Hayes Starts Strong at VIR

Josh Hayes came into the weekend with a nine point lead ahead of Tommy Hayden, and he intent on making sure that lead grows. Hayes finished almost a half a second faster than Ben Bolstrom during today's qualifying at the Virginia International Raceway, and .61 seconds ahead of Hayden.

"I feel good about this race and New Jersey is going to be another good one," said Hayes. "Tommy rode really well there last year so I expect him to up his game there again. Barber has traditionally been a really good Tommy Hayden track. It's probably not my best, but not a bad track for me."

Hayes says that he wants to continue to push Hayden and make him ride out of his comfort level.

"I'm just going to try to keep those boys chasing me and try to make Tommy raise his level every weekend and ride uncomfortable because he doesn't like doing that."

But Hayden isn't Hayes' only competition. Ben Bostrom, Larry Pegram, Jake Zemke, and Geoff May could all find them at the top of the podium at the end of the weekend.

For now, Hayes has the advantage, and will continue to push the rest of the AMA Superbike pack.

AMA Pro Superbike - VIR - First Qualifying Results

1. Josh Hayes (Yam) 1:25.104
2. Ben Bostrom (Yam) 1:25.596
3. Tommy Hayden (Suz) 1:25.717
4. Taylor Knapp (Suz) 1:25.967
5. Geoff May (Buell) 1:26.122
6. John Hopkins (Suz) 1:26.310
7. Larry Pegram (Duc) 1:26.487
8. Jake Zemke (Suz) 1:26.805
9. Eric Bostrom (Suz) 1:26.901
10. Chris Ulrich (Suz) 1:26.992

Click here to see all of Friday's AMA Pro Racing Results