2011 MotoGP

What better way to follow up two consecutive AMA Superbike Championships than riding in MotoGP?

This is the scenario for Team Graves Yamaha's Josh Hayes; the 36-year-old Mississippian will compete on the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha YZR-M1 at the 2011 MotoGP finale in Valencia Nov. 6, his sponsor Teknic reported Friday.

Although this is the opportunity of a lifetime for Hayes, the AMA Superbike rider will get his first prototype ride due to substituting for Colin Edwards, the Texan who sustained injuries in the dire lap-two crash Sunday at Sepang that claimed the life of Marco Simoncelli.

It was reported Friday that Edwards will need surgery on his humerus bone that he broke during the Sepang crash; the 37-year old will require four-weeks of recovery, thus missing the final round in the 2011 MotoGP Championship.

As for Hayes, who won last the two AMA Superbike Championships, he's been sporting Teknic leathers for over 12 years.

Speaking of Hayes' MotoGP appearance, Teknic says: "We are extremely excited that Josh is being presented this opportunity. He has worked very hard for many years and deserves it. We are honored to be able to support him."

The Valencia MotoGP finale will run from Nov. 4-6, with SPEED broadcasting the race live Sunday, Nov. 6, and 8 a.m. (EDT).