A press release from Eric Bostrom’s manager, Norm “Lawdog” Viano, detailing Bostrom’s view of the final round of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Series:

ERIC BOSTROM HEADS TO VIRGINIA

Atlanta, GA. Eric Bostrom heads into the last round of the AMA Superbike Championship this weekend, at Virginia International Raceway (VIR), feeling confident and anxious to hit the track. Often regarded as one of the most fit athletes in the paddock, Eric used the long break (caused by the Willow Springs cancellation) to resume his heavy regimen of cross-training. “I’ve been doing a lot of mountain biking, surfing, and rock climbing with my cousin Jeff and also with Mike (Ciccotto). I’m ready to go! A month off the bike is a long time. And always being really motivated to ride, it feels like it’s been an eternity to me since we’ve raced, so I’m excited to get back on the bike and put on a good show for the new Virginia fans.”

Eric comes to Virginia leading the Pro Honda Oils 600 SuperSport Championship over Miguel Duhamel by 31 points, and trailing leader Mat Mladin in the Superbike Championship by 15 points. Since he is leading one championship and trailing in the other, he will implement a dual strategy this weekend. “In the 600 race, we’re going to have to run a calculated race. Obviously when I go out I want to win, but this weekend I’m going to take it as it comes and do what’s in the best interest of Kawasaki and my Championship-title chase. For the Superbike race, I’m just going to go out and win. I’m expecting tough competition from the usual guys, particularly Nick (Nicky Hayden) because he’s been ON the last few races. Also Doug (Chandler), because he’s been fast at the previous VIR tests. Gobert should go well at this track too, since it’s more of a European-style track. But basically, it’s all the normal guys. I don’t think about just one guy, I go out there and try to beat all of them!” And the fact that this race will be only the second race in the 2001 AMA Superbike Championship that will require a pit stop doesn’t affect his attitude one bit. “I’m always game to ride some extra laps.”

As a small gesture of compassion for those affected by the tragedy that hit the United States (and the World) on September 11th, Eric will donate all of his potential VIR race winnings to the Red Cross (1-800-HELP-NOW).


And now another press release from Viano, with Mike Ciccotto’s view (Ciccotto is also represented by Viano):

MIKE CICCOTTO TO VIR

Atlanta, GA. Mike Ciccotto arrived in Virginia today to stamp his name on the final AMA round at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). While the Floridian normally only runs the AMA series in Pro Thunder with his Hal’s Performance Advantage Buell, Mike has asked that his Hooters Suzuki Team (which normally only runs the Formula USA series) attend VIR so he can race in the 750cc Supersport class, as well. The last two events that Ciccotto has raced in the 750 Supersport class have been extremely successful – he won both convincingly (Road Atlanta and Loudon, this season). So he’s understandably feeling confident about his chances this weekend. “I feel stronger than ever, stronger than I started the season, for sure. I’m amped up to go out there and show ’em what I got.

“I definitely want to be fast right out of the box, but at the same time, me and Manny (Otman, his Hooters mechanic) have our little routine when we get there and – going fast out of the box is good – but if you don’t get going any faster as the weekend progresses, it kind of hurts you, so we’re going to go out there and put in our laps. The times will come. I’m going to ride the racetrack and not worry about anyone else and I’m sure that’ll put us up front.

“On the Buell, I want to put it out front like I did at Sears Point (where he started at the back of the pack and ended up catching and passing the ENTIRE field before winning the race). I haven’t been able to ride like I did at Sears since then due to some mechanicals and the wrist injury I had, but I want to go out there this weekend and dominate that class like we did in the beginning of the year. Especially because my wrist is back to about 90-95 percent. It doesn’t bother me much racing anymore. In fact, in Portland, I won the 2nd Superbike leg on it (before being DQ for being slightly over HP), so I’ll have no excuse. I mean, the wrist might bug me a little bit but I was able to win races since I hurt the wrist, so there is no reason it should prevent me from winning both classes this weekend.”

Like many Americans, Mike is anxious to resume living after the September 11th tragedy. “After Portland, I flew to California to race at Willow the following weekend. The next day is when the tragedy hit. Willow Springs was cancelled, so I just stayed out there (in CA) to train with Eric (Bostrom) for about a week. We trained pretty hard and had a lot of fun rock climbing, surfing, and mountain biking. I’m bummed that Willow was cancelled, but we didn’t lose anything compared to them (the families of victims)”.