HODGSON FIGHTS FOR POSITION IN DAYTONA
Daytona (Florida) 11 March 2006: Parts Unlimited Ducati's
Neil Hodgson battled for a podium spot in Saturday's Daytona
Superbike race before finishing a close fourth. Hodgson, who
rebounded from a touchy moment in the chicane during the opening
laps of the race, used his Ducati 999 to pass several riders
and make a strong charge toward the front in the 15-lap race.
"I rode as hard as I could and just wish we had a second
race here. We'd make a few little changes and be right there
in the swing of things," said the 2003 World Superbike
champion. "I quite enjoyed it. Passing a few people made
the race for me. The bike feels quite a bit better than last
year. I've got a great feel from the 999 and hope we can improve
that in testing."
Hodgson was 6.017 seconds from the leader at the finish.
Ben Bostrom was disappointed to finish seventh with a grip
issue after qualifying on the front row. However, he was upbeat
after the Daytona race despite the event not living up to
his expectations. "The bike's fantastic, that's the real
bummer," said Ben. "I really like riding this bike
and I think it's the most fun I've ever had roadracing. Off
the start, it's just that the tire felt like it was an old
race tire. I could only do a 1:39.5 lap. It never got worse
and never got better. The bike's great, we just needed more
grip out there today."
Parts Unlimited Ducati will next race at Barber Motorsports
Park, April 21-23.
Results:
1. Mat Mladin, Suzuki
2. Ben Spies, Suzuki
3. Miguel DuHamel, Honda
4. Neil Hodgson, Parts Unlimited Ducati
5. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki
6. Aaron Yates, Suzuki
7. Ben Bostrom, Parts Unlimited Ducati
8. Jake Zemke Honda
9. Jason Pridmore, Jordan Suzuki
10. Jake Holden, Jordan Suzuki
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