While most AMA factory riders are in off-season mode, Josh Hayes -- winner of seven Superbike races in his breakthrough season of 2009 - arrived at Daytona to race the eight-hour endurance event.

Some factory pilots would not consider racing a non-televised MotoGT event for what is essentially fun, but it's no surprise Hayes is here and racing. Josh recently competed at the Bol d'Or event in France, attends many club events with his racer wife, and doesn't need much wooing to bring his leathers to the track. If you're good and a friend, asking Hayes to race your bike is kinda like Amy Winehouse if she wants another hit.

Hayes is racing for the Westby Racing team at Daytona on their retro look, McQueen Gulf Porsche-inspired Yamaha R6. Oh yeah, Hayes also brought some of his pals with him -- several Yamaha technicians including Tony Romo.

To no one's shock, Hayes put the bike on pole for the Daytona Eight Hour just before a torrential downpour hit the track during the two hour session at dusk on Friday.

Although Yamaha have not firmed up their 2010 plans, it seems unlikely that the Mississippi-born, current California resident Hayes would race anywhere else next year. Hayes has emerged from a rider who couldn't get a Superbike ride to the strongest rider in the series during the final races of 2009.

With the retirement of seven-time champ Mat Mladin, it certainly looks like Josh Hayes and Yamaha might be the team to beat in 2010 AMA Superbike. He's certainly looking like a favorite this weekend, too.