Ducati racing in the U.S. in 2009.

[ghostrider]

From Sport Rider, in the March 09 issue.

" Consider this: Troy Bayliss lapped the Portimao track two seconds faster than the quickest World Superstock rider...aboard a bone stock 1198, mirrors and all. "

[johnc]

...except that nitrogen is an inert gas.

cheese and rice ... what was that you said earlier about being a buzz-kill?  thank you very much, mr. science.

[gm2]

That's donkey balls.  Howz a guy supposed to ride a bike competitively without $12k forks? 

they get a lot more expensive than that.

dmg rules is stock forks.  you can replace the internals, but you can't replace the whole kaboodle.

so what is with the OP anyway?  i only see pegram's ducati anywhere near the nasbike series.

[jimboecv]

This just in....

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Feb/090219b17.htm

TEAM FOREMOST PEGRAM TO COMPETE IN THE 2009 AMERICAN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP

Cupertino, Calif (18 February 2009) - Ducati North America is proud to announce the brand's return to Superbike racing as Team Foremost Pegram will contest the 2009 AMA Pro Racing American Superbike Championship on a Ducati 1098 R.


Team Foremost Pegram will be a single rider squad competing with accomplished racer Larry Pegram. The 1098 R is Ducati's flagship Superbike, and a derivative of the 2008 World Superbike Champion Ducati F08. The season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway on March 5th; where the latest generation of Ducati Superbike will take to the famous banking for the first time.

"The Ducati Brand is synonymous with Superbike racing and we are thrilled to once again be fielding a team in the United States- the largest sportbike market in the world. The current environment for raising sponsorship funds is difficult and we are pleased that Foremost Insurance's increased sponsorship has made fielding this year's team possible," said Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America.

Title sponsor Foremost Insurance supported Team Pegram in the 2008 AMA Formula Xtreme Championship with the Ducati 848 Superbike. This year's move to the premier racing class is a natural fit for both Ducati and Foremost.

"I am excited to be on a Ducati Superbike for the 2009 season," said Pegram. "Foremost has stepped up their sponsorship and we are off to a great start. After the test in Fontana I can say this is the best bike I've ever ridden. I'm really looking forward to a great race in Daytona."

Opening ceremonies for the American Superbike race in Daytona will take place Thursday, March 5th at 3:00pm. Look for Pegram on Ducati Island, just outside the Daytona Motor Speedway, on March 6th at 1:00pm for an autograph session.

"This year we will utilize the team for programs off the race track as well as in competition, and our racing efforts are solely focused on the Superbike Team. Therefore, we reallocated resources from other programs including our local contingency program. which is suspended for 2009." commented Jim Viola, Ducati Marketing Director.

ENDS

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