What a difference a month makes; the last time we enjoyed GP racing on U.S. turf-- the 2010 Red Bull US MotoGP at Laguna Seca-- Jorge Lorenzo took the top spot, Valentino Rossi finished third on a still-healing leg, and Ben Spies came in an impressive sixth.
The universe has tilted dramatically since Laguna Seca; Rossi has announced he'll race for Ducati next year (who subsequently reported they're abandoning World Superbike), Spies has picked up a coveted factory spot on Yamaha's team, and Nicky Hayden has been fighting a wrist injury he sustained during qualifying at Brno.
The proceedings at Indy started on a tragic note, when up-and-coming 13 year-old Peter Lenz was killed after being struck by another rider during a warm-up lap of a United States Grand Prix Racers Union event aboard his Honda/Moriwaki MD250. Lenz was the youngest fatality at the 101 year-old track, and the first death since an IndyCar accident in 2003.
The main event saw Spies launch from pole position and maintain a lead until Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa closed in and took over for the remainder of the race. With Pedrosa taking the top spot and Spies attaining a best-to-date second place finish, Fiat Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo rounded out the podium, while Rossi crossed the finish line after Lorenzo. Americans Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden were heavily featured (and hyped) along with Spies during Speed TV's pre-race coverage, and Hayden finished a respectable sixth while Edwards dropped out, citing tire and handling issues.
Related:
- Valentino Rossi Ends Yamaha "Love Story," Officially Signs to Ducati
- 2010 Red Bull US MotoGP at Laguna Seca: We Have a Winner!
- Brembo "Brakes" Down Laguna Seca
- MotoGP 2010 for iPhone and iPod Touch Review
Photo © Getty Images Sport; click to enlarge
