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Last night I finally had a chance to watch the AMA Superstock race run this past weekend at Barber. I was really looking forward to it because I’d read on various websites how pissed-off Jamie Hacking was at Jason DiSalvo for “ruining” his race. Since DiSalvo has entered the series, bring his European 250 experience with him, there’s been plenty of consternation within the Yamaha camp as this young and very fast upstart has ignored the established pecking order. Before I saw the race, I was convinced DiSalvo had pulled a boner move to try to win the race and lost it for both of the Yamahas. But after seeing the race, what really took place became clear and Hacking was full of sour grapes for being beaten by the better men that day.

I looked for but didn’t see DiSalvo dicing with Hacking and slowing them both up until Hayden hunted them down. What I saw was Hacking riding slightly over his head (real wide several times into turn #5 as well as elsewhere) trying to hold-off a smooth, controlled, determined and very fast DiSalvo. All the while a tire pampering and steadily faster Hayden rode a thinking man’s race and easily passed both of the Yamaha men to take the win. Congrats Tommy! Every time you ride, you impress me even more. I just wish Kawasaki would put a decent Superbike under you and let you have a crack at Mladin (and I’m a Suzuki guy).

When all the trash talking and bar banging was over, the best man on the day won: Tommy Hayden! The second best rider during the race deservedly took the second podium step: Jason DiSalvo. And the guy who fought the hardest, but rode over his head, took the bronze: Jamie Hacking.

Coming into the top of the BamaCoaster on the last lap, Hacking was leading DiSalvo but ran way wide into the grass. What did he expect Jason to do, slow down and let him back in front? Hell, no, Jason did what any real racer worth his salt would, take the position and let the mistake play out. Before Hacking goes accusing fellow racers of stealing his trophy, he needs to try earning it the old fashioned way, by being the fastest rider. And it helps if you do a little less dirt tracking during a road race.

Last time I looked, Hacking isn’t the current Superstock champion, so why does anyone owe him special accommodation on the track. I guess when you get pole position everyone else is supposed to roll over and play dead? Guess why they call it a race!

Which then begs the question: where was the current #1 plate holder, Aaron Gobert? He’s riding the same bike as Hacking and DiSalvo but was nowhere near the front.

But it’s just my opinion,

Rhino