With MotoAmerica set to bring AMA Superbike racing back to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, August 16-18, we’re taking a closer look at past Superbike races at the iconic racetrack in Lexington, Ohio.
With four laps to go in the 1992 Superbike National at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Scott Russell looked to have his first AMA Superbike Championship in his back pocket. But then it all changed when his Muzzy Kawasaki sputtered to a stop, handing the race win to Fast By Ferracci’s Doug Polen and giving new championship hope to a host of riders.
The race, however, was marred by the horrific accident that took the life of Vance & Hines Yamaha’s Larry Schwarzbach.
Russell was masterful on the day, leading every lap but the first one of the opening portion of the race and then coming back after the red flag to lead 12 of the final 16 laps. On the 13th lap, however, the battery on Russell’s Kawasaki went dead and it sputtered to a stop, his dreams of a championship put on hold.
Polen, meanwhile, who was making a run at catching Russell when the Georgian’s bike failed him, was there to pick up the victory which made him the first three-time winner in 1992. Polen left Mid-Ohio trailing Russell by 19 points.
The man who was given new life was Vance & Hines Yamaha’s Jamie James, who found himself in fourth place and only four points behind Russell with one round remaining.
Second place on the day went to defending AMA Superbike Champion Thomas Stevens with the Floridian and his Muzzy Kawasaki staying steady to end up second and leave Mid-Ohio 15 points behind his teammate Russell. Camel Honda’s Tom Kipp had his best Superbike race of the year, finishing third at what was his home track.
