M4 Suzuki's Martin Cardenas (Photo: Brian J Nelson)

Cardenas is similarly confident, as happy with his machinery as he's been all year. His left knee, which worried him following a high-speed Mid-O QP crash is feeling stable too. After taking a bit of time to wrap his head around charging around the tight and often blind Laguna Seca circuit aboard a high-powered Superbike, the Colombian is ready to play the spoiler again today.

"If you take Hayes out, the other guys are not so far away -- like a half second or so," he said following qualifying. "We're going to try to improve a little bit more but for the race I think we are in good shape. I expect five or six guys at the front. It looks like it's going to be a tight race -- again."

For his part, Young is expecting another multi-rider affair. "I think the racing right now is as good as it's ever been. It's good to see, it's good for the fans, and it makes it makes it more interesting for a rider. You just never know. You could get a wild card up there -- a guy who just wants to win. Rog, Tommy, Martin, and Josh, those guys are going to be up there every weekend. It keeps you on your toes."

Title Implications

Hayes' mind is focused on doing what's necessary to successfully defend his #1 plate, but he's in a position where that's relatively easy to do. His points deficit puts his title ambitions and one-race goals in strict alignment. Winning is the only option.

It's a bit different for Young, who might be tempted to avoid any unnecessary risks with a small advantage in hand, but such a decision could prove disastrous with so many riders nipping at his heels.

The Wisconsin native has been thrust into the unexpected position of championship leader. He's decided to cope by essentially ignoring the gravity of the situation.

He explained, "I'm not worried about that stuff. I don't want to get too wound up in it. Everybody is asking about what I'm going to do next year and this, that, and the next thing. I'm just going to finish out with my plan and that's just to do the best we can do and try to put in a decent effort for the championship. That was our goal at Daytona and it hasn't changed at all, even though we're leading the championship. If we fall short this year, I'll come back harder and stronger next year. Right now, I'm just having a good time and happy to get a full Superbike season in this year."