Throwback Thursday: Vance & Hines Yamaha’s Jamie James Wins Road America Thriller (1992)

Larry Lawrence | June 2, 2022

Jamie James, Scott Russell and Freddie Spencer Battled to the Checkered Flag in Elkhart Lake

In this week’s Throwback we turn back the clock 30 years to June of 1992 and Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin’s Road America. Muzzy Kawasaki’s Scott Russell (left), Vance & Hines Yamaha’s Jamie James (center) and Two Brothers Racing Honda’s Freddie Spencer (right) share a laugh on the podium. That year’s AMA Superbike race at the scenic four-mile circuit turned out to be one of the best ever at the track. It all came down to the last lap with James timing a pass on some lapped riders at the perfect moment with a few turns to go to finally gain a small gap on Russell and Spencer. Once on Road America’s long uphill straight on the final lap, James weaved back and forth to try to keep Russell and Spencer from drafting by him to the line. There was no need though, his move on the lappers ultimately gave James a half-second margin of victory over Russell and Spencer, who were just bike lengths apart. MotoAmerica returns to the classic Wisconsin circuit this weekend, June 3-5. Visit MotoAmerica.com for more info. MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike has been racing at Road America since 1980.

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