Before heading to Utah for the third round of the AMA Superbike season, Tommy Hayden sat down with All About Bikes to talk about the competition, his Suzuki GSX-R1000, and his expectations for the 2011 season.
You've been on the podium at every race so far this season. Are you confident heading into Miller?
Yeah, we're feeling pretty good. We're definitely looking forward to it. We've had a couple big breaks so its good to kind of get into the swing of it. We had a great weekend last weekend, and we're just trying to keep the momentum going. We have a very good bike this year, I've been riding well, and we're just trying to make the most of it.
Miller is 4400 feet above sea level. Are you preparing differently for the Miller Motorsports Park race?
You can feel it a little bit. The bike isn't quite as aggressive at Miller. The power is a little flatter. But it's the same for everyone. So we'll work with a few different tunings, try to get the most out of the engine.
Is there any added pressure at Miller since the World Superbike series will be racing there as well this weekend?
No, not for me. It's just another race. I hardly even notice that anyone else is there. It's cool that they're coming here and it's good for the American fans. It's a cool event for fans since they get to see the AMA races and the World Superbike. But for me, the only pressure is to get as many points as I can.
One of your biggest competitors this year is your teammate Blake Young. Are there any secrets in the garage?
There is definitely competitiveness between us, But really only in a positive way. We're pushing each other when we're practicing and testing. We're 100% open in the team with what we're doing. Most members of our team work very well together. They'll do somethings for us, we'll do somethings for them. It's for sure a team, and it's been working well this year.
What about with your brother Roger?
You know it's your brother. We're not comparing technical information. I want to respect my engineers and my team, and don't want to do anything to offend them. But on the track stuff, riding, we talk a lot. We're very competitive with each other, and have been since we were kids. But again, in a good way. Just pushing each other to make each other better.
Growing up in the Hayden family, did you ever consider a career outside of motorcycle racing?
No, there never was really a plan b. It's all I've ever known, all I've ever done, all I've ever wanted to do. It's had 100% of my focus since as far as I can remember.
Is this the year for Tommy Hayden?
I hope so. I was hopeful last year. Thought I had the chance and we came up a little bit short. There were a couple of things that we could improve on. But so far, the team has really delivered on their end. I think we've got a great bike and now I'm taking advantage of it with my riding. We just have to keep that up.
Do you think this season will turn into a three man competition?
Obviously Josh (Hayes) is going to be tough, as always. And Blake (Young) has the speed for sure. Past mistakes have been his problem, but he's got another year under his belt and he's riding a little smarter this year. At the moment, for sure, there are three riders. But I'm just focusing on staying healthy and staying at the front.
