From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

ATLANTA MONSTER CHALLENGE SHOWS SERIOUS HORSEPOWER

The Monster Challenge continues in Atlanta, GA where fans came in force to record over 900 People’s Choice votes.

Cupertino, CA – January 14, 2005 – Ducati is one round closer to finding the coolest Monster in North America as part of the Ducati Monster Challenge. The Atlanta edition of this competition concluded last weekend during the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show. As with the other events, competition was stiff and some contestants traveled from Texas and Florida for their shot at getting to the final round in Daytona where they could win a new S4R or trip to a MotoGP race.

Michael McIntyre from El Paso, Texas was the first place winner and will be going to Daytona for the Grand Finale during Bike Week. His 2005 S4R is turbocharged and makes a claimed 206 horsepower. Michael says the coolest part about his Monster is, “It makes 200 horsepower!” If you are looking to go fast, what more could you need?

2nd place went to John O’Dell from Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. When John isn’t riding his Monster, he works in the Air Force as a Master Sargent. This 1999 Monster 900S has a host of upgrades including loads of carbon fiber parts and Marvic Penta wheels. His other bikes include a Ducati 999R, 996, and MV Agusta and he claims, “My Monster gets more attention than all of them. Must be the carbon fiber?”

Byron Kauffman won 3rd place with his 2000 Monster 900. His bike started as a disassembled M750 Dark which he changed to a 900SP motor done in crinkle black paint like an old Ferrari engine. Additional custom work includes 851 swingarm, wire spoke wheels, and Conti pipes. Byron does all the work himself and the bike is constantly evolving.

The hotly contested “People’s Choice” award went to Leslie Vecchione of Alpharetto, GA. Her 2001 Monster 900 was a real show-stopper with a beautifully retro Italian flag paint scheme. Over 900 people voted during the 3-day 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.