A bunch of fans came to root on their heroes, only to see this image by tim huntington

It didn't take very long for (arguably) the two strongest American MotoGP riders to fall out of contention at the 2007 USGP. In turn two of the first lap -- the first "real" corner on the track -- Honda's Nicky Hayden and Suzuki's John Hopkins touched, with Hopkins going down and Hayden's brakes ruined.

Hayden circulated for a while, suffering the indignity of being lapped at a race he won the previous two times. He pulled in eventually to get out of the way of other riders.

Hopkins picked up his bike, rejoined the field in last place, then pitted for repairs. He rallied but could only manage a single point for 15th place.

It was a cap on a difficult weekend for Nicky. He and his team had been looking for speed all three days, adjusting the RC212V relentlessly but never finding the answers.

"It's a shame for all the fans because the support here was unreal and I would at least have enjoyed getting in the race and having a battle," said Hayden afterward.

Hopkins was let down as well. He looked to be strong in the race after his qualifying was spoiled by an incident with Carlos Checa. "What can I say? It definitely sucks and I'm really disappointed. It was especially disappointing that it was my home Grand Prix and I was out of it so early on."

They both will have some time to think about it. The next Grand Prix at Brno isn't until August 17-19.