Road America is making changes and planning more changes that could result in FIM homologation and World Superbike events coming to the fast, four-mile-long Wisconsin road course. On Friday, June 3, Road America will open a new pedestrian bridge, “Suzuki Bridge.” The 130-foot-long, nine-foot-wide bridge will connect the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex and Carousel campground with a new spectator area located at track level, on rider’s left near the new “Bend” section, turn 11. During the off-season, however, Road America President and General Manager George Bruggenthies hopes to make changes to the Billy Mitchell bridge area, turn 13, to increase safety and hopefully earn the track FIM homologation, opening the door for FIM events, like World Superbike. “We have engineers here right now doing surveys,” Bruggenthies told Roadracingworld.com Thursday. “We are currently in the cost analysis phase trying to decide whether we should put a tunnel under turn 14 or extend the Billy Mitchell bridge by 90 to 110 feet to (rider’s) right (removing a dangerous bridge abutment). We’re trying to create some run-off room. The bridge extension is my preference, because I think the blind turn under the bridge is a signature turn of the track. Plus, you never know what other problems you are going to cause by adding a tunnel.” The track currently has several pedestrian and vehicle bridges and at least one tunnel. “No decision has been made on the final solution,” continued Bruggenthies, “but our Board of Directors is dedicated to the plan (improving run-off at turn 13). We think Road America is a world-class facility, and we want to stay competitive in the industry. We just celebrated our 50th anniversary, and I want this track to still be here in another 50 years.” While Bruggenthies wouldn’t say so on the record, it is believed that Road America is currently seeking to host a World Superbike event, and if an agreement with FIM and FGSport Group, rights holder of World Superbike, is reached, Road America will re-surface its entire four-mile length in one, single repaving.

AMA PRO RACING ON TV THIS WEEK (June 2-June 9, 2005) (All times Eastern) AMA Motocross Championship presented by FMF, Hangtown Classic, Sacramento, Calif., (125cc) Thursday, June 2, 5 p.m. (OLN) AMA Motocross Championship presented by FMF, High Point Raceway, Mt. Morris, Penn., (250cc) Saturday, June 4, 4 p.m. (OLN) AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei, Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisc., Sunday, June 5, 2 p.m. (SPEED Channel) AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited (Race 1), Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisc., Sunday, June 5, 3 p.m. (SPEED Channel) AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited (Race 2), Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisc., Sunday, June 5, 5 p.m. (SPEED Channel) AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited (Race 1), Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisc., Tuesday, June 7, 12 p.m. (SPEED Channel) AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited (Race 2), Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisc., Tuesday, June 7, 1 p.m. (SPEED Channel) AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series/Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series, Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisc., Tuesday, June 7, 2 p.m. (SPEED Channel) AMA Motocross Championship presented by FMF, High Point Raceway, Mt. Morris, Penn., (125cc) Saturday, June 9, 5 p.m. (OLN) AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei, Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisc., Sunday, June 9, 4 a.m. (SPEED Channel) All times subject to change. Check local listing

MotoGP fever rising at Mugello Eager anticipation surrounding the Gran Premio Alice d’Italia rose hand in hand with the temperatures today as warm sunshine greeted the MotoGP World Championship paddock to Mugello. With the team trucks, tents and pit garages resplendent beneath the clear blue skies, some of the most famous sporting personalities in the land came face to face ahead of what promises to be one of the most intriguing contests of the season. Valentino Rossi has won his home Grand Prix for the past three seasons and, after an electric start to his latest MotoGP title defence, is eager to repeat the incredible scenes of his victory celebrations here last year. “I was unlucky in my first two seasons with the 500 here but since then I have won some great races especially last season,” commented Rossi, who took victory one year ago by just three tenths of a second from Sete Gibernau. “I have a lot of good memories from here but seeing the crowd underneath the podium last year is one of the best of my career. I have never seen so many people at a MotoGP podium before. Hopefully we will see the same thing on Sunday. The weather today is fantastic, like summer is here for real, and I hope it stays that way all weekend.” Whilst Gibernau will again be hoping to be Rossi’s main challenger this weekend as he continues his recovery from a disappointing start to the season, three Italian riders with past successes at this track will also be gunning for home glory. Marco Melandri, in particular, has his sights set on the top step of the podium. “This is a special race for all of us but I will try to put the pressure onto Valentino and concentrate on my job,” commented Melandri, who lies second in the championship just four races into his first season with Honda and has had four previous podiums here in the 125cc and 250cc classes. “I competed in my first ever race at this circuit in the Italian Championship so it is the track I know best and I will be looking for my best ever result in MotoGP.” Loris Capirossi also knows this track better than most, having become the first Italian ever to win here five seasons ago and having racked up the kilometres during hours of winter testing with Ducati. “The Ducati factory is only 60 kilometres from here so the test team have done a lot of work at this track and the setting of the bike should already be good for tomorrow morning,” said Capirossi, who has now fully recovered from a cracked bone in his ankle. “I feel 100%, the bike improved in a recent test at Le Mans and I’m ready.” The other rider in search of home glory this weekend is Max Biaggi, who has also made the most of an extra week between races to rest and recover. “I had a big crash in the warm-up in Le Mans and rode through the pain in the race but I was unable to test afterwards,” explained Biaggi, who has taken three wins here in the 250cc class. “Luckily we had the extra week off and I’m feeling okay now. I have a lot of fans here and I hope they will be celebrating with me on Sunday.” Meanwhile, Kawasaki rider Alex Hofmann was back in the paddock after a seven-week absence since breaking his wrist in a pre-event accident at the second round in Portugal. Hofmann will test the injury in tomorrow’s first free practice but his replacement for the past two rounds, Olivier Jacque, is on standby. “I’ve done everything possible to make sure I’m fit for this race, but racing a MotoGP bike at a track like Mugello is physically demanding, and I’ll only really find out if all the preparation has been successful when I take to the track on Friday morning. I’m fairly confident that everything will be fine, and I’m definitely looking forward to racing the bike again after such a long lay off,” said the German. 250cc World Champion Dani Pedrosa is predicting a tough weekend as he faces up to the challenge of Honda colleague Andrea Dovizioso, in the hunt for his first quarter-litre victory on home soil, and a fleet of Aprilia riders defending a strong record at a traditionally favourable circuit for the Italian factory. “It’s going to be a hard race and Dovizioso won’t be the only rider out there with plenty of motivation I’m sure Sebastián Porto, Randy De Puniet and Casey Stoner will all be at the front too,” commented Pedrosa. “At Mugello it’s difficult to get away because there is a long straight where the Aprilias could have an advantage, and a lot of fast corners. I don’t know why but I’ve always found it difficult here.” Local representation in the 125cc class is as plentiful as always, with Mattia Pasini returning from injury to join Marco Simoncelli as the main contenders for home glory. Both riders are looking for their second win of the season as they chase early series leader Mika Kallio, whilst plenty of watchful eyes will also be on the traditionally strong wildcard list as a host of youngsters look to follow in the footsteps of the current crop of Italian MotoGP stars.

Five-time AMA Superbike champ Mat Mladin will be the in-studio guest on SPEED Channel’s 2 Wheel Tuesday, hosted by Greg White, on June 7 at 9 p.m. ET. Mladin will be answering viewer e-mails received over the last several weeks. SPEED Channel is the nation’s first and foremost cable network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED Channel delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in nearly 69 million homes in North America, SPEED Channel is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country.

HOFMANN ALL SET FOR RACING RETURN AT MUGELLO Alex Hofmann will make his return to the Kawasaki Racing Team for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, having now recovered from the injuries he sustained in a crash during a promotional event seven weeks ago. Hofmann, who celebrated his 25th birthday just a week ago, suffered a fractured ulna and scaphoid in his left wrist when he was highsided from his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR in Estoril during a MotoGP parade. The factory Kawasaki rider underwent a rigorous fitness assessment on Wednesday evening at Mugello before being given the green light to race this weekend by Kawasaki’s MotoGP Project Leader, Kenichi Furuhashi, and Kawasaki Team Manager, Harald Eckl. But while a fitness assessment is a good indicator of a rider’s ability to race, it is difficult for medical clinicians to replicate the physical demands of racing a 250BHP MotoGP machine. Hofmann will only find out if he is truly fit to race when he takes to the track aboard his Ninja ZX-RR for the opening practice session on Friday morning. On standby, should Hofmann’s recently healed injuries cause him problems during Friday’s practice session, is Kawasaki super-sub, Olivier Jacque. The Frenchman will be at Mugello and also at Catalunya, where he will test for Kawasaki immediately after the Grand Prix of Catalunya. Fully fit and raring to go for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix is Hofmann’s Kawasaki teammate, Shinya Nakano. The Japanese star is looking forward to again spearheading Kawasaki’s increasingly competitive MotoGP campaign at Mugello. Recent engine developments, including a drive-by-wire engine control system, have allowed Nakano to post impressive qualifying and race performances at the French GP. And following a productive engine and tyre test at Le Mans two weeks ago, Nakano is convinced the Ninja ZX-RR will put him in contention at Mugello, just a year after he walked away from a nightmare 300 kph crash on the super-fast main straight at the classic Italian circuit. Nakano has prepared for the Italian GP with a training camp in France, undertaking a series of mountain runs and outdoor exercises, including jet skiing, as a break from gym workouts. Alex Hofmann: #66 “I’ve spent seven weeks preparing for this weekend, working with my doctor and physiotherapist to ensure that I was ready to make my return to racing at Mugello. I’ve done everything possible to make sure I’m fit for this race, but racing a MotoGP bike at a track like Mugello is physically demanding, and I’ll only really find out if all the preparation has been successful when I take to the track on Friday morning. I’m fairly confident that everything will be fine, and I’m definitely looking forward to racing the bike again after such a long lay off.” Shinya Nakano: #56 “I’m feeling refreshed after the training camp in France, it is always good to try some different training methods. I’m very positive about our potential at Mugello, especially after the success of the Kawasaki test at Le Mans. Front end set-up and tyre choice are both critical at Mugello, there are many fast changes of direction, with heavy braking and downhill corner entries. After the Le Mans test I think both Kawasaki and Bridgestone have some excellent options in these areas. Mugello has some bad memories for me from last year, but I want to try and forget that with a good result on Sunday, which will show the true potential of the ZX-RR.” Harald Eckl: Team Manager “Alex will try the bike for the first time on Friday morning, and I hope that his injuries have healed sufficiently for him to make a good result in the opening practice session. Should he suffer any problems with his injuries when he rides the bike, then we always have the option to replace him with Olivier Jacque, who is on standby at Mugello for just such an eventuality.”

Rizla Suzuki’s British Superbike Champion John Reynolds is aiming for the top step of the podium when he returns to racing his GSX-R1000 in the sixth round of the British Superbike Championship at Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire this Sunday. He missed the last two rounds of the series as he continued his recovery from a broken right leg and rode his Rizla Suzuki at an official test at the 2.1-mile long Croft Circuit last week where was fourth quickest and bubbling with enthusiasm at the end of the day. Croft Circuit is close to Rizla Suzuki racer Scott Smart’s hometown of York and he is hoping that the support of his home fans will give him a boost as he continues to get to grips with his GSX-R1000. It is one of the most popular events on the BSB calendar and a bumper crowd is expected. Superbike racing starts at 1:20pm on Sunday, June 5th. John Reynolds: “I am so hungry to race that I can hardly sleep thinking about this weekend at Croft. If people are expecting me to make a half-hearted return to racing then they are sadly mistaken. I am going to Croft and aiming for the top step of the podium and nothing less. My Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000’s good enough and I want to do it justice.” Scott Smart: “Croft is almost on my doorstep and is very much my home track. I’ll be looking for support from the local fans on Sunday and want to repeat my podium performance from last year at the same track. “I like Croft; it is fast and flowing and I am coming to it with more confidence and experience on my Rizla Suzuki than at any time previously this season. I so want this to be the weekend it all comes good for my team as they deserve silverware for the efforts they have put in.”

THIS YEAR’S MOTOGIRO D’ITALIA FOLLOWED SOME OF ITALY’S MOST SCENIC ROUTES, THROUGH THE REGIONS OF ROMAGNA, MARCHE, UMBRIA AND TUSCANY. OVERALL WINNER WAS ENZO COPPOLECCHIA, RIDING A MOTO MORINI 175. Once again following historic race routes, this year’s re-evocation of Italy’s oldest long distance motorcycle race, now in its fifth edition, was another great success. Ducati Motor was once again the main sponsor of the event, organised by Dream Engine. It was a historic revival, a genuine road race, and above all a great festival of motorcycling that terminated in Cattolica on the 28th May 2005. We are talking, of course, about the 2005 edition of the Motogiro d’Italia, Italy’s classic five-day road race, now in its fifth revival edition. The race took place from the 24th to the 28th May, and animated some of the most beautiful roads in central Italy, bringing back to life the legendary motorcycling event trials that, between 1914 and 1957, wrote some of the most unforgettable chapters in the history of international motorcycle racing. This year’s was the fifth edition of the re-evocation event so impeccably organised by Dream Engine. Over 400 motorcyclists took part, not only from Italy but from another 13 nations, including the UK (55 entries), Germany (3 entries), France (10 entries), Ireland (2 entries), Switzerland (20 entries), Holland (21 entries), Belgium (3 entries), Spain (5 entries), USA (30 entries), Canada (8 entries), Australia (2 entries), South Africa (4 entries) and even Japan (4 entries). Competitors covered a total of nearly 1,200 kilometres (1,189 according to the official road-book). The event’s incredible success was confirmed by the fact that so very few entries withdrew (only 35 bikes failing to cross the finishing line in Gradara) and by the warm and enthusiastic welcome given to riders by the public, who packed the start and finish lines of every leg to wave competitors off and welcome them home. This year’s formula was slightly different from that of the previous editions. Rather than follow a straight line course, the route for the 2005 race resembled a virtual ‘daisy’, made up of fascinating, spectacular loops covering some of the most picturesque roads in the whole of Italy, starting from Cattolica and finishing at Gradara castle nearby, after five days of intense and extremely competitive racing. This year’s re-evocation was made up of five daily legs, all along routes followed by the original Motogiro d’Italia in the period 1953-1957. Starting from Piazzale I Maggio in Cattolica, the first day’s racing (230 Km) took riders through Morciano, Pennabilli, Sogliano al Rubicone, Gambettola, Santarcangelo, Coriano, and back to Cattolica. The start was animated by the presence of two new Ducati Sport Classics, the brand new machines that Borgo Panigale is about to launch on the international market, characterised by 1970’s styling but packed with the latest technology. Two “pre-series” machines, a Paul Smart 1000 and a Sport 1000, ridden by Federico Minoli, Chairman and Managing Director of Ducati Motor Holding, and Gianluigi Mengoli, Chairman of Ducati Foundation respectively, set the pace for the first leg. Both the general public and the media demonstrated tremendous interest in the two new bikes, which Ducati fans the world over have been eagerly awaiting, and which are due to hit the official dealer network in October this year. The second leg (182 Km) took the riders to Perugia, through Città di Castello and past the Magione circuit. From Perugia, the third day’s racing and the longest of the individual legs (297 Km), passed through Assisi, Spello, Terni, Collescipoli and Todi before finally returning to Perugia. The fourth leg (266 Km) took the caravan of bikes to Tuscany, as far as Castiglion Fiorentino before turning them back to Acqualagna and San Giovanni in Marignano, to finish the day back in Piazzale 1 Maggio in Cattolica. It was therefore once more from Cattolica that the fifth and decisive leg (214 Km) set off, routing riders through Fano, Mondavio, Jesi and Pesaro before crossing the finish line at Gradara castle. Entrants were divided into three classes. The “Historical Re-evocation” class was reserved for motorcycles manufactured before 1957. The “Taglioni Memorial” class was dedicated to bikes made between 1968 and 1978, and the “Tourist Class” encompassed all modern machines in a single non-competitive category. Overall victory in the “Historical Re-evocation” class of the Motogiro d’Italia 2005, gained only after a series of exciting position switches at the top of the table, went to Enzo Coppolecchia on a Moto Morini 175 cc. The lucky winner walks away with a special Motogiro 2005 version of the Ducati 900 SS as first prize. Overall second was Tullio Passerini, on a Gilera 175 cc, followed by Paolo Mattioli, overall third, on another Moto Morini 175. The “Taglioni Memorial” class was dominated, right from the first leg, by Dutchman Math Koevoet, on a BMW 900, who beat Frenchman Pierre Hertrich (Norton 750) and another Dutchman, Lucas Schols (Guzzi 750) into second and third place respectively. The competition included a total of fifteen special tests including timed regularity and gymkhana trials, held against the backdrop of the wonderfully attractive squares in the towns visited by this fifth edition of the revived event. Past champions had the opportunity to challenge the participants over a route that pushed both men and machines to the limit. The public were able to admire motorcycles like Ducati, Morini, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Benelli, Bianchi, Gilera, Rumi, Motobi. The presence of riders of the calibre of Maoggi, winner of the Motogiro in 1956, and Venturi, who took the trophy at the last edition of the original event in 1957, also made a major contribution to the success and prestige of the 2005 edition. Emilio Mendogni, overall winner exactly 50 years ago in the legendary 1955 race, also graced the final prize giving ceremony and dinner with his presence. For the fifth year in succession, the event was able to count on the support of Ducati Motor as main sponsor, in conjunction with the Emilia Romagna region, Motociclismo d’Epoca, Corriere dello Sport-Stadio, Shell, Marzocchi, Iveco, the Municipality of Gradara, the Municipality of Cattolica, the Municipality of Perugia, and the Cattolica-Le Navi Aquarium. This year’s event was organised under the auspices of the Italian Motorcycling Federation by Dream Engine, who received technical support from the “Libero Liberati” Motorcycle Club of Terni and from Team Curve & Tornanti in the Tourist Class. OVERALL POSITIONS, MOTOGIRO D’ITALIA 2005 “Historical Re-evocation” Class 1 Enzo Coppolecchia (Moto Morini 175): Total penalty 5’02″ 2 Tullio Masserini (Gilera 175): Total penalty 5’26″ 3 Paolo Mattioli (Moto Morini 175): Total penalty 5’35″ 4 Alfio Sorgato (Moto Morini 175): Total penalty 6’18″ 5 Massimo D’Alessio (Moto Morini 175): Total penalty 6’76″ “Taglioni Memorial” Class 1 Math Koevoet (BMW 900): Total penalty 6’36″ 2 Pierre Hertrich (Norton 750): Total penalty 10’20” 3 Lucas Schols (Guzzi 750): Total penalty 12’95” 4 Siebert Thibaut (Norton 850): Total penalty 19’99” 5 Kees Van De Ven (Ducati 860): Total penalty 34’88”

Alex and Troy back on favourable ground in Mugello Three of the four grands prix to have taken place up to now have been affected in some way by bad weather. It could well be that the precedent is set to change at the Italian Grand Prix this coming June 5th, with current forecasts predicting sunshine, and temperatures rising above the 30º mark. For the teams it means they can make the most out of every practice session to get the bike in shape for the race, an objective which is safe in the capable hands of the Camel Honda riders and technicians who are something of experts at the Italian track. In four of the last five years the squad have had at least one rider on the podium in Mugello, including a Barros and Capirossi one-two in 2001, and two third places for Biaggi in the past two seasons. Troy Bayliss also has a good track record in Italy, just missing out on the podium last year, coming home fourth by under three-tenths of a second. Sito Pons Camel Honda “Mugello is a track where our team has taken some good results; a win in 2000 with Capirossi and then the following year’s double, with Barros on the top step of the podium. Alex hasn’t had too much luck in the last two races, with the penalty in Shanghai and the crash in Le Mans, but he has constantly shown that he has good pace and is in form. The team knows the Tuscan track well and they know how to get the best out it from a technical point of view, so there is a good chance we can return to the kind of form showed in Portugal. I’m also confident about Troy’s chances, after he found various tyre and set-up solutions at Le Mans in the test we ran after the GP. He was satisfied with the work and is feeling more confident now. I hope for a great day of sport on Sunday, in front of the fantastic Italian crowd.” Alex Barros #4: “After Le Mans I went to Brazil for a couple of weeks, where I have undergone lots of physiotherapy to recover from the back pain I’ve been suffering from after the crash in France. I still haven’t got rid of it completely, so I’m not moving freely, but I’ll only find out whether I can ride at 100% or not once I get on the bike. I am obviously hoping that I can be in decent shape, because I love the track; it’s fast and technical, and one of the best in the world. I know that I’ve ridden in worse physical conditions than this though, so I’m intending to be up there with the Italians on Sunday, because they are always highly motivated to go well there.” Troy Bayliss #12: “The tests we did in Le Mans after the race went well, and I left France more happy with the answers we found. On Sunday we’ll ride at Mugello, a track I really like and where I have lots of experience. The race was great there last year, I enjoyed myself and even though I haven’t ridden the Honda there before, I’m sure I can put in a good race on Sunday.”

Reigning World Endurance Champion David Checa will compete in the Italian Grand Prix next weekend with the Fortuna Yamaha Team. The Spanish rider will replace Toni Elías, who is still recovering from an injury sustained during a day of tests following the French Grand Prix at Le Mans. Elías underwent an operation in Barcelona after fracturing the radius and scaphoid of his left wrist and rupturing the ligaments that link the triquetral bone and the radius. The rider also fractured the outside of his left fibula and his leg was put in a cast. According to Doctor Xavier Mir from the Instituto Dexeus in Barcelona, who has been responsible for the treatment issued to Elías, the Fortuna Yamaha rider requires a five-week recovery period from the time of the crash, assuming the injuries recover in a favorable manner. Elias’ misfortune gives Checa the opportunity to make his debut in MotoGP, the world’s premier motorcycle racing series, with a factory he already knows well. This season Checa and Yamaha already enjoyed a spectacular victory at the 24 Hours race at Le Mans. Checa, 25, competed in the 250cc World Championship from 2000 until 2002, firstly with Honda and then later with Aprilia, taking a best ever finish of sixth place in his final appearance at the 2002 Valencian Grand Prix. The rider from Sant Fruitós de Bages (Barcelona, Spain) has been racing since 1996 and regularly competes in four-stroke categories such as the World Endurance, Supersport and Superbike championships. David will travel to Mugello, Italy on Tuesday and will link up with the rest of the team directed by Hervé Poncharal. Antonio Jiménez, Chief Mechanic to Elías and previously to David’s elder brother Carlos Checa, will be using all his MotoGP experience as he presides over David Checa’s debut. Checa will also meet up with his new team-mate Ruben Xaus, who has only recently completed the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The pair are already great friends and often train together riding Supermoto. This year, as well as his participation and victory in the Le Mans 24 hours, Checa was planning to compete in the Bol d’Or, which will take place at the Magny Cours circuit in France. David Checa – 20-04-1980: 2005: Pirelli test rider for World Superbike – 1st at Le Mans 24 Hours 2004: World Endurance Champion with GMT-94 Yamaha Racing France Impone, alongside Christophe Guyot, William Costes and Sebastien Gimbert 2003: Debut en in World Endurance Championship – 1st in Oschersleben 24 Hours 2002: 13th in 250cc World Championship 2001: 17th in 250cc World Championship 2000: 19th in 250cc World Championship 1999: Test rider for Ducati and Pirelli in World Supersport 1998: 4th in Supersport European Championship – 1st in Catalunya 24 Hours 1997: Supersport Spanish and Catalonian Championships 1996: 125cc Spanish Championship

BOSTROM AND HODGSON WANT REPEAT VICTORY FOR PARTS UNLIMITED DUCATI AUSTIN AT ROAD AMERICA Eric Bostrom and Neil Hodgson of the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin team will try to keep up the team’s momentum this weekend as they race their Ducati 999 Superbikes at the Road America AMA Superbike doubleheader in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Bostrom, the winner at the last event at Pikes Peak International Raceway, took his first victory of the season with a final lap pass after a race that saw him in the lead much of the event on his Ducati 999. “We’ve improved how the bike works for me all season long, and it was fantastic to win a race,” said Bostrom, also the winner of a 2003 Superbike race at Road America. “The 999 has always been a great bike but we’ve really come a long way over the course of the year. It would be naive to think we’re finally finished or done because we have to continue to work hard and make things even better. The series is very competitive and you can never rest, even if you win. That said, it will feel really good at Road America if we can run strong again.” Neil Hodgson is an unusual AMA Superbike rookie, having won the World and British Superbike championships as well as being an experienced Grand Prix racer. Neil, however, has never raced at the 4.0-mile circuit and did not get to test at the track. “I must say the circuit looks like it would be really nice, but having never been there before, I can’t really say anything about it,” said Neil. “I am looking forward to racing the 999 there, and looking forward to a good weekend.” “We’re still on a bit of an emotional high since Eric’s victory at Pikes Peak,” said team manager Tom Bodenbach. “Everyone’s been working hard at the shop as usual, but after a win, you seem to have a little extra. We’re looking to continue or progress at Road America. Hopefully, we’ll have better luck with both bikes this weekend so Neil and Eric can both run near the front.” The green flag will drop on Saturday for the first Superbike race of the weekend, with the second being held Sunday afternoon. The Circuit: Located in the Wisconsin countryside, the 4.0-mile (6.43 kilometer), 14-turn Road America circuit is in many ways a European-style track. There are three long straights for the powerful Superbikes to reach top speeds, each with a 90 degree turn at the end that prove to be great passing zones. Road America also features turns like The Carousel and The Kink, which was altered for last year’s race to improve safety. Road America is also celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2005. Superbike Points (after 8 of 18 races): 1. Mat Mladin (Suzuki) 255, Ben Spies (Suzuki) 240, 3. Aaron Yates (Suzuki) 239, 4. ERIC BOSTROM (PARTS UNLIMITED DUCATI AUSTIN 999) 204, 5. NEIL HODGSON (PARTS UNLIMITED DUCATI AUSTIN 999) 201, 6. Miguel Duhamel, Honda 171