The one-of-a-kind FIM MotoGP World Championship Series returns to America in July for the fourth annual running of the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, CA. In 2005 “The Kentucky Kid” Nicky Hayden took the win for the home crowd on his Repsol Honda. He turned the trick again in 2006, but in 2007 his win streak was broken by Ducati rider Casey Stoner. Stoner and Hayden will battle again when the series arrives in Monterey, along with top stars such as Valentino Rossi, Dani Pedrosa, new star Jorge Lorenzo and others.
     The schedule of events for the 2008 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, July 18-20 features round 11 of 18 in the prestigious MotoGP World Championship, while support races include AMA Superbike and Supersport championships as well as a pair of races for the new Red Bull Rookies Cup.
     Friday features all four classes on the track, including two one-hour MotoGP practice sessions and qualifying for Saturday’s AMA Supersport race. The day concludes with the free Fan Party from 5-7 p.m. at the Parts Unlimited hospitality tent in Turn 5.
     Saturday’s action is highlighted by MotoGP World Championship qualifying at 1:50 p.m. and the first two races of the weekend – Race 1 of the Red Bull Rookies Cup at 3:45 p.m. and the 17-lap contest for AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei at 4:35 p.m. The popular free Saturday night concert is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. in the Yamaha Marketplace, with the band to be announced in the near future.
     Three races are featured on Sunday: The Red Bull Rookies Cup will have its second race of the weekend at 12:45 p.m., the MotoGP World Championship takes the green flag for a 32-lap battle at 2 p.m. and the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited concludes the weekend with a 28-lap race starting at 3:45 p.m.
     Tickets for the 2008 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix are available by calling 1-800-327-SECA or visiting www.laguna-seca.com or www.ticketmaster.com.


The intensity of MotoGP racing is seen here at the season opener at Qatar. Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa (2) leads American Colin Edwards (5) and new sensation Jorge Lorenzo (48). Fiat Yamaha Team photo.
The by-invitation-only Parts Unlimited VIP Hospitality Center at Turn 5 has something going on all weekend. Kinney Jones photo.


In addition to MotoGP, attendees at Laguna Seca can take in AMA Superbikes, Supersport and other great classes of racing. Kinney Jones photo.


At Race 2, Spaniard Dani Pedrosa sped to victory in front of his home crowd at Jerez, Spain. 2nd place went to Fiat Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi who finished in front of his new teammate Jorge Lorenzo. Michelin/DPPI photo.
The 2008 season started much like 2007 ended with reigning World Champion Casey Stoner (middle) taking the win at Qatar for Ducati at the first-ever night Grand Prix. Fiat Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo (left) was 2nd in his first MotoGP event and Honda rider Dani Pedrosa was 3rd. Fiat Yamaha Team photo.


Following an “off year” in 2007, Fiat Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi has his racing program back on track this year. He finished in a podium position at the four of the first five races of 2008 including wins in China and France. Fiat Yamaha Team photo.
Jorge Lorenzo stunned the racing world when he logged a win in Portugal in what was only his third MotoGP race since moving up from the 250cc class. Dani Pedrosa finished 2nd with Valentino Rossi in 3rd. Fiat Yamaha Team photo.


Yamaha riders recorded a sweep of the first three spots at the French Grand Prix. Celebrating is America’s “Texas Tornado” Colin Edwards (left) who finished 3rd, runner-up Jorge Lorenzo (middle) and winner Valentino Rossi. Fiat Yamaha Team photo.
The “Kentucky Kid” Nicky Hayden won at Laguna Seca in 2005 and 2006. He hopes to use the home crowd to his advantage in July. Michelin/DPPI photo.


The Doctor is in. One of the most troubling concerns of riders of the MotoGP series is having Valentino Rossi back in top form this season. Fiat Yamaha Team photo.
Even two broken ankles did not keep rookie Jorge Lorenzo from recording podium finishes in four of the first five races of 2008. Michelin/DPPI photo.



The Yamaha Weekend of Champions returns to the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix. Stop by the Yamaha Village Friday, Saturday and Sunday to get a poster signed by legendary stars such as “Mr. Daytona” Scott Russell (left) and numerous others from roadracing and off-road. Kinney Jones photo.
The Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup is a unique program for developing motorcycle talent in promising young riders who compete in a series across the United States on identical 125cc KTM bikes. Kinney Jones photo.
The most famous vintage road rally on two wheels, the Motogiro America comes to Monterey. Departure is scheduled for July 13th from historic Cannery Row and stop include: Paso Robles and a lap of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in honor of the MotoGP champsionship. For more info log onto www.motogiroditalia.com.


The AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport series includes teams such as the Parts Unlimited-sponsored Erion Honda with riders Josh Hayes (#4 last year, #1 in 2008) and Jake Zemke. Kinney Jones photo.


Parts Magazine
Volume 15 #6

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