MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI’S HACKING FINISHES WITH SEASON-BEST THIRD IN SONOMA

Sonoma, Calif. (May 18, 2008) – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jamie Hacking rode an inspired race to finish with his first podium of the season in third during the fourth round of the AMA Superbike series at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Attack Kawasaki’s Steve Rapp used his great start to also finish on the podium in the AMA Formula Xtreme race.

Kawasaki Under the Kawasaki Tent

Getting There
After consistently improving his time in qualifying and practice, Hacking had the confidence he needed to put his Kawasaki ZX-10R on the podium. Starting fifth, Hacking stayed close to the front pack and was able to pass for third on lap 12.

“We were able to try a few things at the test last week and they seem to be pointing us in the right direction,” said Hacking. “We knew we would be up here, but didn’t know how soon. I’m really happy to be able to do this for Kawasaki and the team.”

Moving in the Right Direction
After qualifying second, Rapp got a great jump off the start to lead the pack through the first lap. He remained right on the tail of the riders who had gone by and rode smart to finish with his second podium of the season in third.

“I felt good at the beginning of the race,” said Rapp. “We made a change before the race and the bike felt pretty good. I knew Chaz (Davies) would be right there. I could see him in a few corners. I just tried to stay steady.”

For the Team
Getting a good finish is the pay off of hard work by the rider and especially the team that supports the every move of the rider.

“I really wanted to get a podium for the team,” said Rapp. “They worked really hard and deserve to be up there.”

Riding Hard
Davies started on the front row and was battling hard with his teammate the majority of the race, but pulled off on the 15th lap, finishing 27th.

“The race was going pretty good,” said Chaz. “I was staying right on Steve (Rapp) and thought that I might be able to pass him. Unfortunately we had some sort of issue that gave out of the bike, but looking forward to Sunday’s race.”

Hot Days
When the race started, the temperature was a hot 95 degrees. With temperatures breaking records all week, this was considered the coolest day so far this weekend.

Celebrate
Last year, Hackings first podium was over halfway through the season. The 2008 season brought a podium finish at only the fourth round.

“It’s been awhile since I’ve been up here, but I know we have a great bike that deserves to be on the podium,” said Hacking. “I know we will keep making improvements and it won’t be the last time we are up here.”


AMA Superbike Series
Infineon Raceway – Sonoma, Calif.
May 17, 2008

AMA Formula Xtreme Results
1. Jake P. Zemke, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda
2. Josh Hayes, Gulfport, Miss., Honda
3. STEVE RAPP, MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIF., ATTACK KAWASAKI
4. Cory West, Eureka Springs, Ark., Suzuki
5. Larry Pegram, Pataskala, Ohio, Ducati
6. Danny C. Eslick, Broken Arrow, Okla., Suzuki
7. NICKY MOORE, RIVERBANK, CALIF., KAWASAKI
8. Garrett Carter, Royal Oak, Mich., Suzuki
9. FERNANDO AMANTINI, CARACAS, VENEZUELA, KAWASAKI
10. Brian Parriott, Calistoga, Calif., BMW

AMA Formula Xtreme Points Standings
1. Jake Zemke, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda, 132
2. STEVE RAPP, MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIF., ATTACK KAWASAKI, 114
3. Larry Pegram, Pataskala, Ohio, Ducati, 111
4. CHAZ DAVIES, KNIGHTON, UK, ATTACK KAWASAKI, 95
5. Josh Hayes, Gulfport, Miss., Honda, 89
6. Martin Cardenas, Medellin, Colombia, Suzuki, 84
7. FERNANDO AMANTINI, CARACAS, VENEZUELA, KAWASAKI, 84
8. Danny Eslick, Broken Arrow, Okla., Suzuki, 80
9. Aaron Gobert, Murrieta, Calif., Honda, 65
10. Garrett Carter, Royal Oak, Mich., Suzuki, 65

AMA Superbike Class
1. Ben Spies, Longview, Texas, Suzuki
2. Matthew Mladin, Henderson, Nev., Suzuki
3. JAMIE HACKING, DENVER, N.C., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
4. Eric Bostrom, Malibu, Calif., Yamaha
5. Aaron Yates, Milledgeville, Ga., Suzuki
6. Neil Hodgson, Isle of Man, UK, Honda
7. Jason Disalvo, Stafford, N.Y., Yamaha
8. Matt Lynn, Ball Ground, Ga., Honda
9. Geoff May, Gainesville, Ga., Suzuki
10. Miguel Duhamel, Las Vegas, Nev., Honda

AMA Superbike Points Standings
1. Matthew Mladin, Henderson, Nev., Suzuki, 210
2. Ben Spies, Longview, Texas, Suzuki, 196
3. Jason Disalvo, Stafford, N.Y., Yamaha, 161
4. Neil Hodgson, Isle of Man, UK, Honda, 155
5. Tommy Hayden, Owensboro, Ky., Suzuki, 143
6. JAMIE HACKING, DENVER, N.C., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 141
7. Eric Bostrom, Malibu, Calif., Yamaha, 133
8. Matt Lynn, Ball Ground, Ga., Honda, 118
9. Miguel Duhamel, Las Vegas, Nev., Honda, 112
10. Aaron Yates, Milledgeville, Ga., Suzuki, 106

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