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Yep, we get ourselves an interview with one of the fastest riders in the Daytona 200 practice, Steve Rapp. Just a few weeks ago he was at home with no ride. The Latus Ducati team signed him up and put him on their 848 machine and he took the reins and ran with it. So, what has he been up to? How does he see the 2010 AMA Pro Racing season? Well, take the link and read about it!
http://tinyurl.com/yaylhgh
For the 13th time, the Day in the Dirt race - they say 'the Burning Man of off-road racing' - was held back around Thanksgiving of last year. Too bad this is the first report from this year's even that I have seen. The author takes part with thanks to Troy Lee Designs, sponsor of the event, and gets to ride with some legends of the sport. The best part of the entire race, though, is that FUN is of utmost importance - everyone should have a great time while competing! Take the link and enjoy the story...
http://tinyurl.com/y9admlh
Thursday Afternoon Moto News - Steve Rapp Interview & Day in the Dirt
More Afternoon Moto News - Yamaha Slashes 1000 Jobs & Ducshop Racing
Yamaha Motor Company is having to take further cuts to their workforce due to their continuing financial woes - due to the worldwide recession. These lay-offs actually include the earlier announcement of 800 job cuts in Japan, but they are also taking 200 more away from their foreign operations. Yamaha will also close 12 parts factories in Shizuoka prefecture. Let's hope that their sales pick up this year and they can hire back some of the people they are losing now.
http://tinyurl.com/yevjnbm
Ducshop Racing will be fielding two Ducati 848 motorcycles in the 2010 AMA Pro Racing Daytona SportBike class. Their two riders will be Jake Holden and Ducati test rider Dario Marchetti. Of course, they are using many products from their own catalog to improve the bikes, but the rules only allow so much. They will be in Daytona for the Daytona 200 race weekend and will be participating in all race activities.
http://tinyurl.com/ykfl2zc
More Afternoon Moto News - Latus Racing & Ducati Desmosedici II
George Latus, a Portland (Oregon) Harley-Davidson dealer, could not race a Buell in the AMA Daytona SportBike Championship, so he went to local dealer MotoCorsa and picked up a Ducati 848. He has also signed Steve Rapp to ride the machine in the series, and that will give him an advantage. Of course, as H-D always has done (see V-Rod, Aermacchi, MV Agusta, etc.), they went to Europe for help and it just may pay off this time.
http://tinyurl.com/yehe8ob
Ducati is actually considering whether to release an updated model of the Desmosedici RR street MotoGP replica. Considering that they initially were only to make 300 of the first version, yet ended up selling 1500 of them, they will likely take the jump and produce the new model. One major difference between the old and the new version, though, will be a full carbon fiber frame! I am looking forward to the new version...
http://tinyurl.com/yhhvjjh
Tuesday Afternoon Moto News from Around the World - More...
That's right, there is even more moto news today, but it sure is coming late and slow - must be the holidays.
Cycle World reviews the 2010 Ducati motorcycles for our pleasure. This link will display a list for you, which includes the 1198, 1198 R Corse Edition, 1198S, 1198S Corse Special Edition, 848, GT1000 SportClassic, Hypermotard 1100 EVO, Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP, Hypermotard 796, Monster 1100, Monster 1100S, Monster 696, Multistrada 1200, Streetfighter and Streetfighter S. So, you get the entire line-up placed in front of you...
http://tinyurl.com/ydet7se
They also try their hands at the new 2010 models from Kawasaki. This includes way too many to list here, so take the link and go and have a look - there are 21 different models reviewed there!
http://tinyurl.com/ybt74j3
And, finally, the people over at Mission Motors have taken their Mission One out to Infineon Raceway - and they pushed the bike to its limits and filmed every bit of it. You can watch after the link
http://tinyurl.com/ye7d9vv
Buy A Ducati in the UK and Get Ducati Corse Gear Free + More!
It is that simple; if you purchase a Ducati 848, 1098 or 1198, you get: Ducati Corse leathers, Arai Chaser helmet with Ducati Corse graphics, Ducati Corse gloves, Puma Desmo V2 boots, Ducati back protector. If you buy a 1098 or 1198, you also receive a FULL-SERVICE Ducati Track Day and a ticket to a World Superbike round - TBD. Amazing! What's holding you back now?
http://tinyurl.com/yjozlrk
EICMA: 2010 Ducati 848 in Matte Black - Sweet!
Ducati UK and New Era Motorcycle Club Launch 848 Challenge
This will be a new race series based primarily in the U.K., but also run on two European tracks. Eight rounds in total will make up the series - most with double-header weekends - and four of the circuits in the 848 Challenge will be world championship tracks. All racers will ride essentially identical Ducati 848 motorcycles; only the fairing, tires and exhaust may be modified. In the U.K., you can purchase a 848 from your local dealer and you will be given a Ducati Corse Riding Gear Set worth over £2,000. Check it out! I wish I could enter...
http://tinyurl.com/yc3smtd
The dates and venues have now been announced for the Ducati 848 Challenge - so, get to your Ducati dealer today - if you live in the U.K.
http://tinyurl.com/yfp86te
Ducati and Nicky Hayden to Auction Indy Helmet for Make-A-Wish
The helmet which Nicky Hayden wore to third place at the Indianapolis GP 2009 will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Bidding will start at US$848 - currently it sits at US$4050 - and will continue for 7 more days from today. If you have the money to spend/donate, it is well worth it!
http://tinyurl.com/ycnuj74