WHAT SPECIFIC CHALLENGES DOES INFINEON RACEWAY PRESENT THAT YOU DON’T SEE AT ANY OTHER RACETRACK? Eric Bostrom (Ducati Austin): This is the most physically demanding track we go to each year. There are no spots where you can concentrate or just take a deep breath. I can’t say that’s bad because we all like challenges, and this is the ultimate one. This is a track that will reward you if you’re in good shape, too. It’s hard to keep your focus for 28 laps here so you have to be ready both mentally and physically. Neil Hodgson (Ducati Austin): I’ve only been on the track once (testing in March) but it’s one of my top 10 tracks in the world. It has all the characteristics that you want in a track. It’s the ultimate test for a rider. I’ve watched this track 1,000 times on video but that doesn’t do it justice. You just don’t realize how tough the track is until you ride a few laps. Jamie Hacking (Yamaha): The one thing we see at Infineon (Raceway) that we don’t see anywhere else is the demanding nature of the track. It’s a good thing that it is so difficult to ride, and it’s not just physical. It’s as tough mentally as it is physically. There is nowhere to rest on the track, but it’s become so much more rider friendly the last few years that we’re not afraid to take risks. Mat Mladin (Suzuki): There is no better challenge for a rider than at Infineon (Raceway). It’s got elevation changes, tight corners and a number of other challenges. I love it. Any rider who says he doesn’t like a challenge like that is very different than me. That’s why we do this for a living. Aaron Yates (Suzuki): There are so many direction changes from right-left-right-left and you’ve got to be able to flick the bike back and forth while trying to set-up the next turn. It’s tough, but it’s fun if you can get that down.