That was pretty funny... "protect the record"
The difference of that 100cc is just too much for the 12R to overcome. Put another 100cc into that 12R and look out! I am quite sure that the 12R would probably out race a 'busa on the track due to its better handling abilities and riders of equal racing skill on each bike. I really can't say that I trust the 12R as its almost a totally new kind of bike for Kawasaki and the 'busa is modeled after the highly reliable and top performing GSXR series.
Did y'all see the Daytona 200 on ESPN2? That is what I call a truly incredible race and the outcome was fantastic as I, of course, am biased towards Suzuki. I can only imagine the outcome if Haydon had not experienced that exhaust blowout or if he had not come out of the draft so soon. My hats off to that kid, he is an incredible racer for any age. To stick it out on a problemed bike like he did and still come that close to winning his first Daytona 200 is nothing short of awesome.