Race-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