It will come as no surprise to the regular readers of this blog that I didn't even bother to watch the final AMA Superbike event at Road Atlanta. I had no desire to watch Yoshimura Suzuki celebrate another inevitable championship win against the pathetically anemic grid that has, in recent years, come to represent AMA Superbike.

But despite the lameness of it all, the rumblings, rumors, and shiftings amongst riders and teams have given me reason for hope in 2006. So, here are a few potential nuggets of joy that could make next season a happier time for us all:

Hodgson is already testing
According to various reports across the Internet, Mr. H and a counterpart Ducati test rider are currently making laps at Mugello on Dunlop rubber. There is no rest for the weary, I suppose. But the fact that Hodgson and the Italians are wasting no time in getting ready for next year's American series is proof-positive that they are dedicated to improving their record stateside. I wish them all the luck in the world.

Bostrom waves goodbye to Austin Ducati
At first, I wasn't sure about how I'd feel concerning Eric Bostrom's obvious departure from the A.D. team. However, upon further contemplation, I have concluded that moving on is probably in Eric's (and Ducati's) best interest. The simple reality is that Eric isn't very good on Italian iron, and he knows it. Hell, we all know it. After two seasons of almost constant struggle, I think EBoz would be better served by finding a 4-cylinder mount. There are a lot of rumors being circulated that Bostrom will ride a Factory R1 next year as Yamaha returns to superbike with a revamped bike. I would love to see that. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Mladin and Schwantz say "NO" to Loudon
Several of the major Moto sites reported on Mladin and Schwantz's recent visit to Loudon, the worst excuse for a motorcycle roadracing venue that anyone ever thought of. The skinny was that the two Suzuki ambassadors went there to consider whether or not the track is in an acceptable configuration for an AMA return. Luckily and thankfully, they reportedly said "no way" after an extended tour. Good news, says I. Loudon is a disgrace and the AMA should never place its riders in the kind of unreasonable danger the track personifies.