Hodgson battles illness

Neil Hodgson claimed a gutsy fifth place at the AMA round at Fontana, despite an illness making it doubtful the British rider would race at all.

The former British and World Superbike champion was sick throughout the weekend, but his condition worsened on Saturday evening. Prior to the race he was put on IVs at the circuit medical centre, and he immediately returned there after the 28 lap race.

“That was the hardest race on my life. It was hard to concentrate. I was just trying to finish,” said Hodgson.

Despite the illness, Hodgson gained ground on championship leader Ben Spies. Mat Mladin took the win from Spies, Aaron Yates, and Hodgson’s Parts Unlimited team-mate Ben Bostrom.

AMA championship standings:

Spies: 155

Mladin: 152

Hodgson: 146

Yates: 143

Bostrom: 122

DuHamel: 118