Americans Return Home Second Half of Season Starts MONTEREY, Calif., July 16, 2011 “” Heading into this weekend’s MotoGP race at Germany’s Sachsenring, the three American riders all find themselves in the top 10. The “Kentucky Kid” Nicky Hayden of the Ducati Team holds a slim three point lead over Memphis-born Ben Spies of Yamaha Factory Racing in a battle for fifth and sixth place, respectively. Houston native Colin Edwards of the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team is running in ninth and within close striking distance to eighth. The Red Bull United States Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca starts the second half of the World Championship season. It also provides Hayden, Spies and Edwards a brief return home from the grueling international travel demands. Teams travel to 18 circuits between March 20 (Qatar) and November 6 (Spain). Be sure to check in and stay tuned as the buzz that’s building on the Monterey Peninsula. For further information, including race schedule, fan activities and to purchase tickets visit www.MazdaRaceway.com.