Laguna Seca World
Superbike
July 6-8 2001
We arrived in
Monterey Thursday July the 5th. We decided to head right to the track to see
what was
happening. Still in near pajama's we parked in the VIP parking inside the
paddock and worked our way to Ducati Island where I would pick up my golf cart
from the Ducati friends of mine. We drove back over to the paddock and proceeded
to drive around and see where everyone was set up. The first place I went to was
the Honda pit. And sure enough Nicky Hayden was the first person to see. Then
shortly there after more and more racer's appeared. It was great, and the air
was jazzed with anticipation! We filmed more and more and then I found Collin
Edwards, he waved to the camera with his great smile. Then we saw Ben Bostrom,
Anthony Gobert, Miguel Duhamel and more!
The
next day we spent at the track and watched qualifying from the hot pit area,
then did a bit of shopping
around the vendor area's. Friday night we were invited to the Ducati party on
Cannery Row. All of the Ducati riders would be present autographing photo's and
meeting the fans. They got me right in for autograph's and the first person I
met was Ben Bostrom. He was so nice to talk to and did a few photo's with me and
my friend (see purple hair). We then met Troy Bayliss, Ruben Xauss, Steve Rapp,
and Larry Pegram. All very nice guys who were generous enough to sign over some
posters personally! After the party we went to the restaurant Paradiso for a
wonderful dinner and viewing of the bike parking lot out front.
Meeting a
legend....
Saturday morning we
went off to the track again , got my golf cart and started to leave Ducati
Island when
all of the sudden it happened. I pulled right in behind my life long
hero....Mick Doohan. My jaw dropped and I slammed on the brakes. I said "
May I please get a photo with you? I have been writing to your people for years
since I got diagnosed with Cancer and my one true wish was to meet you in
person". Mick replied " Oh, that's no good, I hope your feeling
better". I then asked him if I could give him a hug and he gave me a really
good hug and I started to cry. My friend snapped a few photo's and got some
video of me and Mick posing for the camera. Then he autographed my T-shirt which
will go unwashed from now on to preserve his signature. When I thanked him for
his time and he left the tears began streaming down my face in joy. I feel like
I was now complete. I had finally met the man people wait all of their lives to
meet and it happened. I wish to thank him for taking the time and to the Honda
rep Duncan who didn't freak out at me for appearing like a super fan! :)
Saturday
evening I did a track walk with Doug Polen. They let me use my golf cart because
of my medical situation so we were able to drive down the famous corkscrew which
was steep as HELL! Check out the photo!
In conclusion I had
the time of my life at Laguna seca. I met some of the greatest people and some
of the greatest racers that I until now, had only seen on television. They
included: Frankie Chillie, Collin Edwards, Troy Bayliss, Ben Bostrom, Doug
Chandler, Nicky Hayden, Miguel Duhamel, Roger Hayden and Anthony Gobert.
All photo's are property of Sportbikegirl.com. Any
un-authorized useage will involve blunt trauma to the head and repeated ass
kicking's. So do me a favor....ASK in writing first!
happening. Still in near pajama's we parked in the VIP parking inside the
paddock and worked our way to Ducati Island where I would pick up my golf cart
from the Ducati friends of mine. We drove back over to the paddock and proceeded
to drive around and see where everyone was set up. The first place I went to was
the Honda pit. And sure enough Nicky Hayden was the first person to see. Then
shortly there after more and more racer's appeared. It was great, and the air
was jazzed with anticipation! We filmed more and more and then I found Collin
Edwards, he waved to the camera with his great smile. Then we saw Ben Bostrom,
Anthony Gobert, Miguel Duhamel and more!
