Harley-Davidson Superbike rider and former Suzuki Grand Prix rider Scott Russell says he is happy for the success that Kenny Roberts Junior has had on the Suzuki GP bike.

When asked if he still watches Grand Prix on television, Russell stated, "I really do, every time it comes on I'm glued to the TV. I'm happy to see (Junior) going good. I see what he's up against, you known? It's kind of like when I rode that bike, it didn't have the acceleration of the Hondas and it still doesn't, he just got it to handle good enough."

Russell said that he has a great deal of respect and admiration for Kenny Roberts Junior. Russell said, "Kenny's a real ... his work ethic is probably like one of the best, kind of like Wayne Rainey, I believe. He's worked real hard to be where he's at. He deserves everything he gets. I'm glad to see it happen. It's great to see it happen to Suzuki, too. It's good to see those guys doing good all around the world."

Russell rode the Lucky Strike Suzuki for two seasons, with a best finish of third place at the Japanese and Czech GPs in 1996.

About the World Superbike series, Russell said the series is hurt by the absence of Carl Fogarty.

"The series is definitely missing a link without Foggy in there regardless of how much people like him," Russell said. "When it comes Sunday that man is going to be there, you know what I'm saying? That's the kind of racing I like and I miss him being out there for that fact. It's good to see Colin (Edwards), another American riding and (Ben) Bostrom doing good. It's exciting to make a comeback from what he had. I'm happy for him."

Russell won the World Superbike Championship in 1993 with Kawasaki and pines to return there for a season. "I miss being over there really," Russell said of the World Superbike series. "I'd like to go back over there. ... but you know, like I said, I've done enough in my career and I don't think I have to prove anything to anybody else."