Hodgson AMA podium

Neil Hodgson took a fine third place in the AMA Superbike round at Laguna Seca, which formed part of the MotoGP weekend.

Hodgson rose from sixth place in the early stages to pressure Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden for second, behind the runaway leader, Suzuki’s Ben Spies.

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The race was red-flagged on the opening lap, due to five riders falling at the first corner. The restart saw Spies lead from the first turn, building up to a 3.1 second gap at the chequered flag. Hayden, older brother of MotoGP star Nicky Hayden, has to pass both Miguel Duhamel and Ben Bostrom to move up into second, only to come under fire from hard-charging Hodgson.

“Hopefully, we’ll become regulars on the podium from here on out,” said Hodgson. “We were strong today despite the heat and had some goot battles. Hayden pulled a bit of a gap but I chased him down and was planning my moves for the end. I lost the front really badly with three laps to go, and at that point, felt it would be best to be content with the podium. The track was bumpy and we didn’t have much practice time, but we all pulled it together and I;m proud of the crew for working so hard.”

Parts Unlimited team-mate Ben Bostrom finished in seventh, as he suffered dehydration which put him in the medical center immediately after the race. Bostrom later said “I got sick and just fell apart. I should have pulled in because I was so weak I could barely ride”

Hodgson has now closed on third in the AMA Superbike championship, currently held by Miguel Duhamel, who finished fourth at Laguna Seca.

AMA Championship standings:

1. Ben Spies (Suzuki) 426.

2. Mat Mladin (Suzuki) 392.

3. Miguel Duhamel (Honda) 329.

4. Neil Hodgson (Ducati) 317.

5. Tommy Hayden (Kawasaki) 304.

5. Aaron Yates (SUzuki) 304.

7. Jake Zemke (Honda) 296.

8. Ben Bostrom (Ducati) 268.

9. Jason Pridmore (Suzuki) 259.

10. Steve Rapp (Suzuki) 226.