Monterey County declares 5th July ‘Rossi Day’

Sunday, 5 July 2009

Valentino Rossi was presented today with a proclamation on behalf of Monterey County, declaring 5th July 'Valentino Rossi Day' from now on.

The Mayor of Monterey County, Chuck Dalla Sala, came to the Laguna Seca circuit to present the eight-time World Champion with the honour.

At the same time Ken Lofink, President of SCRAMP (Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula) awarded Rossi the 'key' to the circuit.

Rossi’s teammate Jorge Lorenzo is planning to race this afternoon following yesterday's accident. The 22-year-old has some pain in his shoulder but is receiving as much help as possible from the Clinica Mobile and circuit doctors and is confident of being able to take part at 1400 local time today.

Rossi commented, "I want to thank the people of Monterey and the Laguna Seca track for these great honours! I love racing here and I have enjoyed it ever since we first came in 2005 so I am very proud to have this day named after me. I hope I can put up a good performance this afternoon to thank everyone for this."