Defending champion Casey Stoner claimed first place at Laguna Seca to close the gap on Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo at the top of the MotoGP standings. The Australian overhauled Repsol Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa before passing Lorenzo with 11 laps to go.
1. Casey Stoner (Aus) Repsol Honda
2. Jorge Lorenzo (Spn) Yamaha
3. Dani Pedrosa (Spn) Repsol Honda
4. Andrea Dovizioso (Ita) Tech 3 Yamaha
5. Cal Crutchlow (GB) Tech 3 Yamaha
6. Nicky Hayden (US) Ducati
7. Stefan Bradl (Ger) LCR Honda
8. Alvaro Bautista (Spn) Gresini Honda
9. Aleix Espargaro (Spn) Aprilia
10. Karel Abraham (Cze) Ducati