BARNES TO FILL IN FOR HASKOVEC AT PIKES PEAK Veteran racer Mike Barnes will stand in for Vincent Haskovec on Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Formula Xtreme Suzuki GSX-R600 at Pikes Peak International Raceway this weekend. Barnes, a Florida native, was seventh in this year’s Daytona 200 and also took seventh in the AMA Supersport race at Daytona. The experienced racer has ridden a variety of machines in the past, from Superbikes to 250 Grand Prix bikes and all types in between. “This opportunity comes at a bad moment,” said Mike. “I’ve always admired Vincent and his ability and I wish the very best for him in his recovery. Every moment of the weekend, he will be in my thoughts. But the team must go on and I’m honored they picked me to fill in Vincent’s big shoes this weekend. ” Barnes, winner of two F-USA Championships, had seen a brief hiatus in his long racing career after this season’s Daytona races as he cared for his ill mother. Barnes is eager to be back on track, however, as he will race Haskovec’s Xtreme bike at Pikes Peak. “Learning two new bikes in a weekend would be a tough deal, so we’ve decided to race the Suzuki GSX-R600 in Formula Xtreme and I will probably ride a few laps on the Superstock bike as well,” said Barnes, who has earned a podium finish at the Colorado track on board a 250 Grand Prix bike. Barnes has competed against Team M4 EMGO Suzuki in recent seasons in Xtreme. “The main goal is to get a good finish,” said Barnes. “The Pirelli tires have really come a long way, so I’m looking forward to giving them a shot, too.” The two-day AMA race weekend begins this Saturday in Colorado.