The highlight of the weekend of course is when the starter’s light finally goes green for the MotoGP class. Last year, America’s Kenny Roberts, Jr. (10) led off the line. Kinney Jones photo.
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Ben Spies (middle) is another rider who hopes to repeat his Laguna Seca success of 2006. The AMA Superbikes and other support classes will be running again this year. Kinney Jones photo.
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Veteran announcer and TV commentator Larry Maiers interviews Jeff Emig (left) and Scott Russell last year in the Yamaha Weekend of Champions infield tent. It will be back this year. Kinney Jones photo.
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The infield at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is jammed full of motorcycle displays and things to do. Kinney Jones photo.
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Historically, the premier class in the FIM World Roadracing Championship series was the 500cc class. Legendary names such as Hailwood, Agostini, Spencer, Lawson, Rainey, Schwantz and Roberts Sr. & Jr. were world championship winners running 500cc two-stroke and four-stroke purpose built race machines.
In 2002, the series underwent its most dramatic equipment change ever with theswitch to 990cc four-stroke machines. The ultra-powerful purpose-built race machines are capable of running well in excess of 200
miles per hour on certain race courses. But with the speed and power also came concerns about exceeding a reasonable degree of safety and for 2007 the engine sizes were limited by the world sanctioning body to
800cc. To the surprise of some, the smaller and lighter engine package has produced lap times this year that have in some cases actually exceed those of the larger 990cc machines of the past.
In addition to the MotoGP race on Sunday, July 22nd, a card of AMA National roadraces will be held. Scheduled at press time was a round of the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited and the AMA Supersport class. In between the race action, fans can check out the world of motorcycling in the infield of the continually improving Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Major sponsor Yamaha Motor Corporation, as well as manufacturers and numerous aftermarket companies will be exhibiting their latest products. Yamaha will also again feature its popular Yamaha Weekend of Champions celebration that will have a new added twist this year. In addition to the poster signing and interviews by Yamaha’s racing legends, they will also be a taking a tour of the track during the weekend in Mazda convertibles. For more information there are things to know about attending. Check out:
www.redbullusgrandprix.com
www.laguna-seca.com
www.yamaha-motor.com
www.motogp.com
Team Fiat Yamaha rider
Valentino Rossi battled
back after his opening
day loss to Stoner to
take the win in Spain.
Michelin DPPI photo.
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Suzuki’s Chris Vermeulen overcame the challenges of a rain-soaked track to win his first-ever MotoGP race at LeMans, France in May. © Bridgestone Corporation photo.
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America’s John Hopkins (right) celebrated his
first-ever MotoGP podium finish in China with Rossi and race winner Stoner.
© Bridgestone Corporation photo.
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After a successful early career in the US, Colin tackled the World Superbike series and won two WSB world titles before switching to MotoGP. While he has yet to win, he has one podium this year to date and earned the pole position for the French GP in May. Michelin DPPI photos.
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The 2006 World MotoGP champion got off to a bad start in 2007 as his Repsol Honda team struggled to get competitive with the new 800cc formula. But his desire is still strong and a third straight win at Laguna Seca is very possible. Michelin DPPI photos.
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Hopkins has been racing motorcycles since he was four years old. He won the AMA 750cc Supersport Formula Xtreme titles in the US before moving to the MotoGP series.He has run well thus far in 2007 and has one podium finish to his credit. © Bridgestone Corporation photos.
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The son of a three-time World Champion, Kenny Junior made history in 2000 when he also claimed world championship honors. After running very competitively last year on his father’s Team Roberts Honda, he has struggled this year with the new 800cc motors. Michelin DPPI photos.
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Winner of three of the first five races of 2007, the young Australian rider shot out of the gate as the man to beat in the new 800cc era of MotoGP racing. He has ridden well and his Ducati has been one of the fastest machines on the track. © Bridgestone Corporation photos.
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The 7-time World Champion and winningest rider in motorcycle Grand Prix racing, Rossi battled all year, but lost his world title to Nicky Hayden in 2006. He is very motivated to win the title back for himself and his Fiat Yamaha team. Michelin DPPI photos.
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Nicky Hayden’s Repsol Honda teammate is developing into one of the top riders in the MotoGP world championship series. After winning world titles in the 125cc and 250cc classes, Dani moved to MotoGP in 2006 and won two races in his rookie year. Michelin DPPI photos.
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One of the veterans of the circuit at age 34, Capirossi teams with Casey Stoner on the Ducati Marlboro team. The Italian rider has won 28 Grand Prix events and three world championships in his
illustrious racing career.© Bridgestone Corporation photos.
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Tom White, co-founder of White Brothers (and avid motocross memorabilia collector), beams after having won the auction bid for a one-of-a-kind Roger DeCoster cap that had been previously autographed by Roger to Bob Hannah.
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Breakfast of Champions emcee Larry Maiers interviews Chris Carr about his recent experiences in setting the motorcycle world land speed record at Bonneville as well as Dirt Track racing plans for 2007.
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