Jorge Lorenzo is the obvious favorite this weekend, leading the series over Dani Pedrosa by 77 points. He won last year when Pedrosa and Rossi crashed out, and is hoping to have the same result this year. He currently has 7 wins under his belt, and nothing less than a 2nd place finish. This season has been the polar opposite of his crash filled, inconsistent seasons of the past. Lorenzo has noted in interviewed that he's not going to risk injury or a DNF to close battles and wheel to wheel action, if it comes down to it, he alludes that he'll be willing to back off. We'll see during racing, though. Once you add adrenaline to the equation, all plans can go out the window. 

As we noted above, Pedrosa crashed out last year at Indy, so he's definitely showing up to try to finish the race and score some points. He's 77 points away, and its going to take some wins, and some DNF's on Lorenzo's part to make a real effort for the championship.

Another rider who could theoretically take the championship (albeit a longshot) is Valentino Rossi. Until its mathematically impossible, it would be unfair and unwise to count out the doctor. He's healed up for another 2 weeks, and we assume wants to finish strong for Yamaha. Some things to take into account, though, is that Yamaha might be giving him the short end of the stick now that his Ducati announcement is official. Following Brno, as riders tested new equipment, they wouldn't even give Rossi new suspension. Theres a very strong chance that Rossi will be outgunned by freshened up Yamaha's (Specifically those of Spies and Lorenzo). Rossi was clearly offended at the fact that Yamaha doesnt seem to be putting out much of an effort, considering the fact that he healed, and rode after a compound fracture simply for the benefit of the team.

Ben Spies is coming off another Podium Finish. He's officially announced that he will be taking Rossi's seat at Yamaha, and wants to let them know it was a wise decision. Furthermore, he'll be racing at his home track, and has ridden here before on a Rizla Suzuki.

"Homeboy" Nicky Hayden will have friends from the OWB out in force at the event as well. Last season, he had a string of dismal results, broken up by a podium finish at Indy, which potentially saved his career. He's fighting a broken wrist right now, but as we have come to learn, broken bones are just a mild nuisance to MotoGP riders, and he'll be in the race to win it.

Another race to watch, will be the Moto2 event. It seems as if theres a number of careers on the line for Americans. Roger Lee Hayden has a wild card spot on an American Honda backed bike. He's been a back marker in the World Superbike paddock (a common occurance for his team). He's definitely out to show the world that he can perform on the right equipment.

Another rider who probably has more riding on the event than RLH, is Jason DiSalvo. DiSalvo left his Triumph world supersport team, after claiming that his team mates on the sizeable team were getting better parts and more support, leaving him to poor performances. Its a hefty claim to make, and he'd love to be able to back up the statement with a strong finish in the Moto2 event. As we saw in the AMA Paddock, DiSalvo has the ability to lay down some hot laps, so watch for a strong qualifying performance, and root for the New Yorker who has laid it all on the line for this one race.

Moto2 Regular Kenny Noyes will also be racing the event. He's raced in the Moto2 series all season, with a great showing, but has left some to be desired. Keep an eye on him as well.

Thats it! We'll be back to update you as lap times start pouring in, and give our final take on the weekend after the circus has packed up and headed back to Europe.