September 10th, 2008 by R.J.

The upcoming round of the MotoGP championship will see an exciting new track join the calendar, with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosting its first ever World Championship race. The Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix is by far one of the most eagerly awaited events this season. It will be the second and final time this season that a championship race will take place in the states.

Taking place on September 14th, the Indianapolis race promises to be a late-summer blockbuster, with the previous thirteen rounds having provided some exciting and unpredictable action. With the 2008 world title still up for grabs, the riders will, as always, be going all-out for victory in addition to the honor of becoming the first winner of the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix.

Points leader Valentino Rossi has made a career out of breaking records, and on September 14th he has another possibility of prestige; following his victory at Misano, Indianapolis will now be the only circuit at which “The Doctor” has not crossed the line first. Last time out, Rossi took Italy’s 700th Grand Prix victory, broke his Misano jinx and equaled the record for premier class wins set by MotoGP Legend Giacomo Agostini  - all in one race. He is now ever closer to clinching the 2008 title.

Three wins for Rossi in as many races have extended his lead in the overall classification, making things difficult for title rival Casey Stoner to have a chance to catch up. The gap between the two stands at 75 points, with Stoner having crashed out of the past two Grands Prix whilst pushing for victory. The reigning World Champion had the battle of the season with Rossi at the last American race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and the title fight could provide fans with an instant classic at Indianapolis.

While the gap between Rossi and Stoner has been extended in recent weeks, the gap which separates the Marlboro Ducati rider from Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa has been reduced to just two points. Pedrosa will be making his debut on Bridgestone tires at the Indianapolis race, having announced a shocking switch from Michelin immediately after the San Marino circuit. He has had just five hours of testing time with the new rubber.

The only rider competing at Indianapolis to have experience on the track with an 800cc bike, Ben Spies, makes what is scheduled to be his final wildcard appearance of the year for Rizla Suzuki. The reigning AMA Superbike champion is angling for a regular MotoGP ride in 2009, and a strong showing in his third World Championship race could further attract interest from a number of teams.

No doubt, it’s going to be an exciting race.