The Sunday race of the Mid-Ohio Superbike doubleheader saw both Parts Unlimited Ducati teammates compete for positions inside the top five, with Neil Hodgson taking fifth place on his Ducati 999. Ben Bostrom challenged for fourth position most of the race before a crash ended his day early.
Neil fought through an exciting, close battle with Aaron Yates for much of the event. Hodgson held his rival at bay for much of the 26-lap distance. "It was a tough race. I was riding hard out there and battling with Yates for position," said the Isle of Man resident and former World Superbike champion. "Certainly, we're getting the bike to turn better and change direction better. I feel like we are making progress. We're looking forward to racing again in Virginia."
Bostrom challenged for fourth place until an incident in the Keyhole ended his day four laps before the finish. "The crash was my fault," said Ben Bostrom. "I thought we had a great bike out there but we were stuck behind (Jake) Zemke and had a hard time getting around him. I was a little frustrated with it and I knew there were only a few laps to go. I was also taking pressure from Yates, too. We passed a lapper in the Keyhole and I decided to get a good drive down the straight. I got into the throttle too hard and it threw me off, taking out Yates as well. Fortunately, we were both okay."
Bostrom, who was third quickest in the morning warm-up, felt a better result was in order. "I thought we had a bike that could contend for the podium today," said the former series champion. "The rider needs to do a better job on the start, though. I love the way the bike is handling and I'm looking forward to the next races."
The Parts Unlimited Ducati Team will test at Road Atlanta this week. The next AMA races will be held at Virginia International Raceway, August 18-20.
Results:1. Ben Spies, Suzuki
2. Mat Mladin, Suzuki
3. Miguel Duhamel, Honda
4. Jake Zemke, Honda
5. Neil Hodgson, Parts Unlimited Ducati
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki
7. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki
8. Roger Hayden, Kawasaki
9. Jake Holden, Suzuki
10. Matt Lynn, Suzuki
Did Not Finish: Ben Bostrom, Parts Unlimited Ducati
Points Standings (after 14 races): 1. Ben Spies, Suzuki 501
2. Mat Mladin, Suzuki 456
3. Miguel Duhamel, Honda 387
4. Neil Hodgson, Parts Unlimited Ducati 358
5. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki 354
6. Aaron Yates, Suzuki 335
7. Jake Zemke, Honda 325
8. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki 285
9. Ben Bostrom, Parts Unlimited Ducati 284
10. Larry Pegram, Honda 260
Related Linkswww.ducati.com
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