Elias & new GSX-R1000 clinch 2017 MotoAmerica title

Suzuki’s new 2017 GSX-R1000 clinched the coveted Motul MotoAmerica Superbike Championship title at the weekend, as Yoshimura Suzuki’s Toni Elias took victory in the weekend’s opening race at Millville, New Jersey.

Marking Suzuki’s 14th MotoAmerica / AMA Superbike Championship, the 34-year-old Spaniard moved to the front eight laps into the 23-lap race and held off Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing teammate Roger Hayden at the finish line by 0.039 seconds to win his ninth race of the season and the series victory with three races remaining.

Hayden’s result also secured the runner-up position in the championship, giving the new 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 a 1-2 result in the machine’s debut season.

Elias, a former Moto2 World Champion, now adds a MotoAmerica Superbike title to his already impressive résumé. He was ecstatic with his victory and championship.

“I am so happy,” said Elias, who becomes the first rider from Spain in the 41-year history of the series to win MotoAmerica/ AMA Superbike title. “It was amazing to take the championship by winning. That was the way I wanted to do it, but Roger and Josh were riding so strong it was not easy. I am so thankful to my crew, to Yoshimura and Suzuki for giving me this amazing opportunity.”

Suzuki holds the record for the most championship and wins in MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike history, while the GSX-R range is the most successful model too.