Well done Neil
Originally posted on Ducati.com
Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin's Eric Bostrom and Neil Hodgson had an eventful Sunday at Fontana. Bostrom was fourth after fighting for a podium position and Hodgson finished fifth, a gutsy ride for the Isle of Man resident. Neil spent most of the day in the track medical center before being cleared to race his Ducati 999 Superbike and he returned to the medical center immediately after the 28-lap event.
"That was the hardest race of my life," said Hodgson. "It was hard to concentrate. I was just trying to finish." Hodgson had been sick all weekend, but Neil took a turn for the worse Saturday night. While he insisted he wanted to race to keep his championship hopes alive, it appeared doubtful he could make it. Still, the doctors agreed to clear him medically. Hodgson started the race, completed it, and was remarkably competitive.
Neil is now third in the championship, but gained ground to first place despite being ill all weekend. "It's all about the championship. It hasn't been the best weekend but the championship hasn't been a negative," he said.
Team engineer Luca Ferraccioli said Hodgson's performance was inspiring to the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin squad. "Neil had an unbelievable race. He fought very hard. He had the IVs before the race and the doctors told us he might not be able to finish. It was the best race he could possibly do. It was very important for him to finish for the championship. He's still very close to first position. What he did was very important and inspiring for the team. He's a tough rider."
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