Mission accomplished! Well, for one week at least. I caught up with Eric in Denver CO as he was on his way to a media event with some members of his team. I knew that time was short, so I jumped in and pressed eBoz about his thoughts on the beginning of the AMA Superbike Season. Eric responded with his usual laid back but honest approach. “We have been improving every round since Daytona. The results don’t always show it, but I’m really getting the feel for the Ducati 999. At this point, I’m approaching this season one race at time, I want to work hard, and do what it takes to get a win for the team.” Eric was very straight forward about last weekend’s race at Infineon. “Sonoma was a big disappointment. The Ducati felt the best that it ever has. I was really feeling the bike and feeling the grip like never before, but we kept running into gremlins all weekend! There were a few of us that had some big struggles with the tires, but that’s racing. I’m really looking forward for the chance to show everybody that we can run with the Suzuki’s, that’s why I can’t wait until this weekend, when we go to my racetrack!” Of course all of Boss Hogg’s fans know that when he says “My Racetrack” Eric means Pikes Peak International Raceway, where EB has won at least one race for 5 years in a row. Eric is headed to PPIR determined to keep his streak alive. “I’m going to Pikes Peak looking for redemption. The Ducati 999 is a great motorcycle and it is really starting to come my way. I know what the bike is doing underneath me and I’m having fun riding it. I love this track and it’s always easy for me to get around here, I can’t wait for that green flag to drop.” Eric was also quick to give credit to his fans. “I mean, I have the greatest fans, but in Colorado they’re so enthusiastic and cheer me on like you wouldn’t believe. I want the chance to show them and my team what the Ducati 999 can do!” I asked Eric if he had been doing any extra training to get ready for the physical demands of PPIR and he surprised me by announcing that in additon to his regime of cycling and motocross that he’s been testing a Red Bull Supermoto bike. “We’re hoping to be able to ride in this year’s X-games so we’ve been testing the bike and working on the setup, and it’s been a blast! We want to work hard and be competitive right out of the gate, I’m really looking forward to it.” Wow, I don’t know how the Boss keeps up with everything. But I, for one, am looking forward to it too. Until next time, Matt “Pooch” Repucci