MotoGP 2007 - Motorcycle Of The Year Awards

In 2006, Laguna Seca's MotoGP was a poorly mixed combination of heat, people, crowds and cops that left a bad taste in the mouths of many fans. The sweltering stale air, mixed with swarms of people herded like cattle and the financial gouging by restaurant and hotel owners turned what should have been a fantastic motorcycle event into a rich man's race in wine country. The effect of the previous year's mishaps was reflected in 2007 with many visitors scratching their heads wondering where all the crowds had gone. Everything from the time it took riding to the track, hotel availability and even lines at restaurants were down due to what could either be better organization or a decrease in attendance.

What wasn't in short supply this year was police presence. Around every corner, overpass and side street appeared to be another officer with a two-wheeled bandit pulled over. Everything from illegal license plates to lack of mirrors were being cited with very few riders catching a break.

On the positive side this year was Super Streetbike's participation in the annual Motorcyclist magazine's Motorcycle of the Year awards. A simplified cocktail hour at the Portola Plaza Hotel served host to the awards ceremony that recognized the best the motorcycling industry has to offer. The KTM Super Duke took home the coveted overall MOTY award, but more significantly, McCoy Motorsports' wild twin-turbo Hayabusa walked away with the first-ever Super Streetbike Motorcycle of the Year. In fitting SSB style, the trophy was broken in transit and the McCoys received the evening's only two-piece award. Randy McCoy made light of the situation by claiming that he "Could fix it."

Saturday night on Cannery Row again played madhouse to a never-ending swarm of once-a-year-ridden exotics and other barely street-legal toys (of which the aforementioned police had their way with). A lot of the action migrated to downtown Monterey, where Red Bull-sponsored stunt ace Christian Pfeiffer performed a freestyle exhibition.

Sunday's on-track action was a bit of a disappointment for U.S. fans as Americans Nicky Hayden and John Hopkins collided in the first turn, bumping each other out of contention. Roger Lee Hayden put his best foot forward for an admirable 9th-place finish, followed by Colin Edwards in 11th.

As the crowds dispersed and made their way back home, the annual West Coast mecca of motorcycling was brought to another close. While many would leave with yellow reminders thanks to local law enforcement, most would go with fond memories of a great weekend marked by pleasant weather and manageable crowds.