Ben Bostrom gets MotoGP chance with LCR Honda

LCR Honda has announced that it will run Ben Bostrom at his home United States Grand Prix at Laguna Seca alongside its regular rider Toni Elias.

Taking up a second LCR-prepared RC212V, complete with an American-flag influenced livery, Bostrom has been invited to ride in the MotoGP race alongside his AMA Superbike commitments as a consequence of a one-off deal with his Michael Jordan Motorsports, owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan.

Bostrom's debut comes a year after LCR ran his fellow countryman Roger Lee Hayden at Laguna Seca last season in place of the injured Randy de Puniet.

"Words can't express how excited I am to get this amazing opportunity to race on my home track in front of the whole world," Bostrom said. "I have to thank Michael Jordan Motorsports and American Suzuki for allowing this to happen. The collaboration between Lucio, LCR and the MJM team has been terrific.

"I'm going to get on the GP bike and put it as close to the front as possible. Then I'm going to hop on my Jordan Suzuki bike and try to create even more magic."

For team manager Lucio Cecchinello, Bostrom's arrival is an ideal opportunity for LCR and its sponsors to tap into the American market, particularly with the likes of Ben Spies, Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden also featuring on the grid.

"The U.S. GP takes place at one of the most spectacular racetracks in the world. The interest of the American fans of this sport grows more and more from year to year and the spectators are always very enthusiastic. Considering that some of our partners are operating in the American market, we thought that we should organize a special event before the summer break.

"Because of the great relationship between the LCR team and Michael Jordan Motorsports, we decided to invite one of Laguna Seca's most successful riders to compete for us in the race: Ben Bostrom. Ben will ride with one of our RCVs as a "wild card" rider for only one race, while also taking part in the AMA Superbike race for Michael Jordan Motorsports.

"I'd like to offer many thanks to the Michael Jordan Motorsports team for the great collaboration and the amazing support."

Bostrom, 37, has spent much of his career competing on the American domestic scene, though he did notch up six World Superbike race wins in 2001 aboard a Ducati. He currently rides a Suzuki MJM in AMA Superbikes and is sixth in those standings.