Source: AMA Pro Racing.

Monster Energy Graves Yamaha’s Josh Hayes added to his legend today at the Kawasaki Devil’s Showdown, securing his fourth AMA Pro SuperBike Championship in five seasons at New Jersey Motorsports Park while Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing’s Roger Hayden was awarded his first win of the season.

Faced with treacherous wet conditions, what seemed like a relatively simple task for a rider of Hayes’ caliber – third or better to clinch the crown – became significantly more complicated.

However, rather than go the conservative route, Hayes waged an intense duel for victory with Hayden. The two lapped their way through the field, ultimately putting every rider not on the podium a lap down.

The two traded the top spot multiple times on the final laps. Hayden, who came into the race dinged up after injuring his shoulder in a testing crash, looked to hold the advantage with just a single corner to go.

A single mistake was all Hayes needed and the Mississippian pounced. Hayes blasted past Hayden, who spun up the rear while trying to get on the power, just feet ahead of the chequered flag.

Celebrations were short-lived as Hayes was later hit with a penalty for passing under yellow during their shootout, dropping him to second in the final results and elevating Hayden to first.

Hayes is just the second rider in AMA Pro SuperBike history to earn four titles, joining seven-time champ Mat Mladin in that accomplishment. Throughout the season Hayes demonstrated his superiority in multiple conditions and will be reunited with the number one plate.

“I had so much fun riding today,” Hayes said. “We don’t get to go splish-splashing that often. Roger was riding so good, I was throwing everything I had at him. Unfortunately he spun up on the front straight away. I was able to get the R1 hooked up and across the line. I’m really proud of my team. Four championships in six years ain’t so bad.

“I feel so lucky that I’m 39 years old and have a place that I call home. These guys are so good to me. If I’m riding motorcycles and winning races I’m a pretty happy guy. All the other things that come along with that are bonuses. I’m excited that I can be a four-time AMA SuperBike Champion and I will do everything in my power to continue that.”

Hayden was happy with the race and the show he and Hayes put on.

“It’s not really the way I’d like to win them but I do remember at that point in the race the waving yellow when he came by me in turn one,” Hayden said. “I rode hard enough and good enough to win so I feel good for me and team. We didn’t want to let Yamaha sweep the whole series this year so we’re excited about that. Hopefully we’ll get one without any controversy tomorrow.”

Foremost Insurance Pegram Racing’s Larry Pegram was the last rider on the lead lap and that was good enough to earn him third on the day, while Vicious Cycle Racing’s Sean Dwyer came home in fourth and Hayes’ teammate Cameron Beaubier remounted from a crash for fifth.

Lone Australian was ADR Motorsports front-runner David Anthony in 16th, completing just six laps due to a crash in the difficult conditions.

Dane Westby won his third AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike race of the year on Saturday. The Yamalube/Westby Racing pilot outlasted his rivals and the weather to take the victory after he’d earned his first career pole earlier in the day. Jake Gagne finished second and clinched the championship for the RoadRace Factory/Red Bull team, in front of third-placed Jake Zemke.

TOBC Racing’s Hayden Gillim won Saturday’s shortened AMA Pro SuperSport race and increased his points lead to seven with one race to go.

2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship
Round seven – New Jersey Motorsports Park

AMA Pro SuperBike race one results:
1. Josh Hayes
2. Roger Hayden
3. Larry Pegram
4. Sean Dwyer
5. Cameron Beaubier
6. Marcel Irnie
7. Chris Clark
8. Cory West
9. Chris Ulrich
10. Taylor Knapp
16. David Anthony (AUS)

Click here for detailed results