From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

DUCATI TO SPONSOR AMA SUPERBIKE EVENT AT BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (March 5, 2004) — AMA Pro Racing today announced that Ducati North America will be the title sponsor of the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship event at Brainerd International Speedway.

The event, to be called the AMA Superbike Trofeo Ducati, is set for June 25-27 and is Round Seven of the 11-Round Championship.

Ducati, who has had past Superbike victories by Ben Bostrom, Alessandro Gramigni and Doug Polen on the Minnesota track, will help transform the event into a top destination for owners of the exotic Italian marque. Special viewing areas, parking corrals, bike show, Ducati owner’s club dinners and Ducati demo rides will all be available throughout the weekend at the nearly 900-acre circuit.

Ducati, which strengthened its commitment to AMA Superbike in 2004, sees the sponsorship as part of a bigger marketing thrust in the United States.

“The hiring of Eric Bostrom to ride our new 999R in the AMA Superbike Championship is just part of our renewed focus on the core values of the Ducati brand,” Ducati North America Director of Marketing John Porter said. “Now that Eric and the team are in place, a natural progression was to sponsor a top-notch AMA event. We’re thrilled to sponsor the Brainerd round. The campground, superb road riding nearby, and the excellent facilities will let us present not only a fantastic race, but also a camping rally to celebrate the Ducati experience with our fans.”