Following a painful crash last weekend at the Salt Lake City circuit, Noriyuki Haga went on to astound doctors and race fans by climbing back on his R1 and taking a ten point chunk out of Troy Bayliss’s championship lead. Yamaha Motor Italia rider Haga fell heavily on the Saturday morning practice session, coming off after a collision with another rider at the Black Rock hairpin. After an examination by the circuit doctor it was revealed he had broken his collarbone in no less than three places and was advised that it was unlikely he would be able to manage any more than one or two laps in the next free practice session. In a clear demonstration not only of Haga’s commitment to the championship and determination to win, but also the outstanding support of the Yamaha Motor Italia Team, Haga went on to not only ride Superpole but also race on the Sunday and take points away with him from round 06. Haga flew to California on the Monday for an operation by Doctor Arthur J. Ting. The operation was successful, Doctor Ting used a plate and eight screws to secure the break, ensuring that with a week of rest Haga will be a little sore but fighting fit to take on the WSB pack in round 07 at the Nurburgring in Germany. Haga now sits 5th in the championship standings, 72 points behind leader Troy Bayliss with a further eight rounds to race. Troy Corser sits just one point behind Haga in 6th place with 121 points so far this season. Having found his form at the Salt Lake City circuit, both Corser and Haga are placed to challenge for the championship.