2011 MotoGP
Ben Bostrom has an impressive record at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The Redding, Calif., native has won there in the following classes: AMA Superbike (2010, 2004), Daytona SportBike (2009), Supersport (2008) and Formula Xtreme (2004).
This is quite the wave to be riding as AMA Superbike heads to Laguna Seca this weekend to run with MotoGP (Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix).
But not only will Bostrom be piloting his Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R1000 around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn circuit, he was also be riding as a wildcard in MotoGP. Bostrom will compete as a wildcard rider with LCR Honda, teaming with Moto2 Champion Toni Elias.
This decision came because of the Michael Jordan Motorsports management team’s "excellent relationship" with the LCR team.
Ben Bostrom (Michael Jordan Suzuki Superbike/LCR Honda MotoGP) says: "Words can’t express how excited I am to get this amazing opportunity to race on my home track in front of the whole world.
"I have to thank Michael Jordan Motorsports and American Suzuki for allowing this to happen. The collaboration between Lucio, LCR and the MJM team has been terrific. I’m going to get on the GP bike and put it as close to the front as possible. Then I’m going to hop on my Jordan Suzuki bike and try to create even more magic."
Lucio Cecchinello (CEO of LCR Honda MotoGP) says: "The U.S. GP takes place at one of the most spectacular racetracks in the world. Because of the great relationship between our team and Michael Jordan Motorsports, we decided to invite one of Laguna Seca’s most successful riders to compete for us in the race: Ben Bostrom. I’d like to offer many thanks to the Michael Jordan Motorsports team for the great collaboration and the amazing support."
Pat Alexander (American Suzuki’s Race Support Manager) says: "American Suzuki would like to congratulate Ben Bostrom for being selected for this one-off seat on a MotoGP bike. Ben has been an asset to the Suzuki brand and we are happy to allow him this rare opportunity."
Last season, the LCR team enlisted then-Pedercini Kawaskai WSBK rider Roger Lee Hayden to fill in for an injured Randy de Puniet at Laguna Seca; the younger brother of Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team MotoGP) finished 11th.
So far this season, Bostrom is sixth in the AMA Superbike Championship; his best finish was second at Barber Motorsports Park.
