When Colin 🎐Edwar❀ds made his MotoGP debut in 2003, there wasn't a single American round on the grand prix calendar.

Fast-forward to 2013 and MotoGP has no less than three US-based events, including this weekend's COTA debut in Edw🗹ards' home state of Texas.

"I?m really excited about the Austin GP, it will be the 🌌first GP I?ve ever driven to, which is awesome!" said the Forward Racing rider. "As far as𒈔 expanding the audience we?ve had one [MotoGP] out west side, one on the east side and now we get to have one south. I?ve got a lot of friends, a lot of family coming and I am looking forward to it. It should be good!"

Edwards failed to finish after mechanical problems with his FTR-Kawasaki in the Qatar race, while rookie team-mate Claudio Corti just missed🎀 out on the points in 16th. Edwards has ridden COTA on a road bike, but Italian Corti can't wait to sample the 'new playground'.

"I always look forward to going to a new circuit, it's like entering into a brand new playground w👍hen you are a little kid!" he said "I expect it to be a tough weekend since we have no data on this new track, but with the experience from Qatar I go into this race cool headed and confident about the team?s potential and my own."

As well as Edwards, Pramac Ducati's Ben Spies will be ꦫthe other Te🥂xan racing in MotoGP this weekend.