The Parts Unlimited Ducati Team returns to action this week at Infineon Raceway, located in the scenic Sonoma Valley just north of San Francisco. Neil Hodgson and Ben Bostrom will race their Ducati 999 Superbikes at the tight and twisty track known for its challenging elevation changes. The Infineon Raceway Superbike doubleheader (with races on Saturday and Sunday) is near the Ducati North America headquarters in Cupertino, California.
Both Ducati pilots have been very consistent this season and have finished every race in 2006. They will attempt to improve their finishing positions against the competitive AMA Superbike field in Sonoma. The 2003 World Superbike champion Hodgson is fourth in points after five races and has finished in the top six in each race so far. Neil has fought for podium finishes and looks to earn his first victory of 2006 this weekend.
"We're working hard and making progress," said Hodgson. "We had a long debrief after the Fontana race and think we've found some things that will help us at Infineon. This year, we have enjoyed racing with some of the guys for position but what we really want is to be at the front. We won't be happy until we're winning. Sears Point is one of my favorite tracks and I'm looking forward to the races."
Ben Bostrom is feeling positive about his fortunes this weekend. The Californian and former series champion grew up in Petaluma, California just minutes from Infineon Raceway. "The 999 chassis is really responsive to changes and when we find our ideal setup, everyone will know it," said Bostrom. "We are not quite there yet but everyone on the team is doing their best to get there. I'm confident in my riding and at Fontana I felt like I was riding really well. I'm really pumped to get on the bike again."
Qualifying takes place on Friday and Saturday morning, with the 28-lap races on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
The Circuit:Name: Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, California,
Turns: 12 ,
Length: 2.22 Miles (3.57 Kilometers).
Permanent Road Course,
Superbike Races Are 28 Laps Each.
AMA Superbike Points (after 5 races):1. Ben Spies, Suzuki 182
2. Mat Mladin, Suzuki 163
3. Miguel Duhamel, Honda 140
4. Neil Hodgson, Parts Unlimited Ducati 130
5. Aaron Yates, Suzuki 126
6. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki 124
7. Ben Bostrom, Parts Unlimited Ducati 119
8. Jake Zemke, Honda 110
9. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki 108
10. Larry Pegram, Honda 93
Related Linkswww.ducati.com
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