Engine Automotive

John Hopkins was a MotoGP rookie in 2002 - the youngster from California joined the elite racers of the world after cutting his teeth for three seasons in the AMA. In those three seasons he managed to earn two championships, the 750 Super Sport Title in 2000 and the Formula Xtreme Title in 2001.

Now a seasoned veteran of Grand Prix, Hopkins helped to develop the GSV-R for Suzuki, hoping that his hard work will someday payoff. A new sponsor in 2006 had the Suzuki MotoGP squad feeling optimistic but after a solid if frustrating season in 2006, where he tied with Toni Elias at 116 points but lost ninth-place overall by virtue of the fact that Elias managed a win, the writing was on the wall that change was coming his way.

We had a feeling that zero in career podiums would change at some point in 2007, because Hopper was just too talented and bound for some good luck. Turns out we were right, because he got his long-awaited first career GP podium at Shanghai. Hopper then backed it up with three more rostrum visits in '07 and an overall fourth-place finish in the points.

In 2008 Hopper's long-time Suzuki connection is gone, with the American now riding for the Kawasaki team. Now Hopkins just needs to get that first career GP victory and work on bringing home a title.