MONTEREY, CA, SEPT 28: Jordan Suzuki’s Aaron Yates capped off a remarkably consistent Superstock season with his fifth win of the season, today’s success coming in the red flag-interrupted finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
The race was stopped on the sixth of 17 laps when Corona Honda’s Jake Holden crashed soon after taking the lead. The track clean-up caused enough of a delay that the race, which began soon after 1:00 p.m., was put off until the end of the day, after the 3:00 p.m. Superbike race.
When the race was started for the second time, Yates quickly jumped to the front.
The Georgian eased away from the field, gradually at first, then with more authority to finish the final ten laps with a 4.455 second advantage.
In the five races Yates didn’t win, he finished second. He’d clinched the championship at the previous race at Road Atlanta.
Second on the day went to Supersport winner Blake Young. The M4 EMGO Suzuki rider slotted in behind Yates at the start and was secure until the second half of the race when Yates’ teammate Geoff May made a run.
May was on Young for the final three laps, but couldn’t find an opening and had to settle for third. But because Holden didn’t make the re-start, May moved into second in the championship, giving the Jordan Suzuki team a one-two finish.
Chris Peris passed Ben Thompson on the penultimate lap to take fourth, with Thompson a close fifth.
Superstock:
1. Aaron Yates (Suzuki)
2. Blake Young (Suzuki)
3. Geoff May (Suzuki)
4. Chris Peris (Suzuki)
5. Ben Thompson (Suzuki)
6. Ryan Elleby (Suzuki)
7. David Anthony (Suzuki)
8. Robertino Pietri (Suzuki)
9. Jeremy Toye (Honda)
10. Hawk Mazzotta (Suzuki)
