MOTOGP STAR NICKY HAYDEN VISITS NEW YORK CITY TO PROMOTE RED BULL U.S. GRAND PRIX Hayden Talks MotoGP in the USA with NYC Media NEW YORK, NY (May 20, 2005) One of America’s brightest motorcycle stars returned home this week, as MotoGP rider Nicky Hayden took part in a whirlwind media tour of Manhattan on Wednesday and Thursday to promote the return of the MotoGP World Championship to the United States at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix July 8-10 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif. While the 2002 AMA U.S. Superbike Champion was only in the Big Apple for a little over 24 hours he put his time to good use meeting with several major U.S. media outlets, attending a New York City media screening of the acclaimed MotoGP documentary film “Faster” and even managing to keep to his fitness regimen with a run along the Hudson River near his Tribeca hotel. “I’ve been to New York before, but I had never gotten to see this much of the city,” said the Owensboro, Ky. native who glimpsed the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero, as well as a quick visit to world famous Times Square. But most of Hayden’s time was spent talking MotoGP to major national media outlets, giving them a first-hand account of the world’s fastest two-wheel sport and his enthusiasm for racing at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix this July. “I’m just happy to help out,” said a modest Hayden. “The people at Dorna (promoters of the MotoGP World Championship), Laguna Seca, Red Bull and the other sponsors have put a lot of effort into doing all the things it takes to bring MotoGP to the U.S. for the American fans. I’m doing the easy part. “I can’t wait for July’s race. MotoGP is an awesome series, I love racing at Laguna, and my brothers (Tommy and Roger) will also be racing that weekend (in the AMA races).” Hayden arrived in New York via Paris, France, following five straight days on his Repsol-sponsored Honda RC211V MotoGP machine three days at the French Grand Prix followed by another two days at the Le Mans circuit testing for the remaining 13 races in the 2005 championship. He left New York bound for his Kentucky family home and rare time off in the midst of a season. But things get busy again soon, as Hayden heads back to Europe on Memorial Day (May 30) for back-to-back races at the Italian and Catalunyan Grands Prix, followed by yet another two days of testing. The 2005 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix marks the return of the MotoGP World Championship to the United States for the first time since 1994. Support events include AMA Pro Racing Superbike, Superstock and Supersport races, as well as the Superstars of Super Karts featuring Grand Prix motorcycle legends Wayne Rainey, Eddie Lawson and Kevin Schwantz competing in racing karts powered with 250 cc Yamaha engines with semi-enclosed bodywork and rear wings. Tickets are available for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix by calling (800) 327-SECA or logging onto www.laguna-seca.com or www.ticketmaster.com. More information on the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, including the weekend’s schedule of events, is available at www.laguna-seca.com. More information on the MotoGP World Championship is available at www.motogp.com. More, from a press release issued by Ducati North America: DUCATI BIKES TAKE OVER THE STREETS OF NEW YORK Ducati New York Grand Opening heats up with Italian Speed and Style Cupertino, CA (May 20, 2005) As the sun went down over New York City and people traveled home from their day at work, Manhattan echoed with the magnetic roar of Italian L-twin power. Pedestrians stopped mid-step to check out the colorful string of Ducati motorcycles revving their way through the skyscrapers as they gathered on 34th Street and 11th Avenue for a one-of-a-kind ride through the Big Apple. The group of Ducatisti lined up in front of the Javits Center, decked out in the finest Italian riding gear and leathers. The cavalcade included throngs of vintage bikes from Paul Smart’s era to brand new superbikes like the 749 and 999R. Anxious to get the party started, the Ducatisti were joined by the New York City Police Department and given a special motorcycle escort down Washington Street to the grand opening festivities. New Yorkers hurried out of their cabs and parked their cars along Avenue of the Americas to catch the arrival of this unparalleled parade of Italian superbike finery that could be heard nearly three blocks away. A massive crowd surrounded the Ducati New York dealer and you could hear the buzz radiating as each spectator inquired about the activities. Everyone from businessmen, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle II star Justin Theroux, and hard- core motorcycle enthusiasts joined the pack of new and vintage Ducati bikes as they rode in and welcomed Ducati back to the Big Apple. Inside the pristine new showroom, you could feel the enthusiasm of guests, some still wearing their helmets from the ride, eager to catch a first glimpse of Ducati’s three SportClassic prototypes the highly anticipated newest Ducati vintage-inspired models. AMA Championship riders Neil Hodgson and Eric Bostrom were swarmed by fans as they signed posters, took pictures and autographed local Ducati owners’ bikes. “Based on the amazing turnout, I’m convinced this was the perfect opportunity to introduce our SportClassics to the North American market,” says Ducati North America CEO Michael Lock. “New York is an exciting place, fast-paced and rich with history. Our SportClassics have similar traits in that they combine a modern, cutting-edge, performance-driven motorcycle with the timeless style, beautiful lines and powerful emotion fundamental to the great Ducatis of the 1970s.” To complete the evening, celebrated New York Chef David Bouley pulled out all the stops to create a dynamic, Italian-themed event at Ducati New York, bringing the ambience of Northern Italy into the heart of America’s largest city. In addition to traditional Italian fare, Chef Bouley capped the event with the introduction of specialty drinks he created especially for the festivities including the “Ducatini” martini and the “Monster.”