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MOTOGP: Davies on Standby for GP Wild Card
Written by:
Colin Young
05/07/2008 - 12:21 PM
Attack Kawasaki's Chaz Davies (Photo: Brian J Nelson) ยป More Photos
Daytona 200 winner Chaz Davies is on standby for a late call-up to Kawasaki’s MotoGP squad as a wild card for the U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca.
Davies is Kawasaki’s preferred reserve rider to replace the injured Roger Lee Hayden if the American is not fit to race in July.
If British rider Davies gets the ride for Laguna Seca it is anticipated he would also race as a wild card with Kawasaki at the Indianapolis Grand Prix in September.
Kawasaki is currently working on a final budget plan that will allow the team to confirm the entry of a third factory ZX-RR for both the American rounds of the MotoGP world championship.
The wild card entry, either for a fit Hayden or Davies, would run alongside the regular factory bikes of John Hopkins and Anthony West.
Hayden’s fitness will be assessed closer to Laguna race as the American rider recovers from painful pelvis, back, and hand injuries suffered in last month’s AMA race at Barber Motorsports Park.
Kawasaki MotoGP team manager Michael Bartholemy confirmed the interest in Davies: “Roger Lee is the main choice for Kawasaki’s wild card entry as he raced for us at Laguna Seca last year. But if he is not fit then Chaz Davies is the option.”
Davies races for the Attack Kawasaki team and shares the same personal business manager, Bob Moore, as Kawasaki’s lead grand prix rider John Hopkins.
Bartholemy said he has discussed the concept of Davies riding at Laguna and Indy with Moore although he is yet to directly speak with Davies.
“There has been some tentative talks but nothing more than that,“ said Davies. “I think it’s a long shot and I’d definitely jump at the chance to ride in MotoGP again.
“My contract is direct with Kawasaki in America so I can’t imagine it being a problem. I should know more in a couple of weeks. Roger is in a poor state but he’s got a couple of months to get fit. He could be good but I’ll see how it pans out.
Still to be finalized is the budget for the entry of a third Kawasaki for both American races with the energy drink company Monster currently considering a proposal to support the wild card entry.
“Kawasaki currently does not have the internal budget for this and the third bike depends on having the budget approved, either internally or from an external sponsor,” Bartholemy said.
“It is possible that Monster could be involved and I expect I will be in a position to confirm their plans for the American races at the French Grand Prix.”
Davies raced in last year’s U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca as a replacement for the injured Alex Hofmann in the D’Antin Ducati team.
“It would be interesting to see what the Kawasaki is like,” Davies added. “Having rode the Ducati last year I’d be keen to try something that might be an easier beast to tame. It has been interesting to see the results so far this season because more than ever the Ducati looks like a bike that only Casey Stoner can get on top of it.”
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