2003 World Superbike champion Neil Hodgson may have appeared on track as part of the legends parade at
Donington Park last weekend, but the Briton was at pains to point out that he definitely hasn’t retired.
Hodgson left WSBK for
MotoGP following his title winning season, the last campaign before the Pirelli control tyre rule was introduced, but just a year later found himself back at Ducati Corse in the AMA Superbike championship when his GP dream turned sour on a year-old d'Antin Ducati.
Citing technical restrictions, Ducati were unable to challenge for the AMA crown, leading to the Italian manufacturer's withdraw at the end of 2006. Hodgson then expected to be placed back into Ducati's world championship team, alongside reigning double champion
Troy Bayliss, this season - but was left sorely disappointed when he was overlooked in favour of
Lorenzo Lanzi, a decision Hodgson believes was influenced by Bayliss.
With his sights still set purely on challenging for a second WSBK crown, Hodgson turned down a return to d'Antin Ducati and an offer from Rizla Suzuki (BSB) but - despite having won 13 SBK races during the 2003 season - the Englishman was left empty handed when rumoured rides at Ten Kate Honda, Klaffi Honda and finally Carl Fogarty's team all failed to materialise.
Hodgson was back on track at Donington last weekend (top and middle pictures), but only as part of a parade to celebrate WSBK's 20th anniversary. Afterwards,
Crash.net spoke exclusively to the Briton about his current racing status and future plans.
"It feels horrible to be back. I'm hating it!" Neil began. "I hate being here and not racing. In the past I've never really liked going to races when I'm not competing, but it's worse now because I've not actually got a job.
"It's like being an alcoholic and then you've got to go and stand around a bar with all your friends and I'm not allowed to drink. Do you know what I mean? It's like someone rubbing salt into my wounds.
