Josh Herrin, the newly crowned 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, will ride a Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V4 R Superbike at the 2022 MotoAmerica season finale September 23-25 at Barber Motorsports Park.

The announcement, however, came in a strange way.

Instead of making a big, separate announcement about Herrin racing in the MotoAmerica Superbike class at the finale, Ducati North America simply let the news out by including it in Herrin’s quote in its press release following MotoAmerica Supersport Race Two September 11 at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

In the press release, Herrin was quoted as saying: “I’m happy to go into Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama and have a chance to ride the Ducati Panigale V4 SBK, which will be a real treat.”

Racing in Superbike is nothing new to the Californian, as he did so for many years of his career and he won the 2013 AMA Pro Superbike Championship on a Yamaha. It will, however, be Herrin’s first time racing a Ducati Panigale V4 R Superbike.

Herrin’s teammate Danilo Petrucci, meanwhile, will be trying to capture the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship on his Ducati Panigale V4 R at Barber Motorsports Park. He currently trails Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha’s Jake Gagne by four points.

More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:

Rain Master Petrucci Tames The Conditions To Win In New Jersey

Petrucci Now Just Four Points Behind Gagne As The Series Heads To Barber Motorsports Park For Finale, September 23-25

MILLVILLE, NJ (September 11, 2022) – Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC’s Danilo Petrucci has been doing a rain dance all year, but it took until the ninth round of the 10-round 2022 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship for his wish to come true. But when it did, he took full advantage.

Petrucci raced away in the rain at New Jersey Motorsports Park to score his fifth race win of the season and perhaps his most important. The win, combined with championship leader Jake Gagne’s third-place finish, moved the Italian to within four points of Gagne in the championship with just one round and two races left to run at Barber Motorsports Park, September 23-25

Heavy rain fell prior to the start of the 14-lap race at NJMP, leaving no doubt that the field would be using rain tires. There was also little doubt that Petrucci would be fast in the conditions as he came to the MotoAmerica with a reputation for being a rain master. And that he was. After slip sliding around for the duration and doing so more capably than the others, Petrucci crossed the line with 6.6 seconds in hand.

Second place went to Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz, the South African also impressive after charging through the field from behind after being relegated to the back of the grid after missing the sighting lap.

Gagne was a timid third, the defending MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Champion in the unenviable position of having little to gain and plenty to lose in the tricky conditions. Gagne stayed out of trouble and gained a spot late in the race when his teammate Cameron Petersen crashed out of his battle for second with Scholtz. Gagne could also breathe a bit easier when Ashton Yates crashed the Aftercare Hayes Scheibe Racing BMW with two laps to go while hounding the Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing rider.

Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Hector Barbera was fourth, some 25 seconds behind Gagne and four seconds ahead of Petersen with the South African remounting and riding his Yamaha to fifth without a left handlebar.

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Jake Lewis was sixth with fellow Kentuckian Hayden Gillim seventh on the Disrupt Racing Suzuki. ADR Motorsports’ David Anthony, Triple M’s Jeremy Coffey and Altus Motorsports Brandon Paasch rounded out the top 10.

With two races remaining in the championship, Gagne leads Petrucci, 331-327. Petersen is third on 272 points, 17 points clear of Scholtz. Barbera strengthened his hold on fifth and now leads his teammate Jacobsen by 32 points.

Danilo Petrucci – Winner

“Yesterday maybe was the hardest race of the championship. Really, we struggled hard in this track. It’s so narrow, so bumpy, low level of grip. It’s the worst conditions for us. But I knew that this bike is working perfectly in the rain. I always like to ride under the rain. I just tried at the beginning of the race, I was not sure if the rain was coming or not, but it was so tricky to decide. I tried to make my pace, but without using too much rear tire. It was just enough because one lap more and we were in trouble. Not for winning the race, but for finish the race. I don’t know if it was shown on the camera, but I almost crashed three laps to go. I stayed in the track by I think one inch. I almost highsided. It was so tricky because at the end the rain was coming harder. Then whatever it will go, I’m so happy to bring the championship to the last race, even if I finish first or second because I’m so happy to bring all this excitement to this championship. I think it has been good whatever if I win or not to follow this championship and this fight to the end. I’m so happy to race here. For sure, today the rain was for us like water into the desert. I’m so happy. We go to Barber. I know the track. I had one day of test there in May. We will try.”

Mathew Scholtz – Second Place

“We had a seven-minute practice session before the race. We went out on wets (rain tires) and it was way too dry, so we ended up putting slicks on thinking it would be fine. Then it started raining harder as the pit lane opened up. So, we went back to wets because we saw everybody else was using them. So, we kind of missed the pit lane out to go and line up. Then, unfortunately, I had to start in the back of the grid, a couple rows back. So, that really hurt me coming through the pack on the first couple laps. These guys just gapped me, but I kept my head down and charged hard and managed to get up to second place. I felt like I could have had the pace to be with Danilo (Petrucci) up front, maybe if I could kind of hang onto them the first couple laps. But overall, starting from the back of the grid, I’ll take second place.”

Jake Gagne – Third Place

“It was tough. I just knew coming down to this thing I couldn’t throw it away. I wanted to be patient and take my time. I knew Danilo (Petrucci) would be fast. I knew Mat (Scholtz) would be fast. I knew Cam (Petersen) would be fast. So, it was tricky. This track is always really, really tricky in the wet. Every turn has a different feel, different amount of grip. Got off to a decent start and those guys kind of took off right away. I was kind of in that point where I’m like, ‘I just got to keep the thing up and not do anything stupid.’ Unfortunately, I saw Cam and Danilo was gone right away. He put the hammer down. Mat and Cam were battling hard ahead of me. Unfortunately, Cam fell down in that left-hander and then it got really tough at the end just to keep it upright once it kind of started raining again. But we’re up here on the podium. We brought it home on a tough day. We’re bringing this championship down close to the end. So, I’m excited about that.”

More, from a press release issued by Ducati North America:

Danilo Petrucci Claims a Vital Victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park

The Italian forces a final race showdown for the 2022 Medallia MotoAmerica Superbike Championship after a dramatic weekend in New Jersey 

Sunnyvale, Calif., September 11, 2022 – The determination of Danilo Petrucci (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC) showed through the pouring rain at New Jersey Motorsports Park as the Italian took a crucial victory to send the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship into a winner-take-all showdown at Barber Motorsports Park on September 23-25.

After coming home an upset fourth in race one, a race in which chief title rival Jake Gagne won to open a 13-point lead in the series, Petrucci dug deep and produced a stunning wet weather ride in race two, taking the victory and clawing back Gagne’s points advantage to just four with 50 to play for at Barber after the latter came home third on the factory Yamaha.

Two-time MotoGP race winner Petrucci will also have some help at Barber in the form of 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Josh Herrin, who will step back up to the Superbike class on the second Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V4 SBK to give Petrucci as much help as possible as he aims to take an historic MotoAmerica Superbike Championship win for both himself and Ducati North America.

2022 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship Standing – Top 5

P1 – Jake Gagne (Yamaha) 331

P2 – Danilo Petrucci (Ducati) 327

P3 – Cameron Petersen (Yamaha) 272

P4 – Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha) 255

P5 – Hector Barbera (BMW) 173

Danilo Petrucci (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC – Ducati #9) : “I’m so happy to bring this first position home,” Petrucci said. “Yesterday, in race one, the target was to stay on the podium and I didn’t make it. That was one of the most challenging races of the season and we tried to fix the problem but didn’t find any solution. Fortunately, today, the rain came and it was nice to reach our maximum potential on our bike, which works perfectly in the wet. I’m so happy that we’ll bring this championship fight to the final race at Barber. We are trying to surprise and win, and keeping the championship alive in this fashion is a great feeling.”

More, from a press release issued by Westby Racing:

Scholtz Blitzes The Field, Finishes As Runner-Up In Sunday’s Superbike Race At New Jersey Motorsports Park 

Millville, NJ – September 11, 2022 – Despite having to start at the back of the grid, Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz overtook a slew of riders in Sunday’s wet Superbike race two at New Jersey Motorsports Park and finished on the podium in the runner-up position.

Along with Mathew’s third-place result in Saturday’s race one, he has extended his podium streak at New Jersey Motorsports Park to eight consecutive races going back to 2019. He’s also tallied a total of 10 podium finishes so far this season.

Mathew was in 15th place on lap one, and with surgical precision, he sliced his way through the pack, overtaking the riders in front of him. On lap nine, he moved past Cam Petersen and held second place for two laps until Cam retook the position on lap 11. With two laps to go in the 14-lap race, Cam had a tipover, and Mathew moved back into second place, which is where he finished.

“We had a seven-minute practice session before the race. We went out on wets (rain tires), and it was way too dry, so we ended up putting slicks on, thinking it would be fine. Then, it started raining harder as the pit lane opened up. So, we went back to wets because we saw everybody else was using them. So, we kind of missed the pit lane out to go and line up. Then, unfortunately, I had to start at the back of the grid, a couple rows back. So, that really hurt me coming through the pack on the first couple laps. These guys just gapped me, but I kept my head down and charged hard and managed to get up to second place. I felt like I could have had the pace to be with Danilo (Petrucci) up front, maybe if I could kind of hang onto them the first couple laps. But overall, starting from the back of the grid, I’ll take second place.”

Mathew and the Westby Racing team will be back in action for the final round of the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, which takes place at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, on September 23 through 25.

MotoAmerica Superbike Standings 

1. Jake Gagne – Yamaha – 331

2. Danilo Petrucci – Ducati – 327

3. Cameron Petersen – Yamaha – 272

4. Mathew Scholtz – Yamaha – 255 

5. Hector Barbera – BMW – 173

For more updates about Westby Racing, including news, photos, and videos, visit http://www.WestbyRacing.com

Also, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites.

More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:

Gagne Scores Podium Finish in Tricky Race 2 at NJMP

Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne returned to the podium with a third-place finish in a challenging MotoAmerica Superbike Race 2 at the New Jersey Motorsports Park. The reigning champion kept it on two wheels in mixed conditions to head into the season finale with a four-point advantage in the title fight. Cameron Petersen salvaged a top-five finish after a crash on the penultimate lap.

Before the second Superbike race of the weekend, the sky opened up over the 2.25-mile track in Millville, New Jersey, and it was declared a wet race. Gagne didn’t get the start he was hoping for and found himself fourth. He advanced to third on the second lap when the rider ahead went down, and then around the halfway mark, he was passed by fellow Yamaha rider Mathew Scholtz. In the final laps, the rain picked up again, catching many riders out, including his teammate. Gagne advanced to third, where he would comfortably finish, scoring some valuable points for his title defense.

After topping the timesheets in the morning warmup, Petersen got a good start and slotted into second behind his teammate’s championship rival. The South African was running a good pace, but on Lap 9, he found himself locked in another battle with Scholtz and was shuffled to fourth. As they approached three laps to go, Petersen made the pass for second, and the duo traded positions, with his countryman ultimately reclaiming the runner-up spot. Unfortunately, as the rain began to fall again in those final stages of the race, the tricky conditions proved challenging, and Petersen crashed on the penultimate lap. He rejoined the race in fourth and soldiered on with damage to his bike to secure fifth and preserve his third spot in the point standings.

The Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing team gets a weekend off before heading to Leeds, Alabama, for the MotoAmerica season finale at the Barber Motorsports Park on September 23-25.

Richard Stanboli – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager

“Things didn’t go quite as planned today. The weather was tricky and we missed on the setup thinking the rain would come harder later in the race. In hindsight, we should have gone further toward a dry setup. Jake rode well to finish third and collect points, keeping himself in the championship lead. Cameron had a bit more pace but unfortunately had a small crash while battling for second, and was fortunate to remount and salvage fifth. We look forward to battling for the championship at our season finale at Barber. It will come down to the last event and it will be exciting.”

Jake Gagne – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing

“Today’s race was tricky and slick with the rain, but I’m glad we were able to get on the podium. Thanks to the team for always giving me an awesome bike. We’re ready for the final showdown at Barber!”

Cameron Petersen – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing

“We were feeling good and having another good battle with Matty (Scholtz), and then, unfortunately, went down. I did what I could to get up as quick as possible and get back on track. It was definitely tricky out there, especially towards the end of the race. I’m not happy with how it ended, but we’re going to keep working and come back at Barber.”

Editorial Note: The race was stopped after 14 of 19 laps due to rain.

More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:

Tyler O’Hara And Indian Are King Of The Baggers

Tyler O’Hara And Indian Emerge From Rainstorm With Baggers Crown

MILLVILLE, NJ (September 11, 2022) – The 2022 MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers series came to a dramatic conclusion at New Jersey Motorsports Park with Mission Foods/S&S Cycle/Indian Challenger Team’s Tyler O’Hara emerging from the Sunday afternoon rainstorm with the much-coveted championship.

O’Hara went into the series finale trailing H-D Screamin’ Eagle’s Travis Wyman by three points and came out of it 10 points ahead after a race that had everyone on the edge of their wet seats.

Although O’Hara lost out in the race to Kyle Wyman, with the defending Mission King Of The Baggers Champion winning his third race of the year. However, O’Hara was for all practical purposes crowned when Travis Wyman crashed on the second of seven laps.

Mission King Of The Baggers – O’Hara Is Champ

The 2022 Mission King Of The Baggers Championship had its final round of the season at New Jersey Motorsports Park, and their one race on Sunday putting a fitting crescendo on what has been an exciting third season for the Harley-Davidson versus Indian race series.

Copious amounts of rain fell during the race, and the riders had to tread lightly aboard their Big Twins. Mission Foods S&S Cycle Indian Challenger Team’s Tyler O’Hara clinched the title by virtue of his second-place finish. Polesitter Kyle Wyman won the race aboard his H-D Screamin’ Eagle Road Glide Special, and Daytona Harley-Davidson/Hoban Brothers Racing’s Michael Barnes finished third. Kyle Wyman’s brother and teammate Travis had a narrow three-point lead in the championship coming into New Jersey, but he crashed in the wet conditions and ultimately finished ninth.

“I just was really relaxed all weekend,” O’Hara said. “Just had to chip away at it. These boys were on it this weekend. I just took it one corner at a time. As the race went on, there were some standing puddles. Kyle was going good. I actually had some more pace. He was doing a great job out front. Kind of just let him lead the way and just do what I had to do to bring it home. We got a little sporty there. Jumped out of the seat one time and then just kind of backed her down a little bit. To be honest, I had no idea that Travis was out. I didn’t even see my OK on the board, and we counted the laps backwards. So, it was just taking it one lap at a time. That was my dream to stand up on top of that podium holding the number one plate, from the beginning of the year. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and this team. I was having fun, actually. I was just enjoying the moment.”

“Overall feeling for sure is bittersweet,” said Kyle Wyman. “Happy to have another sweep of the weekend type deal like we did at Laguna. Won the Challenge in the dry. This is, I think, the first time I’ve ever won a race in the wet. That’s good for my confidence. I’ve been close a lot of times in the wet in superbike and threw it down the road, and stuff. Good to finish one out. I didn’t know Travis was out, either. But I knew it was Tyler right behind me. I had a couple looks over my shoulder. I think he came by me on the second lap on the front straight. I passed him back into one. It was a tough race. I think we all wanted a dry, kind of showdown with how everybody’s pace was. Anything can happen in racing.”

Yuasa Stock 1000 – Alexander Crowned

The 2022 Yuasa Stock 1000 Championship was also decided on Sunday at New Jersey Motorsports Park with Corey Alexander clinching the title on the strength his fifth-place finish aboard his Tytlers Cycle RideHVMC BMW. The race was won in damp conditions by Disrupt Racing Suzuki’s Hayden Gillim, while Alexander’s teammate Travis Wyman finished second, and Altus Motorsports Suzuki’s Brandon Paasch was third.

“I wanted to be up there with Travis and Hayden, and I think we had the bike to do it today,” title-winner Alexander said. “We made a lot of changes last night, but it just wasn’t worth it for me (with the damp track). At a certain point, I’d rather have the gap there in fifth and I knew that was all I needed. So, I settled in. One of these times, I’d like to win at home. That would be really cool, or at least be on the box. We seem to be having a string of bad luck, but this makes up for it.”

Race winner Gillim commented. “Yeah. It was an awesome year. To not really be racing full-time the past two years and then to be able to come in and do this has been really cool. Luckily, it was on a bike that I know really well. I’ve had a lot of laps on Suzukis over the years, so I know the bike really well. We were able to get it up to speed pretty quick. These guys were flying all year. Corey was unreal. A couple little mistakes on my part, and we let him have a little bit too early. It was an awesome season for Corey. Travis was still right on my butt for second, so we got to keep fighting at Barber. I had a couple races where my starts were good, and then today they went back downhill. So, I don’t know. I got to figure that out. Luckily, turn one I think Brandon (Paasch) came in a little hot and gave me a couple extra positions and I was able to get on Travis (Wyman) and Stefano (Mesa) pretty quick. Once we got to the front, I tried to push. There were little raindrops and we kind of would go fast, go slow, kind of ease up. I didn’t want to be the one that crashed right out of the lead in the rain. So, it was a really good race. Travis kept me honest. I was waiting for that draft move at the end, but I knew with how tight the last couple sectors are, it would be really tough for him to pass me anywhere else leading up to the last corner. It would take some balls to really try and go for something up the inside into the last corner, so I knew if I could get out of the last corner good, I felt like I had a pretty good shot at it. It was an awesome weekend for us.”

 Supersport – Hayes Gets His 86th

History was made in Supersport race two at New Jersey Motorsports Park when Squid Hunter Yamaha rider Josh Hayes won the race and tied AMA Hall of Famer Miguel Duhamel at 86 victories for the most all-time road racing wins in AMA history. Forty-seven-year-old Hayes was masterful in the rain-shortened race, which started out in the dry. On lap two, Hayes passed race leader Josh Herrin going into turn one, and Herrin went wide, which shuffled him back to 10th. From there, Hayes pulled a gap at the front, which was nearly 11 seconds at the finish line over second-place finisher Stefano Mesa abord his Mesa37 Racing Kawasaki. Completing the podium in third was North East Cycle Outlet Racing Yamaha’s Benjamin Smith.

“They’re all pretty special,” Hayes said about his 86 career AMA race wins. “The only thing missing is I didn’t have to beat Miguel to get it. That’s kind of a bummer. I wish he was here. When Jake (Gagne) got 17 (Superbike wins) in a season, I was like, the only thing that upsets me is I won 16 in a season, and you didn’t have to beat me to get my record. I’m sure Miguel will be looking for a Twins (Cup) ride or a Supersport ride here next weekend at Barber. I have a lot of respect for the man. I think it’s incredible that a guy that I looked up to in racing, now I’m on the record books up there with that name. I think that’s incredible. I’m so fortunate. I’ve been lucky in racing. It took a while. The first decade was hard, and then the next one has been pretty special. I’m thankful for the opportunity.”

SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup – Yaakov The Dominator

SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup race two concluded the weekend’s race action at New Jersey Motorsports Park, and Pennsylvanian Kayla Yaakov won her third race of the season. The race was red-flagged and restarted with just a four-lap sprint, but Yaakov, aboard her Altus Motorsports Kawasaki, crossed the finish line nearly three seconds ahead of Rodio Racing Kawasaki’s Gus Rodio in second place. Alpha Omega Kawasaki rider Cody Wyman rounded out the podium in third.

“I don’t have a ton of track time here,” Yaakov said. “I’ve been here a couple of times here and there, but never in the rain. So, I didn’t really know what to expect. But I kind of just went out there and with that small warmup, I honestly thought I was going to be mid-pack. It felt really slow because I’m just trying to get the bike to stay under me and not crash. But I ended up being pretty solid. It was good motivation going into the race. I think the biggest thing for me was just to stay up and be comfortable, stay comfortable on the bike. Don’t push too far out of my limit because I know that I’m still in it for the championship, and I could still be there in the end. So, I just wanted to stay up. I’m really happy with this result.”

More, from a press release issued by Ducati North America:

Herrin Tops Weekend With the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship

Two top-four finishes put the Supersport title in red for the first time in MotoAmerica history

Sunnyvale, Calif., September 11, 2022 – At New Jersey Motorsports Park for the eighth round of the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship, Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC) takes second place in race one to seal the title and backing that up fourth in race two in treacherous weather conditions.

Herrin used all his years of experience to get the important task of getting the title win as early as possible, but the New Jersey rain made race two a case of slip and slide for the 19 laps as Yamaha’s Josh Hayes took his first double win of the season.

Nevertheless, Herrin accomplished what he set out to do at the beginning of the season and take a world-first national championship for the Ducati Panigale V2 and will now turn his attention to the final round at Barber Motorsports Park on September 23-25 as he attempts to put an exclamation point on 2022.

2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship – Top Five

P1 – Josh Herrin (Ducati) 342

P2 – Rocco Landers (Yamaha) 249

P3 – Tyler Scott (Suzuki)

P4 – Benjamin Smith (Yamaha) 150

P5 – Josh Hayes (Yamaha) 148

Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC – #2): “It was a super-good weekend,” Herrin said. “We were able to wrap up the championship yesterday, so I’m stoked about that. Sunday’s race wasn’t the best, but Rocco (Landers) was a fair way back, so we were able to increase the points lead, so that’s a positive. I’m happy to go into Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama and have a chance to ride the Ducati Panigale V4 SBK, which will be a real treat. Thanks, as always, to the team for providing me with such an awesome motorcycle this weekend.

More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC:

VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI’S JAKE LEWIS FINISHES STRONG IN THE RAIN IN NEW JERSEY

Suzuki GSX-Rs Continue to Dominate the Top Ten Superbike and Supersport Results

BREA, Calif., September 11, 2022 — Suzuki Motor USA and Team Hammer closed the book on the penultimate round of the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing season with gritty performances under trying circumstances.

Superbike stalwart Jake Lewis leaned upon his vast experience to climb up through the field in Sunday’s wet premier-class contest. The Kentuckian started from the back of the grid due to a last-second pre-race tire change and found himself mired down in 14th position early with the rain coming down, but steadily improved his outlook with a confident, measured ride aboard the team’s Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R.

Already firmly entrenched inside the top ten, Lewis picked up a few more positions late when the precipitation stepped up on the race’s final lap, ultimately claiming sixth place at the checkered flag to lead a five-strong Suzuki GSX-R train that all finished inside the top ten.

“It was a tough race in rainy, mixed conditions, but it was a good race for us,” Lewis said. “It started raining a lot harder two minutes before the start and we changed to wet tires. I planned to go out on slicks but obviously, that changed. We started from the back of the grid and passed a bunch of riders. Given the challenges, our main goal was to keep it on two wheels, and we accomplished that.”

Superbike rookie teammate Richie Escalante gained valuable wet-weather experience scoring a 13th-place result that certainly clears the way for better races in similar conditions down the road.

In the MotoAmerica Supersport competition, Tyler Scott was once again a factor up front despite his very participation being questionable, after suffering a left-hand injury in Saturday’s race. Scott ran as high as second aboard the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750 but lost a handful of positions recalibrating his aggression and form after the skies opened up.

He ultimately earned sixth place, when the race was red flagged and called complete five laps early due to the increasing rainfall.

Scott said, “I’m very thankful for the whole Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team getting the bike fixed overnight. I felt strong this morning and had some pace, but I’ve been struggling with my hand. Yesterday, when I high sided, my ring finger was injured making it difficult to hold onto the bike in the second and fourth sectors. Other than that, I felt pretty well throughout the race, but didn’t want to push too hard and risk things, so I just tried to keep a fast pace and finish with a decent result.”

Teammate and fellow class rookie Liam Grant was another of the six Suzuki-mounted riders to break into the top ten, finishing tenth after edging a rival to the strip by a mere 0.032 seconds.

The returning Sam Lochoff was sixth early but came home in 12th. The South African continues to both heal and recover his fitness after being unable to train for much of the season.

Lochoff said, “It was a good race in some ways. I felt more confident out there today than yesterday and it was progress coming back from injury. Then it started to rain. I strongly felt they should have stopped the race to let us get on wet tires. I had nothing to gain being out there taking big risks on dry tires since I wasn’t going to win the race or get on the podium. Still, it was great to be back on the GSX-R and I am looking forward to Barber.”

Team Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki will cap off the ‘22 campaign at the Barber Motorsports Park season finale on September 23-25, in Birmingham, Alabama.

ABOUT TEAM HAMMER

The 2022 season marks Team Hammer’s 42nd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 129 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 344 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.

ABOUT VISION WHEEL

Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.

ABOUT SUZUKI

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.