2020

4-Time AMA Champ Josh Hayes To Take On ASBK’s Best At Phillip Island

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

One of America’s all-time Superbike greats – Josh Hayes – will take on the best Australian Superbike talent in next week’s first round of the mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, at Phillip Island.

The four-time American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Superbike Champion (2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014), fell in love with Phillip Island and Australia after competing in the 2019 and 2020 International Island Classic held at the Island last month.

Josh Hayes in action at the Island Classic – Photo courtesy of Russell Colvin

The Island obsession sees Hayes set to race a Yamaha YZF-R1 under the Queensland-based “Addicted to Track Team” banner.

To say Hayes is stoked with the Australian support is an understatement.

“I have to say that I’m overwhelmed by the outreach of support to bring to fruition the idea of participating in a round of the Australian Superbike Championship,” Hayes said from America.

“After simply chatting about how much fun it would be with Mark Bracks, he assembled all the necessary people to make it actually happen! From the Addicted to Track team, Phillip Island Circuit, and Motorcycling Australia support, arose the final touches of help from Öhlins, Dunlop Tires, and Mojo Yamaha’s Dave Crussell.

Josh Hayes – “I’m looking forward to trying to get into the fight with a few of my racing friends”

“With all of this backing, I have to admit to feeling a touch of pressure to perform well against the ASBK regulars.

“But I truly enjoy the circuit, and absolutely love competition, so I’m looking forward to trying to get into the fight with a few of my racing friends.”

ATTR Team Manager Stephanie Redman said: “when we received the opportunity to host Josh in the first round of ASBK at Phillip Island we were excited”.

“Josh brings a huge amount of knowledge and experience to the team about both racing and the Yamaha R1’s.

“Anthony from A&C Motorcycle Dyno has worked hard to get the bikes ready and with the support of YRD and Yamaha Australia we will be able to give Josh a good package overall.

“We believe Josh should be able to run some good times, but our only true expectations are to be professional, put our best foot forward and have a bit of fun while doing it.”

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit General Manager, Dave Bennett, said: “We’re thrilled to have Josh back for our next big event, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship – Yamaha Finance Round.

“At January’s Island Classic he was as tough as nails on the track, and off-track, enthusiastic and great fun in the paddock,” he said.

“Josh is a true racer. We love his appreciation of our little piece of 4.445km island bitumen, so much so, that he is returning from the US within a month.

“The winners are the fans. Josh brings world-class talent to the grid and the result will be spectacular Australian Superbike racing to thrill everyone trackside.”