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AMA Communications
American Motorcyclist Association
American Motorcyclist Association
05/12/2008 - 01:23 PM
Sonoma, CA
Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki teammates Mat Mladin and Ben Spies (Photo: Brian J Nelson) ยป More Photos
The AMA Superbike Championship springs back into action for the fourth stop of the 2008 season on May 16-18 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.
Photo Finishes
The series' most recent race weekend at Auto Club Speedway delivered plenty of drama as four of the weekend's five races were decided by 0.174 seconds or less.
Picturesque Setting
Located just 30 minutes north of San Francisco in the heart of California's wine country, the undulating Infineon Raceway circuit is one of the most scenic on the tour. The track has undergone a host of safety upgrades in recent years, which have elevated its status to that of a rider and fan favorite.
2008 is the 40th season of racing at Infineon Raceway, which also plays host to NASCAR, IndyCar, and NHRA events.
Who's Who Winners List
The AMA Superbike Championship first raced at Infineon Raceway in 1977 and the track has seen a number of the sport's icons stand on top of the Superbike podium over the years, including former world champions Freddie Spencer, Wayne Rainey, Fred Merkel, Kevin Schwantz, Doug Polen, Colin Edwards, and Nicky Hayden.
AMA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY PARTS UNLIMITED
Rivalry Reignited
Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki's Ben Spies ended teammate Mat Mladin's perfect season start by claiming the pole and a pair of wins at Auto Club Speedway's doubleheader.
Spies' come-from-behind, 0.011-second victory over Mladin in Sunday's race was a highlight of the 23-year-old Texan's
The two-time reigning AMA Superbike champ's big weekend tightened up the points chase as well, although Mladin is still firmly in control, leading his rival by 20 points, 178 vs. 158, heading into Sonoma.
Legendary Company
On Saturday at Auto Club Speedway, Spies tied multi-time Grand Prix world champion Freddie Spencer for third on the all-time list with his 17th career AMA Superbike pole. The following day he tied three-time AMA Superbike and two-time World Superbike champ Fred Merkel for third on the all-time list with his 20th career AMA Superbike race win.
Win Streaks and Podium Sweeps
Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki now boasts a remarkable 32-race win streak in the AMA Superbike class. The team further demonstrated its power by sweeping the podium in the past three races. Unfortunately, Tommy Hayden, who landed four straight Superbike third-place finishes, was injured in the Supersport race at Auto Club Speedway, suffering a dislocated left ankle and broken left tibia among other injuries. The Kentuckian is currently recovering from surgery to repair his ankle.
Wall of Famer
Spies and Mladin are the pre-race favorites once again at Infineon Raceway. Spies swept the doubleheader at the circuit in '06 while Mladin has taken eight wins at the track, including doubleheader sweeps in '03, '05, and '07, and additional race wins in '99 and '04. In honor of Mladin's dominance at this circuit, the six-time champ was added to the track's Wall of Fame last year.
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