At this morning's media day in Cypress, CA Yamaha announced that their 2009 American Superbike squad would feature Josh Hayes and Ben Bostrom, two of 2008's most outstanding undercard performers.
Mississippian Hayes has long sought an opportunity to prove himself on a Superbike at a factory level and he finally has his shot following a run of standout seasons in Supersport and Formula Xtreme, in which he log numerous victories and won two Formula Xtreme titles for Erion Honda.
Bostrom, meanwhile, returned to a form reminiscent
of that which propelled him to World Superbike stardom earlier in his career last season, securing the Supersport title in lopsided fashion after refocusing his efforts and coming to grips with allergic issues.
The two replace former AMA Superbike runner-up Eric Bostrom, who has retired (at least for the season), and Jason DiSalvo, a podium finisher in his second Superbike season with Yamaha USA.
Yamaha's SportBike squad will feature two of the paddock's brightest teenaged talents, Josh Herrin and Tommy Aquino.