This weekend's US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca will mark the
MotoGP debut of AMA Superbike contender Jamie Hacking, who will deputise for the injured
John Hopkins aboard Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-RR this weekend.
Hacking, who received the call-up to MotoGP during his 37th birthday celebrations two weeks ago, has already impressed aboard the Ninja ZX-RR during a two-day, pre-race test at the Autopolis circuit in Japan, where he broke the lap record.
"I'm really excited about riding Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-RR in the USGP at Laguna Seca this weekend," said Hacking. "We had a successful test with the bike in Japan two weeks ago, and now I'm looking forward to riding the Ninja ZX-RR again under race conditions.
The three-time AMA champion arrives in Laguna determined to match, or even exceed, the performance of his Kawasaki team-mate, Roger Lee Hayden, who finished tenth as a wild-card rider in the same event twelve months ago.
"Roger Lee set the benchmark at this race last year with an outstanding tenth place finish, so that's certainly given me something to aim for," he confirmed. "Laguna is one of my best tracks, but I'm under no illusions about how hard it's going to be. I'll be up against some of the best riders in the world on a bike on which I've only had limited testing time. If I come away from the weekend with a top ten finish, then I'll be happy."
Hacking will make his MotoGP debut off the back of six consecutive podium finishes in the AMA Superbike class, which he will also contest at Laguna Seca, making for a very busy weekend for the British born rider.
Meanwhile, Hacking's temporary team-mate and Kawasaki MotoGP regular,
Anthony West, also heads for Laguna Seca with high hopes. The Australian celebrated his 27th birthday on 17th July, and is looking to give himself the best birthday present possible with a strong performance ahead of the summer break.
