From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

FIRST DUCATI MONSTER CHALLENGE WINNERS CHOSEN AT SAN FRANCISCO IMS SHOW

The search for the coolest Monster has begun, and the coolest Monster in Northern California was determined this weekend.

Cupertino, CA – November 11, 2004 – Ducati’s search for the coolest Monster in North America started with a bang this past weekend at the San Mateo IMS Motorcycle show. The Monsters entered were each unique creations making the judges’ job difficult to choose a clear winner. Judges chose Stuart Baker from Burbank, California as 1st place for his 1999 Retro inspired Monster 750. The trek to Northern California was well worth it since he won a trip to Daytona, Florida during bike week for the final round of the Monster Challenge.



“Well, I was unable to enter the Long Beach show as I’m getting married that weekend, so it had to be Northern California, or not at all. And without my future wife Patricia’s support I couldn’t have made this possible. I had just completed the bike about a month prior, and was just picking off the list of things to do when I heard of the Monster Challenge. I knew I had to enter. I had NO IDEA I would win, heck, I didn’t even know if I would get any awards at all! After seeing the competition, I didn’t really think that I had a shot at anything,” said Stuart.

Not only was Stuart’s bike visually different, he had done all of the work himself including the conversion to a dry clutch. He converted the bike to fuel injection, made a custom rear frame and tail bodywork, and made a custom box to house all of the electrical components out-of-sight. This last bit of attention to detail allows a clear view through the front part of the frame and really sets the bike apart from anything else.

2nd place went to Martin Wong from Sacramento, CA for his completely carbon creation 1996 M900. He went home with a $250 Ducati Performance gift certificate. Finally, 3rd place winner, James Martin received a $100 Ducati Performance gift certificate for his marble 2002 Monster S4.

The People’s Choice winner, “Tigre” as Steve Metz calls it, was a favorite among the young and old IMS patrons. The outrageous tiger paint job, tiger tail, and even tiger colored leathers brought everyone’s attention to his 2000 Monster 900. Steve was instantly identified around the show with his tiger jacket.



Michael Lock, Ducati North America CEO, said “How are we going to choose a winner? Daytona is going to be difficult for the judges. If this first show is any indication of what’s to come, the Ducatisti have really raised the bar for what’s considered a ‘cool’ Monster in my book.”

The next event will be at Dallas, Texas, November 19-21, where Ducati will continue their search for the coolest Monster in North America. To enter, visit www.ducatiusa.com for details or send an email with your contact information and photos to [email protected]. There is no cost to enter and chosen entrants receive a free t-shirt, dinner Friday night with Iron Butt record holder Gary Eagan, and a free ticket to the IMS show.

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in five market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring and Multistrada. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won thirteen of the last fifteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at www.ducati.com.