BREA, CA - Rockstar Makita Suzuki has reported that championship points leading rider, Mike Alessi, underwent successful left knee surgery this morning. "There was no other damage to the knee beyond the broken kneecap," said team manager, Roger DeCoster. "The outlook is better than expected, as we thought he was out for the year. It appears now that there's a good chance he will be able to get back out there racing before the end of this season." Alessi's condition and prognosis will be updated as more information becomes available.