bike five race championship featuring specially modified Harley-Davidson XR1200 motorcycles.

This exciting new series will provide loyal Harley-Davidson owners, dealers and enthusiasts a chance to join the action at selected AMA Pro Road Racing weekends throughout the country.

As the presenting sponsor, Vance & Hines will also serve as the official race kit supplier for the class.  The kit will consist of a Vance & Hines XR1200 exhaust system, a Fuelpak fuel management system, race bodywork including number plate, single seat tail section and belly pan, 17-inch front wheel with matching front fender, steering damper, oil cooler relocator and race decal package.  The cost for the complete kit will be $3500.

Spec XR1200 races will be run at select AMA and British Superbike events

“We have racing in our DNA, Harley-Davidson has racing in their DNA and we are truly thrilled to bring Vance & Hines and Harley-Davidson back into AMA Pro Racing,” Terry Vance, a prolific champion as both rider and team owner, said of the new series.  “The XR1200 has proven to be an exciting platform for spec racing in Europe and this class will be a perfect cost-effective platform to showcase new talent on a national stage.  Many of the finest motorcycle racers all over the world got their start in the AMA Supertwins class of the 1990s.”

As in all AMA Pro Road Racing series, Dunlop will provide the spec tire for the class and Sunoco will fuel the racers with their Sunoco 260 GTX fuel.  In addition to the Vance & Hines supplied kit parts, teams will be allowed to upgrade their suspension, hand and foot controls, brake components and instrumentation.

AMA Pro Racing Chief Operating Officer David Atlas welcomed the new series, “Adding another element to our events with a series of this caliber will be a great benefit to our sport.  The specification of the XR1200 package will put the premium on the rider’s ability and will provide a great new class of racing that has ties to the past.”

Vance & Hines is also pleased to announce that the XR1200 Series will feature a $5,000 purse payout at each of the five rounds, $2,500 going to the race winner, $1,000 to the runner-up and $750 for third.  Fourth and fifth place finishers will receive $500 and $250 respectively.

For the 2010 season, the AMA Pro Racing Vance & Hines XR1200 Series will race at five rounds of the AMA Pro Road Racing Championship.  The first race will be just north of Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee headquarters at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI.  Next up will be the classic Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, moving on to Virginia International Raceway and New Jersey Motorsports Park.  The season finale will be at Barber Motorsports Park.

For more information, please contact Vance & Hines Motorsports at (317) 852-9057 or www.amaproracing.com.

Jake Zemke took a hard-earned victory aboard his No. 54 National Guard Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000 in the opening round of AMA Pro National Guard American SuperBike competition during the Daytona 200 Week at Daytona International Speedway. Zemke led six of the race’s 15 laps in the afternoon race around the 2.90-mile short course at the famed circuit.

After a thrilling AMA Pro Racing SuperSport race, the AMA Pro American SuperBike field lined up under sunny skies and the warmest temperatures of the event so far.  The exciting qualifying session saw Aaron Yates take pole position for the doubleheader races on his No. 23 Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R1000, followed by practice pacesetter Larry Pegram with his No. 72 Foremost Insurance Ducati 1098R and Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000 teammates No. 22 Tommy Hayden and No. 79 Blake Young completing the front row.  Josh Hayes and his No. 4 Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R1 and eventual day one race winner Zemke were next up alongside Ben Bostrom’s No. 155 Pat Clark Motorsports Yamaha YZF-R1 and an impressive Chris Ulrich on his No. 18 RoadRacingWorld.com Suzuki GSX-R1000. 

At the start, Young shot into the lead as Yates slipped to fourth.  Ulrich jumped up to sixth, while unfortunately his teammate John Hopkins suffered a mechanical problem on his No. 21 Team M4 Monster Energy Suzuki GSX-R1000 and was unable to finish the race.  Hayes also had a tough day, dropping back at the start, never able to mount a charge back to front.  Young and Hayden ran one-two for a few laps as Pegram battled with Yates and a hard-charging Zemke.  The first five broke away and made the race their own all the way to the finish.  

Zemke took the lead with a huge drafting move on lap seven and led Hayden, Pegram, Young and Yates, all within inches of each other, around the high eastern banking.  Pegram and Hayden went by Zemke on lap 11 with Young and Yates holding station.  Hayden had a near slide in the infield, later saying that it really didn’t hurt his chances at that particular point on the racetrack.  With two laps to go, there was a massive reshuffling as Hayden took the lead and was closely followed by Zemke, Pegram, Yates and Young. 

Hayden finished second and Pegram closed out the podium with third.  Yates and Young took fourth and fifth, respectively, to complete the top five.  Pegram, Yates and Young all turned their fastest laps on the final lap of the race.

After diving into the lead in turn one on the last lap, Zemke was able to break free and build a small gap and as the other riders hit the banking for the final time.  Hayden, Pegram and Yates raced each other hard and allowed Zemke to pull away for a magnificent win, his margin of victory a mere 0.238 of a second.  An emotional National Guard Jordan Suzuki team celebrated after a sensational start to the season.  Under the watchful eye of team owner Michael Jordan, it was a perfect start to the 2010 season for the new rider combination.  Collecting his trophy from sponsor Sgt. First Class John Metzler in Victory Lane, Zemke paid tribute to the men and women serving our country in the National Guard and all of our armed forces all over the world and was also full of praise for his new team. 

The final AMA Pro National Guard American SuperBike race of the Daytona 200 week goes green today (Friday) at 4 p.m. eastern time, and both races can be seen in their entirety this Saturday beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET on SPEED.

From the drop of the green flag until the last lap, the opening round of the 2010 AMA Pro Racing SuperSport Championship provided non-stop action during the opening day of racing during the Daytona 200 Week. AMA Pro Racing rookie Cameron Beaubier took his first victory by an amazing 0.001 of a second, just beating Joey Pascarella as they battled side by side all the way to the finish line.  Also taking advantage of the furious drafting on the final lap was Jake Gagne who took third, setting an all-Yamaha YZF-R6 podium in the kick-off race for the 2010 AMA Pro Road Racing season at Daytona International Speedway.

Under clear but cool conditions, the field was led by Pascarella, J.D. Beach, Beaubier and Gagne.  Tomas Puerta, Hunter Nash, Elana Myers and Daniel Guevara made up the second row and all soon joined in a seven-bike train after the start.  Pascarella fell back momentarily but by the end of lap one he was back into the lead.  A furious battle then continued as Pascarella, Beach and Beaubier swapped the lead back and forth.  Lap after lap, one would be leading as they crossed the start-finish line and another would take the lead going into turn one under fierce braking.  On lap four, with the lead pack in a tight draft, Beach shot into the lead and looked like a real contender for the win.  Puerta got a huge draft and took the lead on lap eight, leading until Pascarella regained the top spot while the group literally battled inches apart on the high banks of Daytona. 

By lap 10, the first five started to break away from the pack as Myers and Guevara continued their impressive runs just behind the lead group.  On the penultimate lap, Gagne missed the chicane and drove through with no gain or loss of position, rejoining the battle as the group ran back up the banking into the tri-oval for the last lap.  Pascarella dove into the lead going into the last lap, and he and Beaubier fought it out.  As they came into sight of the finish line, the duo were side by side for a photo finish.  Each thought that the other had won and ultimately, the margin of victory for Beaubier was 0.001 seconds, the closest finish in the history of AMA Pro Racing.  Review of the high-speed photo finish camera system showed what appeared to be less than two inches difference.

Joyous in victory lane, Beaubier’s was still amazed that he had earned his first AMA Pro Racing victory.  Pascarella was gracious in defeat, losing by 0.001 of a second isn’t all bad and he has every right to be pleased with his performance after starting from pole position.  Gagne also took advantage of the draft and took a well deserved third place, a testament to his perseverance after his miscue in the chicane.

Beach took fourth followed by Puerta, Huntley Nash and an excellent sixth place for Elena Myers on her Suzuki GSX-R600.  The first five riders were all on Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycles.

A great start to the 2010 season and for the AMA Pro SuperSport class, Friday is sure to see another exciting race on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway.  Highlights from both SuperSport races can be seen during the AMA Pro American SuperBike presented by National Guard broadcasts on SPEED this Saturday night.

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.

 AMA Pro Racing kicked off the 2010 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship before a standing room only crowd at the “World Center of Racing” on the brand new DAYTONA Flat Track.

The large crowd that braved the cold temperatures were treated to some very hot racing all night. Woody Kyle Racing / Fredericktown Yamaha / Kings Kustoms backed Sammy Halbert blasted around early leader Joe Kopp (American AGIP / Latus Harley-Davidson / Moto Concepts) on lap eight and pulled to over a two second lead by the end of the 25 lap National.

“I just found my line on the track and was able to get out to a good lead,” said Halbert. “I looked back late in the race and had a good lead. I yelled a few times in my helmet, I was pretty sure I had it won. It’s really special to be the first winner at this new facility.”

Kopp had gotten the hole shot and was settling into a lead over Bettencourt Honda’s Kenny Coolbeth when Halbert came knocking on Coolbeth’s door on lap three. Halbert wasted no time in his charge to the front and by lap ten he had pretty much locked the win away.

Kopp and Coolbeth then had to fend off defending Singles National Champion, Henry Wiles (Kawasaki USA / Don’s Kawasaki / Shift Racing / Jones Brothers Racing). Wiles was finally able to get by the two former Grand National Champions on lap fourteen and slide into a comfortable second.

A major war developed over the final podium spot as Kopp and Coolbeth were joined by future brothers in laws, Johnny Lewis (Scott Powersports / Pit Posse / Monster Energy) and Jake Johnson (Zanotti Racing / Leo Vince / Arai / Tucker Rocky).

Johnson came out on top of there and Woddy Kyle Racing / Fredericktown Yamaha / Kings Kustom’s Jethro Halbert made a last lap pass of Kopp for fourth.

Earlier in the night Johnny Lewis had captured the four-lap Expert Dash and the all important five bonus points that go with the $1,000 check. Kopp, Sammy Halbert, Wiles, Coolbeth and Matt Weidman (Mack Daddy Racing / Matt’s Racing) were right behind.

The sixteen lap Pro Singles National got off to a rough start when Alpinestars / Arai / Oakley / Team 95 backed JD Beach hit the ground on the first lap in turn three. Beach also gathered up defending class Champion, Brad Baker (Brothers Power Sports / Mike Velasco / Micah Racing) and several others.

The restart saw ,s James Rispoli off first but, Van`s Yamaha / Yamaha Motor Co / GYTR / Carver`s BBQ’s Jeffery Carver sliced his way into the lead on lap four and was never headed. Rispoli pressured in second while Stephen Vanderkuur grabbed the last podium position. Mikey Avila made his Pro debut a success with a fourth place finish.

Brad Baker worked his way all the way from dead last on lap one to fifth at the checkered flag, over fast qualifier Mike Poe and JD Beach.

Arai Helmets added money to the night’s program for a Pro Singles Dash and JD Beach came away with the cash.

RESULTS:

GNC SINGLES: 1. Sammy Halbert (Yam); 2. Henry Wiles (Kaw); 3. Jake Johnson (Hon); 4. Jethro Halbert (Yam); 5. Joe Kopp (Hon); 6. Johnny Lewis (Hon); 7. Kenny Coolbeth (Hon); 8. Matt Weidman (Hon); 9. Raun Wood (Hon); 10. Jared Mees (Hon); 11. Don Mullen (Hon); 12. Chris Carr (Hon); 13. JR Schnabel (Yam); 14. Bryan Smith (Kaw); 15. Brandan Bergen (Hon); 16. AJ Eslick (Hon); 17. Luke Gough (Hon).

PRO SINGLES: 1. Jeffery Carver (Yam); 2. James Rispoli (Hon); 3. Stephen Vanderkuur (Hon); 4. Mikey Avila (Hon); 5. Brad Baker (Hon); 6. Mike Poe (Kaw); 7. JD Beach (Hon); 8. Kenny Malaguarnero (Hon); 9. Gerit Callies (Hon); 10. Mikey Martin (Hon); 11. Jake Shoemaker (Suz); 12. John Long (Suz); 13. Chad Kenyon (Kaw); 14. Adam Cobb (Yam); 15. Dalton Winkler (Yam); 16. Rob McClendon (KTM); 17. William Cato (Hon); 18. Cory Strickler (Yam).

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.

AMA Pro Racing Round 1 – Daytona International Speedway
Schedule

Wednesday March 3
8:30am Garages Open
9:00am – 12:00pm Rider Head Shots in Media Center – Mandatory
12:00pm Post Entry Deadline for SuperSport Top Guns Only
12:30pm – 1:00pm Free Practice Daytona SportBike (LC)
1:30pm – 2:00pm Free Practice American SuperBike (SC)
2:10pm – 2:40pm Free Practice SuperSport (SC)
2:40pm – 3:40pm Mid-day Break
3:45pm – 4:45pm Free Practice American SuperBike (SC)
5:00pm – 6:00pm Free Practice SuperSport (SC)
6:30pm – 8:00pm Free Practice Daytona SportBike (LC)
9:00pm Garages Close

Thursday March 4
8:00am Garages Open
9:00am – 9:20am Qualifying Practice Daytona SportBike Group A (LC)
9:25am – 9:45am Qualifying Practice Daytona SportBike Group B (LC)
10:15am – 10:45am Qualifying Practice American SuperBike (SC)
11:00am – 11:30am Final Qualifying SuperSport (SC)
11:45am – 12:30pm Final Qualifying American SuperBike (SC)
12:30pm – 1:30pm Mid-day Break
12:45pm – 1:30pm Mandatory Autograph Session- American SuperBike,
Daytona SportBike, SuperSport
1:30pm Opening Ceremonies – SuperSport
2:00pm SuperSport (12 laps) 35 Mile Race
3:00pm Opening Ceremonies – American SuperBike
3:30pm American SuperBike (15 laps) 44 Mile Race
5:00pm – 6:30pm Evening Break/Fan Track Rides
6:30pm -7:00pm Final Qualifying Daytona SportBike Group A (LC)
7:00pm -7:30pm Final Qualifying Daytona SportBike Group B (LC)
8:30pm Garages Close

Friday March 5
9:30am Garages Open (DAYTONA 200 Pit Assignments Posted at Tech)
11:30am – 12:00pm Warm-up SuperSport (SC)
12:15pm – 12:45pm Warm-up American SuperBike (SC)
1:30pm – 2:00pm Warm-up Daytona SportBike (LC)
2:00pm – 3:00pm Mid-day break
3:00pm SuperSport (12 laps) 35 Mile Race
4:00pm American SuperBike (15 laps) 44 Mile Race
7:15pm Opening Ceremonies-DAYTONA 200
8:00pm DAYTONA 200 (57 laps)
12:00am Garage area move-out

TIME CERTAIN SCHEDULE – All Sessions to start and finish as shown
(SC) = Short Course-4.67km, 2.9 miles (LC) = Long Course-5.65km, 3.51 miles

Daytona 200 TV Coverage:
Friday, March 5
AMA Pro Road Racing – Daytona 200
Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL, USA
SPEED
9:00pm-11:30pm (Live)