Registered Forum User
Big Twin
Bikes: Kawasaki ZX10r D6f, Dawes XC2.4, Planet X Superlight Pro Carbon
Posts: 1,428
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Selby, North Yorkshire.
Mood: aving a laff
Eric Bostrom to spearhead AMA Superbike assault by Ducati
ERIC BOSTROM TO HEAD FACTORY-SUPPORTED DUCATI AMA
SUPERBIKE CHALLENGE
Bologna (Italy), Wednesday, 19 November 2003: Eric Bostrom is set to
spearhead the Ducati attack on the 2004 AMA Superbike championship in
one of the most exciting challenges seen in North America's premier
motorcycle racing series for many years.
The 27 year-old from San Francisco, who celebrates his birthday today,
could not have wished for better news as it was announced that he will
form part of the factory-supported Ducati effort to claim the AMA title
for the first time since 1994.
The world-famous racing division from Bologna will be providing the
machines and the technical support for the factory-supported team, which
will take part in the 18-race 2004 AMA Superbike schedule with the new
Ducati 999
"We are extremely satisfied to have reached a two-year agreement with
Eric Bostrom to take part in the AMA championship" declared Ducati Corse
Superbike Director Paolo Ciabatti. "As well as being an extremely
talented rider, Eric will also be an excellent 'ambassador' for Ducati
in one of the most important strategic markets for our company".
"Thanks to the collaboration with Terry Gregoricka of Ducati Austin, who
will make available the logistics structure, technicians and the
experience of his team at their new Road Atlanta premises in a two-year
deal, and with the appointment of a Ducati Corse engineer as technical
director, we are certain that next year will see us obtain some
important results".
Michael Lock, Ducati North America CEO, added: "This is the good news
that we have been expecting for some time. Finally Ducati will have the
right package of rider, team and machinery to be able to put together a
serious challenge for the AMA title. We are sure that Eric's talent and
popularity will help Ducati achieve major visibility in the North
American market".
Las Vegas resident Bostrom, who has four US National titles to his name,
finished seventh overall in the 2003 Chevy Trucks AMA Superbike
championship with 350 points, but would surely have finished higher up
the table had he not suffered a badly-dislocated right shoulder in a
first turn pile-up during the opening lap of the Laguna Seca World
Superbike race.
"I'm totally pumped to sign with Ducati. They've shown a huge commitment
to step up their American Superbike campaign" declared Eric Bostrom.
"Obviously, jumping onto the World Championship machine brings high
expectations, but at the moment I just can't wait to get on the bike.
Between the 999, myself, and the Michelins, 2004 is going to be an
exciting year. A year that will hopefully see a Ducati twin back on top
in the U.S. and give the Ducatisti something to cheer about."
"I'd also like to thank all of my fans and sponsors for their support
during this time of change in my career. I've received lots of
encouraging e-mails from my fans and hope to continue giving everyone
something to cheer about as my career continues to progress forward."
"Obviously leaving Kawasaki USA was a tough decision. We really had
great successes over the years and I really felt comfortable there, but
I believe that joining the Ducati family is a positive step in the right
direction for my career".
The Ducati 999, which will be racing for the first time in the AMA
championship, will be able to count on the support of French tyre
manufacturer Michelin, recreating a successful long-term partnership
that has brought the two companies a total of seven world Riders'
titles, including the 2003 crown for Neil Hodgson in the Ducati 999's
debut season.
"We are delighted to be able to continue our successful collaboration
with Ducati, also in the AMA championship" declared Nicolas Goubert,
Michelin's Head of Motorcycle Competition. "With its different circuits
and conditions, the AMA Superbike championship will offer a major
technical challenge for us and we are happy to face up to it with our
long-term partner Ducati".
With over three months to go before the start of the 2004 season, Eric
will be seen in action on the Ducati 999 for the first time at Daytona
tyre testing on 4-6 December, but already expectation is high over the
combination of one of the USA's most talented riders and one of the
world's most exciting Superbike racing machines.