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This is Phoenix International Raceway, somewhat like Daytona, in that you can SEE nearly the entire track from a single location. This pic was taken from the Turn 1 grandstand, where YWR, Lynn, Axel and I watched Sunday's 'main event'. We do not know where Phil was at this time. |
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600 SuperSport. The most important class for the manufacturers, since the 600cc bikes are the most popular among buyers. Although the Yamaha R6 (Hacking) has been the subject of rave reviews, it was the Honda CBR/F4 in the hands of the brilliant young Nicky Hayden that won the day at PIR. Nicky, by the way, is one heckuva nice kid. He also happens to be the best racer in this class - or he certainly was on this day. |
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This here is Miguel duHamel on the Honda RC45 superbike. Miguel just won the Day- tona 200 on this bike, but he doesn't like the PIR track, and it isn't well suited to the RC45's capabilities. Miguel is also in 'recovery mode' from his leg-breaking ac- cident at Louden last year. It was tough for us SabMaggots to watch the V4 circulating mid-pack, but that's racing. |
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This was lap 1 of the Superbike race. Quite a crowd of motorcycles, it is. The real leaders are near the front al- ready. Bostrom (3rd), Gobert (1st), and Mladin (2nd) particularly. The green one is Doug Chandler's Kawasaki, which did not figure in the results. This is an impressive sight, with all those fast guys ryding HARD into that first turn. The race ended up a two-way affair (see below), with Gobert (#95 Ducati) and Mat Mladin (#66 Suzuki) showing every- one else the way. |
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Anthony Gobert and Mat Mladin were the class of the field at Phoenix. Once they got to the front (lap 2) they were never challenged - except by each other. Gobert held the lead for virtually the entire race, with arch-rival Mladin never more than a few bike-lengths behind. Mladin did manage a pass during the race, but was quickly dispatched by Gobert, and never did really challenge again. 'Twas a GREAT race, with both guys showing exactly why they're the best. |
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