Motorcycles and news

US Superstock: Jordan Suzuki’s Aaron Yates third at Miller June 26, 2007

Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki’s Aaron Yates rode his Suzuki GSX-R1000 to a third place finish in Sunday’s AMA Superstock race at Miller Motorsports Park. This is Yates’ third podium for the Jordan Suzuki team and his second podium at this track.

With team owner Michael Jordan in attendance, Yates qualified for the event with a time of 1:51.574, earning a front row start next to teammate Jake Holden, who started from third place with a qualifying time of 1:51.261. Both riders got off to a good start before the race was red flagged after Holden crashed going into turn two. Holden visited the medical center as a precautionary measure and chose not to restart the race.

Yates, who was quickest in Sunday’s AMA Superstock morning practice, found himself in 11th place on lap one of the restart after another rider knocked his handlebars, causing a broken clutch lever. Yates overcame the damage to his bike and moved rapidly through the field into fifth place in the 13 lap race, eventually crossing the checkered flag in third place. “It was great to have Michael here,” said Yates. ”I just wish our results could have been better. We’ll go home, regroup and get ready for the next round.”

Today’s podium finish puts Yates third in total points for the Championship and only six points out of second place.

The next stop for the Jordan Suzuki team and the AMA Superbike Series is Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California July 20-22, 2007, featuring an abbreviated AMA Superbike racing schedule and Moto Grand Prix World Championship racing. AMA Superstock racing will resume at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in August.