AMA: The Corona Honda rider discusses the upcoming double-header at Laguna Seca this weekend

Ron Lieback
AllAboutBikes.com Content Editor/Staff Writer

Julian Taylor
AllAboutBikes.com Editor-in-Chief

We recently interviewed AMA Superbike rider and 2003 World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson for a Corona Extra Honda Racing cover story. The full article will be featured in our August print and digital magazine. While chatting for about an hour, the still-healing Hodgson gave us his thoughts on the amazing state-side World Wide event being held this weekend at Laguna Seca in California. With both the AMA and MotoGP under one roof it is going to be a very exciting 4th of July weekend of motorcycle racing.

“I’m very optimistic about Laguna,” the British rider of the number 100 Corona Honda CBR1000RR said. “Some tracks feel like work, and some are just a pleasure, and Laguna’s definitely a pleasure. It’s been a long three months of healing, but I’m getting there. And if things go smoother than they did in Road America, I think Corona Racing will have a great performance.”

The World Superbike and British Superbike champion had some problems at Road America, from a ride-through penalty for putting his bike into gear and moving less than three centimeters, to a mix-up reading of flag and pit signals, and some electrical problems. Then to top it off, he was in pain due to his left shoulder that he injured in a motocross accident months ago…but he still muscled the Honda to a sixth-place finish.

But spirits are high, and a better-feeling Hodgson is hoping for luck at Laguna this weekend. Besides commenting on the AMA series, Hodgson also gave us some insights on MotoGP. And of course we had to ask: why is the rider of the number 46 Fiat Yamaha so dominating?

“What makes Valentino Rossi such a great rider is his ability to ride on the limit constantly,” Hodgson said. “I can string laps together close to the limit, but Rossi can constantly ride on the limit, which is why he has 100 GP victories. And I’m sure there are plenty more victories to come.”

Events like this weekend are what America needs; we need to be on the world stage more often.

Watch closely for the AllaboutBikes online coverage at this event as the news unfolds.