WorldSBK riders get their head in the game ahead of Laguna Seca
Meeting, greeting and pitch throwing the name of the game in Oakland
As the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heads Stateside, six of the WorldSBK riders experienced firsthand another side of American culture at the Oakland Athletics’ Coliseum. Not only were the riders able to stand pitch-side and soak up the atmosphere ahead of the afternoons baseball action, but Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) had the honour of throwing the first pitch of the game.
In front of thousands of fans who were still in high spirits following the traditional Fourth of July celebrations, the all star line up of Rea, Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), Jordi Torres (Althea BMW Racing Team), Leon Camier (MV Agusta Reparto Corse), Stefan Bradl (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) and American wildcard Jake Gagne (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) were able to take in the immense environment ahead of the game, which saw the Oakland Athletics’ take on the Chicago White Sox. Meeting some of the local fans - as well as a few mascots - and taking in the pre-game atmosphere, the riders were then able to get exclusive access onto the pitch where they were presented with the Oakland A’s official shirts, making them look the part.
It was then Rea’s turn to step into the limelight, as he headed out onto the pitch to open the game with the ceremonial first pitch. Gaining a fantastic reception from the American fans, the Northern Irish rider impressed with his throw before heading off to enjoy the rest of the match and soak up the of American culture.
Take a look at the highlights of their day in Oakland, before the Geico US Round kicks off on Friday 7th July with Free Practise One at 9.45LT (-7 GMT) around the jaw dropping Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. WorldSBK riders get their head in the game ahead of US WorldSBK
Meeting, greeting and pitch throwing the name of the game in Oakland
As the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heads Stateside, six of the WorldSBK riders experienced firsthand another side of American culture at the Oakland Athletics’ Coliseum. Not only were the riders able to stand pitch-side and soak up the atmosphere ahead of the afternoons baseball action, but Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) had the honour of throwing the first pitch of the game.
In front of thousands of fans who were still in high spirits following the traditional Fourth of July celebrations, the all star line up of Rea, Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), Jordi Torres (Althea BMW Racing Team), Leon Camier (MV Agusta Reparto Corse), Stefan Bradl (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) and American wildcard Jake Gagne (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) were able to take in the immense environment ahead of the game, which saw the Oakland Athletics’ take on the Chicago White Sox. Meeting some of the local fans - as well as a few mascots - and taking in the pre-game atmosphere, the riders were then able to get exclusive access onto the pitch where they were presented with the Oakland A’s official shirts, making them look the part.
It was then Rea’s turn to step into the limelight, as he headed out onto the pitch to open the game with the ceremonial first pitch. Gaining a fantastic reception from the American fans, the Northern Irish rider impressed with his throw before heading off to enjoy the rest of the match and soak up the of American culture.
Take a look at the highlights of their day in Oakland, before the Geico US Round kicks off on Friday 7th July with Free Practise One at 9.45LT (-7 GMT) around the jaw dropping Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
