Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A significant oil leak from John Haner’s Hooters Suzuki GSX-R1000 caused three riders to crash and the final AMA Superstock practice (before the 17-lap final) to be stopped 11 minutes into the 25-minute session.

A suspected blown cam chain tensioner gasket started leaking oil as soon as Haner pulled away from his team’s transporter in the paddock and continued leaking oil around the track.

“I got to turn three before I got my first indication, a little slip, but I just thought it was from cold tires,” said a remorseful Haner in his pits after the incident. “Then Geoff May came by waving at me, telling me I was leaking oil. I pulled off the track and started yelling at the cornerworkers to throw the red flag. By the time they threw it, all those guys had crashed.”

Mark Simon crashed in turn four, David Sanders crashed in turn three and defending AMA Superstock Champion Josh Hayes crashed in turn three.

“I didn’t know there was oil there,” said Hayes. “I just threw it in, and the next thing I knew was I was on my butt. I’m OK.”

Simon’s and Sanders’ conditions were not immediately available.

Haner’s oil leak was just the latest in a weekend full of difficulties. The Texan highsided in turn three Friday, destroying one of his motorcycles and injuring his right leg. Then Haner blew an engine on his fourth lap of Superstock qualifying Friday afternoon.