From a press release:

E. BOSTROM TAKES MOMENTUM TO ENGLAND

May 22, 2002 – Atlanta, GA. After an exciting race weekend at Road Atlanta for rounds six and seven of the Chevy Trucks AMA Superbike Championship, Eric finds himself in Europe. Again. Filling in for Izutsu and Harald Eckl’s Kawasaki team, Eric is looking forward to putting in a solid result for Kawasaki at the British round, just as he did a few weeks ago at the Italian round (Monza).

He’s taking to Silverstone the momentum and excitement from his inspiring ride at Road Atlanta (AMA) last Sunday. A ride that saw him reel in the fast Honda twin of Nicky Hayden with just a few laps to go, and make a pass in the penultimate corner of the last lap that got 55,000+ fans on their feet screaming with excitement. Although Nicky’s drive into the last corner ultimately sealed Eric’s fate, it was one of the best races of the season, and it showcased what Eric has been learning from his World Superbike races. All that travelling is starting to pay off.

Quite possibly the busiest rider in the paddock, Eric hasn’t gone home to Las Vegas in quite awhile. Since the Fontana, California (AMA round) almost 2 months ago, he has been a man on the move. Eric flew immediately to Australia to train and hang with brother, Ben. Then he flew to Japan for the Sugo World Superbike round. Then back to California for the Sears Point (AMA) round. Then immediately to Italy for the Monza round. Then to Atlanta for the Road Atlanta (AMA) round, where he left two days ago to arrive in time for the Silverstone practice today. But wait folks, there’s more. As soon as the Silverstone round ends, Eric flies to Colorado for the Pikes Peak (AMA) round. Then to Wisconsin for the Road America (AMA) round. And there remains the possibility that Eric will wrap up June with the Misano World Superbike round, as well. Quite a busy, pressure-packed few months for the 25 year-old California native. But he’s taking it all in stride. “Riding these events, is helping the riding, for sure. It’s making me dig deeper and try harder,” says Eric.

And his American fans are certainly seeing improved riding, especially in the form of qualifying and race starts. “It seems like we have better qualifying tires across the pond. So I’m still coming to terms with how much grip we have over there versus over here. And those guys in WSB start so HARD. Here, a good start means a holeshot. There, a good start means you might be even with everyone else.” His American fans are also seeing a more aggressive Eric Bostrom, although seemingly not at the expense of his trademark composure.

The upcoming Silverstone World Superbike round should prove interesting, as this is the first time a World Superbike race is being held at the Silverstone circuit, leveling the playing field a bit. “I think it’ll be fun. It should close the gap a bit since the WSB regulars haven’t been there yet. The British locals are going to go good and be tough to beat, and they are on fast bikes. But it should be fun.”

And Eric has a little streak to protect at Silverstone, having qualified on the outside of row 2 (in 8th position) in both of the prior World Superbike races (Sugo and Monza). Will Silverstone mean another 8th place Superpole lap? “I don’t mind starting from row two. It’s not such a bad qualifying position. I’d like to qualify better, of course. But in AMA, I’m unhappy if I’m not on pole. In WSB, I’m happy to start 8th! At least, for the moment.”