THE DUCATI 848 TAKES FIVE OF THE TOP TWENTY SPOTS IN DAYTONA

Cupertino, Calif. (USA), Sunday 7th March 2010 – Ducati is proud to announce that in its AMA Pro Racing debut, the Ducati 848 Superbike proved to be an extremely fast and reliable contender.

In yesterday’s Daytona 200, a new era in Ducati competition began. For the first time in AMA Pro Racing’s Daytona Sportbike class, the Ducati 848 turned its wheels around the historic Daytona circuit. Of the six bikes entered, the results were staggering: not a single mechanical problem and a podium for the bike in its first time out. The 848 has proven to be an exceptional weapon for this class- especially considering many of the bikes were entered with little modification. This is a true testament to the 848’s race-readiness right off the showroom floor.

The podium finish in the prestigious Daytona 200 went to 2007 winner and Team Latus Motors rider Steve Rapp. Rapp put in an excellent performance at the front of the pack, and led home the group of five 848’s which finished in the top twenty positions.

“The race was pretty easy and non-eventful, which is good,” Said Rapp “We had good pit stops too. They probably weren’t the fastest but we didn’t make any mistakes and that’s all I can ask. I’m looking forward to the next race!”

In the Superbike class, rider Larry Pegram began his season with an impressive performance. Pegram fought all the way to the checkered flag and finished on the podium. It was a great start to the Foremost Insurance rider’s 2010 Superbike campaign, and he is looking forward to the next race at California’s Auto Club Speedway- a favorite track of his.

“It was a great start to the season for us!” Said Pegram. “The bikes ran great and we were right there on speed. Daytona is always tough on tires so we lost a bit there, but otherwise things are perfect.”