Graves Yamaha re-signs Josh Hayes

Having proven himself over the past two AMA seasons as the one of the main persons to beat in the American SuperBike class, Graves Yamaha’s Josh Hayes has been rewarded with a two-year contract to stay with the squad through the 2012 season. After finishing second to Mat Mladin in ’09 (including beating the seven-time AMA Superbike champion several times in heads up contests towards the end of the season), Hayes started off slow this season, but some timely victories have put the Mississippi native in the driver’s seat of the ’10 American SuperBike championship. With his double victory at the New Jersey Motorsports Park event, Hayes now has a 22-point lead heading into this weekend’s final round at Barber Motorsports Park. And with his job security established for the next two seasons, Hayes only has to worry about locking up his first AMA Superbike championship, and nothing more.

“I’m so excited to have this opportunity with Graves Yamaha for the next two seasons” said Hayes in the Yamaha press release. “My crew and the entire team have enjoyed great success this year and it is fantastic to attend this last event with my plans for the future solidly in place. I am looking forward to the final round at Barber and plan to do my best to bring them home the Championship they deserve.”