Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Italica Racing, the Aprilia USA-backed AMA Superbike effort announced at Infineon Raceway and slated to make its debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, is not racing at the Monterey, California track this weekend due to a lack of funding.

Riders Mike Hale and Matt Wait are at the track to lead two Aprilia-owners-only fan rides.

Wait said the lack of funding was caused by a delayed wire transfer from overseas.

Aprilia is on the brink of financial disaster and is actively seeking investors to bail it out of its money troubles. Ducati Motor Holdings offered to buy the company last week.

Mechanic Jerry Daggett, who was hired by Italica Racing to build its chassis, is at Laguna Seca but working with Attack Kawasaki.

“You can only work so long without getting paid,” said Daggett of his relationship with Italica Racing. “They owe me a substantial amount of money.”

Italica Racing team principals, who Wait said are at Laguna Seca, could not be reached immediately for comment.