Roger Lee Hayden signs with Pedercini
Added on Monday, January 4th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Roger Lee Hayden signs with Pedercini
Pedercini Kawasaki have announced the first of their riders for the 2010 World Superbike championship with the signing of Daytona Sportbike 600 rider Roger Lee Hayden.
The 26-year-old, younger brother of former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden, has signed with the Italian team after experiencing success in the AMA Superbike and Supersport series’.
The American, who is familiar with Kawasaki machinery, also rode a wildcard MotoGP Kawasaki to 10th at Laguna Seca in 2007 is looking forward to the new challenge, particularly when he returns to the USA for his home round at Miller Park.
“I am really happy to be participating in the World Superbike Championship next year with the Pedercini Team. It has always been my goal to race in a World Championship Series, and now I have the opportunity.
“It’s a big difference from what I did last year, but I’m ready and looking forward to taking that next step. I have experience on the Kawasaki Superbike, so that does not make everything completely new.
“It should will be fun learning and racing at the new circuits and of course we have a home round in Salt Lake at Miller Motorsports Park. My first test will be at Portimao towards end of January and I can’t wait to get back on a bike again!”
Although team manager Lucio Pedercini admits it is a bold move for Hayden to make, he is confident he has the talent to succeed.
“We’re very happy with our signing of Roger. He is a young rider and we hope to realize his full potential and guide him through his debut in Superbike World Championship as we strongly believe that Hayden will put us in a good position to compete in the next Superbike World Championship.
“He has been competitive on Kawasaki machinery in the USA, he knows the Kawasaki ZX 10R and we want to continue developing his career within Kawasaki.
“We understand that Roger may need some time to adapt himself to our team, the new circuits and to such a difficult and competitive championship as the world Superbike, but we are sure about his talent, motivation and determination.”
Team Pedercini, who scored a handful of points with Luca Scassa and David Salom in 2009, are still undergoing negotiations to secure a second rider. Hayden brings the list of confirmed entrants for the new season up to 21 riders
