VOL. 51 ISSUE 30 JULY 29, 2014 P23
after a typically manic start, it was
F.C.C. TSR Honda's Kousuke
Akiyoshi who led the field as the
first lap was completed. Although
the weather conditions changed
from wet to dry, and back again
many times during the race,
Bridgestone-equipped teams led
the entire duration of the 8 Hour.
In a cruel blow, for a second
consecutive year the F.C.C. TSR
team was hit with misfortune when
Akiyoshi crashed while leading
the race. Despite breaking his
leg, Akiyoshi bravely managed to
get his bike back to his pit box
by which time, the MuSASHi RT
HARC-PRO team took over the
race lead and Yoshimura Suzuki
Shell ADVANCE team of Takuya
Tsuda, Randy de Puniet and Josh
Waters moved into second place,
a position they would hold un-
til the checkered flag. Incidents
throughout the second half of the
race resulted in the Safety Car be-
ing required numerous times, but
in the final two stints van der Mark
and Takumi Takahashi held their
nerve to secure glory for their
team once more. On their way to
victory, the MuSASHi RT HARC-
PRO also set the fastest lap of
the race – 2:08.620 - courtesy of
their number-three rider, van der
Mark.
It was an early exit for the Leg-
end of Yoshimura Suzuki Shell
Advance Team of American Kevin
Schwantz and teammate Nobu
Aoki. Aoki crashed five laps into
the race damaging the team's
bike beyond repair. Aoki was
transported to the hospital and
at this point there have been no
updates on his condition.
Briefly...
Indy Mile/Indy
MotoGP Combo
Family Events, producer of the
Indy Mile, in collaboration with
the Indianapolis Motor Speed-
way's Red Bull Indianapolis GP,
have unveiled a special combo
ticket package providing fans a
convenient one-stop option for
both motorcycle races. The pack-
ages are limited and available via
the exclusive link http://info.ims.
com/indymile. The package in-
cludes a discounted Indy Mile
reserved grandstand ticket and
a 12-issue subscription to The
Red Bulletin Magazine. Fans who
have already purchased their Red
Bull Indianapolis GP tickets have
the option simply to add the Indy
Mile event or for those still need-
ing the full weekend experience
can select the option to bundle
the two races.
right wrist still needs to be immo-
bilized for another week. Then I
will begin rehabilitation therapy
and I'll slowly recover mobility. I
want to thank the team, sponsors
and fans for all the support they
are giving me at this time. In the
first examination, a week after
surgery, I received an injection of
platelet-rich plasma to help heal
bones. According to the doctor
my recovery is on course, which
is very positive. It takes patience,
but if I have made the decision
to have surgery it is to get back
to my best. I made the decision
thinking about being healthy for
the end of the season and al-
ready thinking about next year."
Nicky Hayden won't be able to race in his home Grand Prix as he contin-
ues to rehabilitate his recently repaired right wrist.
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
GOLD
&
GOOSE
