AMA: Hodgson unlikely to replace Miguel Duhamel at Honda America

Neil Hodgson’s hopes of replacing injured Miguel DuHamel in the Honda America team look unlikely with the team opting to field just one rider at Virginia International Raceway next weekend.

Miguel Duhamel suffered a horror crash at the infamous turn 12 at Road Atlanta and sustained severe injuries including a lacerated liver and perforated lung.

Reports from America suggest Miguel Duhamel lost the front and slid into the air bags, but because his bike went into the air fencing first it lifted it up causing him to crash into the wall.

The Canadian is now out of hospital and although he has been ruled out of this weekend’s racing is targeting a return to the series by the end of the month.

Britain’s Neil Hodgson rode for the Corona Extra Honda team at Laguna Seca last month and has been in contact with Honda America about replacing Miguel Duhamel.

Neil Hodgson said: “I really feel for Miguel because turn 12 at Road Atlanta is a horrendous place to crash, it’s a fast third gear down hill right hander with no run off.

“I’ve been speaking with the team and it looked a possibility last week but now I don’t think they are not planning on replacing him for the weekend and they think he can be fit for the following round.”

Following Neil Hodgson’s successful weekend speaking with teams at the Brands Hatch World Superbikes round, he is still waiting to hear from the Hannspree Ten Kate Honda team about replacing the outgoing James Toseland in the Dutch squad.