Friday Sep 29 2006
Practice - Mid-Ohio 2

Lexington (Ohio) 29 September 2006: Parts Unlimited Ducati's Neil Hodgson and Ben Bostrom practiced for this weekend's Mid-Ohio Superbike finale on Friday, with Hodgson's best time of 1:26.736 good for sixth quickest of the day. Ben Bostrom's time of 1:26.828 set on his Ducati 999 was good for eighth best on Friday.

Neil Hodgson will start in the third heat race tomorrow afternoon from the second grid position. "I can't wait for the heat race," said Neil Hodgson. "I think we can be competitive in our group and we're going for the win. As far as our pace goes, we've hit a bit of a wall. This track has always been a challenge for us since I've been in the States. We're not going to throw the towel in. I've got two more days here and I'm going to give my best. I'm going to give 100% on every single corner and the team will work hard as well."



Ben Bostrom will start third in the second heat race. The Californian will face-off against very competitive riders in his heat. "It's going to be tough," said Ben. "With the heat race format, the Ducati starts really well off the line and that will help us. The race is just five laps so you go all out. That sets your position for the main event, which is a much different type of race."

Although the weather forecasts for the weekend had predicted rain, Friday's weather provided dry, although cool, conditions.

Tomorrow's five lap heat races are scheduled to begin at 3:25 PM local time.

Superbike Practice Times: 1. Ben Spies, Suzuki 1:25.928 2. Aaron Yates, Suzuki 1:26.128 3. Miguel Duhamel. Honda 1:26.156 4. Jake Zemke, Honda 1:26.429 5. Mat Mladin, Suzuki 1:26.546 6. Neil Hodgson, Parts Unlimited Ducati 1:26.736 7. Jake Holden, Suzuki 1:26.778 8. Ben Bostrom, Parts Unlimited Ducati 1:26.828 9. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki 1:26.962 10. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki 1:27.084