Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jamie Hacking (Photo: Brian J Nelson) » More Photos

"It was a lot to take in the first day, but I enjoyed the riding. I'd been to Autopolis one time before so I knew my way around a little bit. I just put in some steady laps all day long and got in quite a few the first day just getting familiar with the bike. I didn't change much with the handlebar or seating position. The bike is so small, the handlebars just kind of suited the bike. I opened them up just a little bit because the bike is obviously small. Once I did that, I felt like I'd been on the bike a while. I felt comfortable right away.

"Along with the brakes, the electronics package on the bike is just incredible -- how soon you can open up the throttle and how progressive the power is. I was expecting a huge power hit and it was nothing like that. It was nothing like our Superbikes, which are really hard to ride, just with how the power comes on them and how much torque they have. I was really impressed."

Even if his GP experience had ended with that solitary test it would have been a career milestone for the three-time AMA support class champ. Still, he had to keep his mind on the task at hand and not get too caught up in it all.

"It's not something everyone can say that they've ridden a MotoGP bike. But, you know, a bike is a bike and I try not to overload myself with, 'wow, how cool is this?' Once I put the leathers on and put the bike in gear it's just a motorcycle and I ride it to the best of my ability and not worry about it being a GP bike. I mean, the cool factor is definitely there that I'm getting to ride it, but I'm just looking to do a good job."

Expectations are quite high -- perhaps unfairly so -- for both Hacking and Spies at Laguna Seca, a circuit they've both excelled on in the past. Not helping matters in that regard is Roger Hayden's stunning top-ten run in his GP debut at the track a year ago.

Still, Hayden set the bar providing Hacking with something to set his sights upon. "It's nice to have a goal to shoot for. Obviously, Rog did a great job last year and pulled out a top ten in the first time he rode it. That was great. For me to shoot for that same goal wouldn't be unrealistic. Hopefully I can do just as good as he did."

Making a direct comparison difficult is the fact that Kawasaki has yet to really find their stride in '08.

Hacking said, "It seems like they've had a little bit of a struggle this year, just a few minor problems. John is new to the team so he's still trying to learn the bike. Unfortunately, he's had some injuries that have held him back a little bit. We don't know if it's the bike or if John just isn't completely comfortable on the bike yet."

If Hacking can perform like he hopes to, naturally people will want to see him do it again when the series returns to American soil to visit the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.