Hamilton samples Superbike with MotoGP's Cal Crutchlow!

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Four-time world champion Lewis Hamilton took a spin on two wheels recently, with British MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow.

Hamilton, a big fan of motorcycle racing, enjoys an endorsement and collaboration deal with Italian manufacturer MV Agusta, having helped design several of its models including the F4 L44.

Ham gets a new set of mean wheels

At the initiative of sponsor Monster Energy, Hamilton and Crutchlow met up in Southern California, at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, where the Mercedes driver straddled a Kawasaki ZX-10R and took to the track for a bit of knee scraping.

"Cal invited me down for a day at the track," said Hamilton.
"What's [Cal] does is more hardcore than F1. The speeds these guys do, it's insane. I'll be back here pushing. The back end has been sliding out. Now I'm hooked."

Check out the video below to see what went down at Chuchwalla!

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.