From a press release:

PARTS UNLIMITED DUCATI AUSTIN TAKE TRIPLE-TEAM ATTACK TO VIR

Alton (Virginia) – October 6, 2004: Postponed by Hurricane Ivan, the rescheduled AMA season finale takes place this weekend at Virginia International Raceway, with the exciting triple-team of Eric Bostrom, Regis Laconi, and Lorenzo Lanzi riding the Ducati 999 for Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin.

Eric Bostrom, who was sidelined from the original VIR meeting due to shoulder and rib injuries from his Road Atlanta incident, has had three additional weeks to heal and has been given the green light to race by orthopedic specialist Dr. Art Ting.

“I’m probably one of the few people who benefited from Hurricane Ivan, so sometimes things really do work in your favor!” joked the 27-year-old American. “That being said, I’m looking forward to racing at VIR. I haven’t raced there in several years and it’s one of the better racetracks that we go to. It also seems that the event has been growing every year, so that makes it fun too. And with Regis and Lorenzo there it’s going to be quite a full Ducati Squad! The shoulder has been healing nicely and I hope that it isn’t a limiting factor in my performance when I get on the bike Saturday.”

With the World Superbike season wrapping up this past weekend at Magny-Cours, France, Ducati Fila rider Regis Laconi is now set to take part in the final AMA Superbike race. Regis was a close runner-up by nine points to his team-mate James Toseland in this year’s hard-fought series, but was consistently the fastest rider on the track with 7 wins, 5 pole positions and more laps in the lead than any of his rivals. The 29-year-old Frenchman had a brief shakedown with Michelin tires on the short Magny-Cours test-track last Monday before flying out to the U.S.

“World Superbike one week and AMA the next – it’s a big change and it’s all happening so quickly!” declared Regis. “There isn’t much time to prepare for it but I’m very happy to race the same bike on Michelin tires in America. Obviously I know the Ducati 999 very well but the track and the AMA opposition will be different. I have to learn quickly but the good thing is that I have my engineer Ernesto Marinelli and my World Superbike team with me. I will give my best like always so I am sure that we can get a good result.”

Ducati Breil factory World Supersport rider Lorenzo Lanzi has visited the Virginia track once before, during a test session in August. In his first year in World Supersport, the 22-year-old Italian finished fifth overall and is now excited about finally getting his AMA debut.

“This is a very important race for me and for Ducati,” commented Lorenzo. “Ducati Corse are sending Regis as well and they aim to finish the AMA season with the best possible result. The test in August was actually not that useful as we didn’t get much time there because of the rain, but it helped to get to know the track and that’s important because this time we’ve only got Saturday for practice and qualifying. It’s not going to be an easy weekend for sure, but I’m going there with the aim of doing well and finishing ahead of as many factory riders as possible. Whatever the result, it’s great satisfaction for me to form part of this Ducati super-team.”

Ducati plans to make the season finale a special occasion for Ducatisti, fans, and dealers. An AMA Superbike grid with three Ducati 999Rs at VIR is the perfect showcase for a bike the press is calling “The best V-twin ever.” Like all AMA races, Ducatisti are welcome at the Ducati hospitality area in Turn 4 for refreshments, food, and celebration of their passion. Dedicated Ducati parking will be available along with t-shirts, free kickstand pads, and door prizes. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Ducati Corse riders Laconi and Lanzi battle alongside American hero, Eric Bostrom. All three will sign autographs together at the Ducati hospitality for the fans.