From a press release issued by Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin:

BOSTROM HEADS TO FAVORITE LAGUNA SECA CIRCUIT IN CONFIDENT MOOD

Monterey (California): Winner of two AMA Superbike races at Laguna Seca, Eric Bostrom is hoping to record his third superbike win at the Monterey peninsula circuit during the combined AMA and World Superbike weekend, a round which in recent years has seen fan attendance regularly exceed 90,000.

Currently fourth overall in points, Bostrom’s recent Michelin test in France showed positive results as he stayed on pace with the race leaders throughout the contest at Brainerd. Ducati Corse’s World Superbike experience from last year on a Michelin-shod 999 will also give the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin team a head start with their set-up for the Laguna Seca round.

Heading into last year’s Laguna Seca race only six points back in the AMA championship lead, Eric’s season was prematurely ended when he was caught up in a crash that resulted in injuries which kept him from being able to continue his battle for last year’s superbike title.

“I’m excited to go to my favorite track,” said the 27-year-old from Las Vegas, Nevada. “I know it’s going to be a lot of work and a difficult race to win, but I also know that we need to win. And everyone is riding really well right now so it’s going to be a great race. I’m anxious to be a part of the best event in America. Unfortunately we can’t ride as wildcards in the World Superbike races because of their spec tire rule, and I know the fans will be disappointed to not see the local wildcards, but we hope to give them a good show in the AMA Superbike race.

“The crowd size and enthusiasm are normally really incredible, and Ducati always has a strong presence with Ducati Island and they have some cool activities planned, so I’m looking forward to being a part of that. It’s going to be a great weekend.”

The Laguna Seca event also plays host to the international launch of the new U.S. version of the 999R, based on the motorcycle representing Ducati in this year’s American Superbike Championship with Eric Bostrom and the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin team.

The Circuit
During the 1950s, the “Pebble Beach Road Races” attracted some of the world’s best sports car drivers as they tested their skills on the winding roads of the coastal town. The prestigious races brought fans and money to the Monterey Peninsula but within a few years the event had outgrown the area and the cars had become too fast for the open road. The races needed a new home, and Laguna Seca Raceway was born.

Laguna Seca Raceway is recognized as one of the greatest and most spectacular road-racing circuits in the USA. Built by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) in 1957, it has hosted some of the world’s greatest racing series, including CART, NASCAR, FIA GT, GP Motorcycle and the Superbike World Championship. The 2.238 mile (3.610 km), 11-turn track is famous for its beauty and daunting Corkscrew turn, which features a difficult left-right swoop plunging more than 50 feet.

POINTS: 1. Mladin 358; 2. Duhamel 352; 3. Zemke 348; 4. E Bostrom 262; 5. May 241; 6. B Bostrom 210; etc.