Holden keeps sub role for Laguna

From Team M4 Monster Energy Suzuki

Jake Holden, who has substituted for the injured John Hopkins at recent AMA Pro American Superbike rounds, will race for Team M4 Monster Energy Suzuki at Laguna Seca July 23-25 as well.

Holden has finished inside the top 10 in each of the four races he has run since being drafted to replace Hopkins. Holden’s best result of fifth place on the M4 Monster Energy Suzuki GSX-R1000 came on Sunday of the most recent AMA Pro Superbike weekend, at Road America. Holden's contract with the team, which originally called for him to substitute for Hopkins in doubleheader events at Infineon Raceway, Road America and Mid-Ohio (July 16-18), has been extended through the single-race Laguna Seca weekend.

“We’ve started getting quicker and quicker and I feel more comfortable on the bike every time I ride it,” said Holden. “The team is great and it’s been really positive working with them. The bike is very good. The team uses a different suspension than I’ve used in the past and I’ve been getting a better feel from the front fork every time I ride. We’re getting closer and closer.

"Laguna is probably my favourite track to race so I am excited to get the chance on the M4 Monster Energy Suzuki GSX-R1000 there. The circuit really suits my style and I’ve done well there in the past. I am looking forward to racing both at Laguna Seca and at Mid-Ohio. I hate it that John has been injured but we’re trying to put up the best results we can. At the races so far, I’ve tried not to make any stupid mistakes and do a good job for the team.”

Holden won his first AMA Pro National road race in Monterey in 2007.

Hopkins had reconstructive wrist surgery earlier this year and both his surgery and recovery have been a success. The former MotoGP competitor will miss his original return date, however, in favour of more rehab. The goal is to have Hopkins return to AMA Pro American Superbike in top health.

“The recovery is going well,” said the two-time AMA Pro champion. “Everything has been positive from what the doctors have told me. I have the same if not more movement than before but now the pain from the bone-on-bone situation is gone. What we’re doing right now is building strength. I’ve been going through the rehab and therapy five days a week and working hard.

"In an ideal world, I’d come back to race at Laguna Seca and get to race the same weekend as my old MotoGP compatriots but we’re going to give it more time so I can come back at full health. Racing is my life and I’ve really missed it, but it has made me that much more eager to get it right and come back at 100 percent. We have a test planned the week after Laguna Seca so we’ll see where we are then. I’m eager to get back on the M4 Monster Energy Suzuki and I want to be fully competitive when I do. We've got a great bike and team and we're hungry for some great results.”