Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Kawasaki’s Eric Bostrom will be unable to ride in either Superbike race at Mid-Ohio. Bostrom was injured in the first World Superbike race at Laguna Seca when Yoshimura’s Aaron Yates crashed in turn two on the first lap, setting off a chain reaction crash that also involved four other riders.

Bostrom was hit by both Yates’ Suzuki and his own Kawasaki, and suffered a dislocated right shoulder and bruised ribs in his back on the left-hand side.

Bostrom did go out for Friday morning practice at Mid-Ohio, but was noticeably absent from the first of two qualifying sessions in the afternoon. “The shoulder was dislocated to the point that the doctors were alarmed,” said Bostrom on Friday. “When I got hit by the bikes my body got as flat as it could get, which is why the left side of my back isn’t feeling that good. There’s no point in racing for fifth place. I’m going to get up tomorrow (Saturday) and see. At this point, the bike is much more capable than I am.”

Bostrom did not make the second Superbike qualifying session on Saturday morning, and had already left the track. According to Kawasaki Team Manager Mike Preston, Bostrom was too sore when he got up. “He could ride around in 10th, but he’s just not strong enough. It’s not safe. We don’t want him to get hurt any more.”


This just in from AMA Pro Racing:

It’s official–

Eric Bostrom, rider of the #32 Kawasaki, will not be competing in the Honda Super Cycle Weekend.

“We are sending him home,” said Team Manager Mike Preston. “We didn’t feel he was strong enough to compete this weekend. In his best interest as well as, the interest of the other guys, we will not compete. Eric will be heading home and going to see Dr. Ting on Monday.”

Bostrom was injured at the World Superbike event at Laguna Seca two weeks ago. He has been under the care of Dr. Ting for the shoulder and back injuries sustained in the accident.”