American John Hopkins was a special guest in the Stiggy Racing box at the Miller Motorsports Park for the seventh round of the Superbike World Championship this weekend, where he closely followed the performances of his team mate Leon Haslam and substitute rider – and fellow countryman – Jake Zemke. ” It is a shame I’m not out here racing this weekend in front of my home fans, I am really upset by that. I have never been to the Miller circuit before, but I checked the layout of the track and did some laps on the scooter yesterday. It just looks like an awesome track to ride and I really wish I would be racing for the team here today.” Hopkins is recuperating from the injuries he sustained in his horrific Assen crash where he dislocated his left hip and cracked the top of his femur. After having undergone successful surgery by specialist Dr.Ting three weeks ago, he is recovering beyond expectation, and has already started working towards a much anticipated comeback with the team. “The aim right now is to get back in shape before the next race in Misano. I have been bed-ridden for two weeks straight, which was an absolute horror for me. Right now I am just obeying my doctor’s orders and take things step by step. I’m back on my feet walking again without sticks and I am going into the gym again on Monday. I need to rebuild the strength in my muscles and improve my fitness again.” Hopkins first joined the team in the third round of the championship in Valencia, where he took the first points home for the team on his maiden faring aboard the Stiggy Racing Superbike. The sympathetic American aimed to make a big step forward in the following round at Assen, but found tragedy just four laps into the first practice session. Getting laps under his belt to familiarise himself with the Pirelli tyres, and unleash the potential of his machine will prove vital to meet the highly competitive standards of the championship series this year. ” I have only been able to spend a minimum amount of time on-track aboard my new bike. The team has a total of five days of testing scheduled in July and I just can’t wait to finally spend some quality time on the track and get a good feeling with the handling of the bike and the tyres. Right now I am a hundred percent focused on getting back to competitive form on the Stiggy Racing bike and show the team what I am capable of. The team and my crew have been very supportive to me in the weeks following my accident, and I can’t wait to give some positive results back to them. ” John Hopkins will make his re-appearance for the Stiggy Racing Honda team at the next round of the Championship in Misano Adriatico, from June 19 to 21.