Michael Jordan Motorsports Starts the Season with Some Ups and Downs at Daytona
- Apr 11, 2012
Hitting the track with fire in his eyes, team member/Suzuki rider Roger Hayden didn't waste any time earning a spot on the podium. In fact prior to the event's end, the rider achieved two podium finishes, earning third places in both Friday and Saturday's fifteen-lap races. Taking advantage of his front-row grid positions during both days the rider had some good starts on his National Guard Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000. During the opening day of the season, Hayden battled for position for several laps prior to settling into third and holding that spot throughout the remainder of the race. During the Saturday event, Hayden took the fourth position early and eventually muscled his way into the third spot, earning his second podium finish of the event.
According to MJM Technical Manager/crew chief, #54, Richie Alexander, Hayden's confidence level was high going into the race. "I'd say one of the keys to Roger's success in Daytona was being with the same team/bikes as 2011. He ended the year running very strong and the team continued to test all winter long. So I think coming into Daytona was just a continuation of 2011," he continued. "Getting two podiums the first race of the season is really important for the Jordan team. We all know that the season really starts after Daytona, so to leave there with two great finishes will really help towards the championship." Although Roger Hayden experienced a successful beginning to 2012, his teammate and fellow rider, Ben Bostrom, was plagued with bad luck at Daytona. In spite of starting out strong and running in the top five during both races on his Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000, the rider's fortune was short lived. In fact, after going down during both outings Bostrom had to remount and articulate through a field of competitive riders. When all was said and done, the MJM team member managed to work his way back into the thirteenth position on Friday and finished fifteenth on Saturday.
When asked about Bostrom's stroke of bad luck, Alexander appeared confident that the rider would pick himself up, dust himself off and would put the event behind him. "Ben unfortunately had a rough Daytona; sometimes Daytona can do that to a rider. I know in winter testing, he was riding really well, and is looking forward to getting back on the real tracks. Daytona is not the best judge of the season. I am pretty sure when we get back to the real tracks, we will really see what the Jordan team has for 2012. It was great to go to Miami following Daytona," the crew chief continued. "Ben was able to end the test on top of the charts and regain his confidence." As do all racing teams, MJM has an idea of what it will take to experience success throughout the remainder of the season. The team is a firm believer that continuing their testing will prove an element of success. On the other hand, they are also acutely aware that proper maintenance always plays a huge role in the outcome of the overall season, and sports a very strong maintenance structure for their bikes. That in mind, the MJM team depends upon K&N products to keep their engines running properly and contaminant free in spite of the rigors of racing. In fact, the team has been using K&N air and oil filters for nine consecutive years, which is a testimony to their belief in the products. "MJM feels that K&N products are of the highest quality. We wouldn't use them if they weren't. K&N products have contributed to our success. We have seen great gains with the K&N race filter," commented Alexander. When asked what fans can expect from the Michael Jordan Motorsports team as the season progresses, Richie Alexander's answer was short and to the point, "To be up front." Referring to Roger Hayden and Ben Bostrom, he continued, "I feel that both Hayden and Bostrom are very determined riders to show what their capabilities are and the team's capabilities." In closing he said, "I would like to thank K&N for supporting our program, and we look forward to having a very successful 2012 racing season." Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
