A California rock band on a world tour is joining a world tour on a California stop when Hoobastank takes the stage on Saturday, July 21, during the Red Bull U. S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca The concert is scheduled to start around 5 p. m., shortly after the conclusion of the day’s on-track activities, including qualifying for the American round of the MotoGP World Championship.
Hoobastank, avid motorcyclists and followers of MotoGP, sought out the opportunity to play at the Red Bull U. S. Grand Prix to ensure they’d finally get to see the race, which features the only appearance of the MotoGP World Championship in North America.
“All of us ride motorcycles and we are big fans of MotoGP, ” said Chris Hesse, drummer for Hoobastank. “We missed it the last two years because we were out on tour, so we are thrilled to finally see it in person. Hell, I’m even riding my (Yamaha) R1 up there. We’re looking forward to playing amidst all the other GP fans and can’t wait to see Rossi, Hayden, Edwards and all of our favorites duke it out in Monterey. “
The band won’t take the stage alone as Yamaha Factory MotoGP star Colin Edwards will present a full set of his racing gear to the highest bidder in a recently held auction to benefit Yamaha’s charity, Feed the Children. The “Texas Tornado” will also entertain the crowd with his t-shirt gun and various other antics prior to the start of the show.
This is the third year for the Saturday concert, which traditionally features a popular rock band whose members are also MotoGP fans. It is also the third year for Yamaha and its financial partners HSBC and GE Commercial Distribution Finance to present the free show, located on the temporary stage in the Yamaha Marketplace.
“Hoobastank’s an awesome band and this is just another event for motorcycle fans to enjoy during this fantastic weekend of activities” said Bob Starr, National Communications Manager for Yamaha Motor Company. “And having our financial services partners, HSBC and GE Commercial Distribution Finance help out is just another testimony to the overwhelming enthusiasm of the industry for this event. ”
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