Updated: Jun 7, 2022
For Immediate Release: Monday 6 June, 2022
It was a podium fest for Tytlers Cycle Racing at Road America with Hector Barbera and PJ Jacobsen racing to the team’s first double podium weekend of the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike Season.
With regular riders Hector and PJ joined by Larry Pegram, there were more BMW M1000 RR machines on the grid and all three riders shone.
The opening race on Saturday saw Spain’s Hector Barbera snatch the final podium place after a drag race to the line with team mate Jacobsen, the pair separated by a nothing as the crossed the line in a photo finish. Jacobsen’s fourth place finish equalled his best result from the season opener at COTA. Larry Pegram rode a brilliant race to ninth on his racing return and his debut race with the Alpha-spec BMW.
Sunday saw a complete change in the weather as blue skies and sunshine made way for the rain which fell at the four-mile Road America all day. Despite the colder and trickier conditions, the Tytlers Cycle Racing squad were once again in the mix. PJ Jacobsen leading several times throughout the shortened eight lap race, entertaining the fans with his sideways style from start to finish. Losing front end feel on the final lap would mean second place at the flag, but the #66 reminded everyone that he hasn’t lost any of his speed. Larry Pegram also excelled, fighting through the pack to finish fifth after a spirited ride ensured there were two BMWs in the top five. Hector Barbera was running inside the points early on but slipped down the order, eventually finishing P17.
Corey Alexander and Travis Wyman finished eighth and eleventh respectively in Saturday’s race.
Hector Barbera: “Finally I made the podium in MotoAmerica! I am so happy because it’s been a long time since I stood on the podium and to do it at Road America which is the team’s home race is perfect. Honestly the team worked so well, and, in the end, we were able to take some silverware. Sunday was so difficult. I really struggled and had no feeling at all. I need more time in the wet on this bike but overall, I am so positive about everything because we were back on the podium yesterday and this gives me confidence going to The Ridge.”
PJ Jacobsen:“Saturday’s race was a bit tough as I was struggling a little with the front. I ran close to Hector pretty much the whole race and figured I could draft him to the line, but I missed it by the smallest of margins. I was disappointed to miss the podium but pumped for the team to get a P3 and P4. We continue to close the gap to the front which is pleasing to see that our hard work is paying off. I was super pumped with how Sunday’s race went; it was a great race for us. We came so close to getting our first win, but I just had no front tyre left. I tried to manage as best I could but there was nothing I could do. Both me and Hector were on the podium in both the wet and the dry which is great for the team, and I can’t thank them enough for the outstanding job that they did all weekend.”
Larry Pegram:“It was a great weekend for me. Obviously, I wanted to do well but to come away with a fifth-place finish on Sunday was much better than I had anticipated. I always seemed to excel in tricky conditions and that was the case yesterday. Thanks to the whole Tytlers Cycle Racing team, they did a fantastic job, and it was great to see Hector and PJ on the podium and of course the one-two in Stock1000. I had a fun time, and I am looking forward to doing it all again at Laguna.”
© Photos by Brian J. Nelson
