USGP Preview 2007

No two ways about it: Nicky Hayden’s MotoGP title defense has been a disaster. Outgunned and out-tired, the Kentucky native has to date just two podium finishes compared with eight last year at this same time. What’s gone wrong? What hasn’t? Blame Honda, blame Hayden’s riding style, but heading into this weekend’s Red Bull United States Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, a race he’s won two years in a row, the champ is 9th in points.

Meanwhile, Casey Stoner is on fire. The Australian switched from a satellite Honda on Michelins to a Bridgestone-backed factory Ducati during the off-season. To date, he’s won more often than not and repeatedly fended off late-race attacks from none other than Valentino Rossi. While I would never bet against Rossi, Stoner looks like a shoo-in for the title.For this third go-round at Laguna Seca, the AMA will once again supply support racing. But in an exciting twist, AMA regulars Miguel Duhamel and Roger Lee Hayden will compete as wildcard entries in the MotoGP race. Duhamel will substitute for Gresini Honda’s injured Toni Elias, while Hayden will race a third Kawasaki ZX-RR alongside factory regulars Randy de Puniet and Anthony West.

Duhamel last competed at the GP level in 1992 on a two-stroke Yamaha YZR500. Both he and Hayden will use Bridgestone slicks, a departure from their usual Dunlops. Duhamel will also contest the AMA Superbike race, which is scheduled to follow Sunday’s MotoGP event. Hayden will pass on Superbike, concentrating instead on Supersport.

In related news, John Hopkins is moving at the end of the season from Suzuki to Kawasaki. Might this provide an opening on the team alongside Chris Vermeulen for reigning AMA Superbike Champion Ben Spies?Not all the happenings will be on-track, of course. Downtown Monterey will host a veritable smorgasbord of open-air concerts, a stunt show featuring BMW-riding Christian Pfeiffer, as well as freestyle and trials action. Miss any part of it, and you’ll regret it. Guaranteed.

Sound Off! Who's going to be on the box on Sunday?