AMA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
backing off from over a 10-sec-
ond lead earlier in the race. It was
complete and utter domination.
Hayes leaves Alabama look-
ing like the unbeatable force of
a few years ago. The 39-year-
old three–time AMA Superbike
Champion heads towards the
second half of the season firmly
in control of the championship
with a massive 29-point lead and
newfound enthusiasm to meet
the challenge of Beaubier.
Almost as surprising as the
VOL. 51 ISSUE 25 JUNE 24, 2014 P43
Briefly...
Most of riders seemed okay with the
two-day format. It was likely the first
time a two-day format at an AMA Pro
Road Race has been used in 30
years, but other than a few gripes
about the lack of set-up time and
perhaps a criticism or two about the
particular order of events, most rid-
ers accepted the shorter race week-
end. AMA Superbike Championship
leader Josh Hayes gave his thoughts
on the matter. "I don't disagree with
the two-day format for racing," Hayes
said. "I think this schedule is a little
harsh. I think they could have put
it together a little bit better. They
should run the races in the same or-
der throughout the day to give every-
body the time that they need. I think
[the schedule] will show its ugly face
here, because we're in Alabama in
June. At some of the other tracks it
might have the potential to be pretty
tough too. It's definitely a challenge
and we're all trying to figure it out
right now. Racing on the first day is
going to be tough, but it should be
fun too."
Interestingly Hayes predicted earlier
in the season that if he were to have
an advantage over his teammate
Cameron Beaubier, it would be at
the races with the two-day format,
where Beaubier would have less time
to get used to a Superbike. Those
words proved prophetic as Beaubier
had his toughest weekend yet in his
Superbike rookie campaign.
Surprising as it sounds, Josh Hayes
scored his first Superbike pole of the
season at Barber. It marked his 31st-
career AMA Superbike pole, second
continued on next page
Josh Hayes turns his championship around
with a Superbike sweep at Barber
TIDE TURNER
