From a press release issued by Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.:

DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING ANNOUNCES FIRST NINE MONTHS 2004 RESULTS

Sales decreased in third quarter, Ducati reviews 2004 target

Bologna, Italy – Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH, Borsa Italiana S.p.A: DMH), a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, today announced first nine months 2004 financial results.

Revenues for the first nine months 2004 were Euro 268.0 million, down 4.5% excluding forex effects, (or down 5.8% including forex effects) versus last year. Revenues from motorcycles for the period decreased 11,1% to Euro 204.2 million and represented 76.2% of revenues. Motorcycle-related products, including spare parts, technical accessories and apparel, increased 9.6% to Euro 58.9 million over the comparable period in the previous year.

Gross margin was 37.2% versus 35.2% last year, thanks to product cost reduction and operational efficiencies and related product sales increase, partly offset by a negative forex effect. EBITDA was Euro 26.1 million, or 9.7% of revenues, down 6.9% excluding forex effects (or down 15.5% including forex effects), versus Euro 30.9 million, or 10.8% of revenues in first nine months 2003.

At EBT level, the result was a loss of Euro 9.8 million versus a loss of Euro 7.0 million including Euro 3.5 million restructuring reserve in the first nine months 2003, due to a lower EBITDA and higher financial charges.

The Company’s net debt at September 30, 2004 was Euro 112.4 million, in line with the Euro 112.2 million at the same date a year earlier and down against Euro 117.2 million at December 31, 2003. The company’s gearing ratio was 75% at September 30, 2004 versus 74% at the same date a year earlier and versus 74% at December 31, 2003.

In the first nine months of 2004 unofficial Ducati worldwide registrations, were down 4.4% versus last year, with non-subsidiary countries down 1%, Italy down 3%, France down 4%, UK down 13%, Germany down 16%, Japan down 17%, Benelux down 18%, and while the US was up 20%.

“After reporting a positive first half of 2004, Ducati business reversed over the summer, due to a difficult market situation and the delayed introduction of our high volume new model Monster S2R and high margin new 999”, said Federico Minoli, President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. “Market environment and the continuous devaluation of the dollar turned 2004 into a more difficult year than anticipated. The good acceptance of our new products and the production start up in November of the new models will allow us to recover part of the losses before year end and to look with confidence to 2005”.

“Despite our forecast of a better fourth quarter, full year results are now expected to be lower than 2003 with unit sales decline of 5%, flat revenues at costant forex and a post-tax loss in the range of 6 Million Euro”, said Enrico D’Onofrio, Chief Financial Officer of Ducati. “However we expect a recovery in sales in 2005 with a good EBITDA level, a return to profit and a lower net debt, fueled by the new entry level S2R, the Multistrada 620 and the already pre-sold Sport Classic line”.

As for the third quarter, revenues were Euro 47.0 million, down 36.0% excluding forex effects, (or down 37.6% including forex effects) over the same period in 2003, due to lower bike sales.

Gross margin was 43.3% of revenues, up versus 37.7% in the same period a year ago, thanks to product costs and operational efficiencies. EBITDA resulted negative for Euro 1.9 million, versus a positive Euro 5.0 million of 2003 due to lower volume.

In the third quarter of 2004, result before tax were a loss Euro 13.3 million versus a loss of Euro 5.4 million last year. The decrease was mainly due to lower EBITDA and higher financial charges.

By the end of September 2004, the Company had re-purchased 3,325,995 shares, equivalent to Euro 3,545,511 or 2.09% of its stock capital.

From a press release issued by Camel Honda Racing Information:

Camel Honda announces 2005 line-up
Troy Bayliss and Alex Barros to ride the yellow RC211Vs


The Camel Honda team announced its rider line-up today for the 2005 MotoGP World Championship.

The Camel Honda team, led by former double-World Champion Sito Pons, finished third in the 2004 Team Championship and for the forthcoming season welcomes into its ranks two new riders: Brazilian Alex Barros and Australian Troy Bayliss.

With the incorporation of these two highly experienced and successful riders, the Camel Honda team will look to consolidate its position over recent years as one of the top teams in the championship and make a concerted effort to win the World Title. Both riders will be riding the yellow Camel Honda RC211Vs on Michelin tyres.

Troy Bayliss, World Superbike Champion in 2001, joins the Honda family after two years competing in the MotoGP World Championship with Ducati. The Australian from Taree has scored 4 MotoGP podium finishes in that time, although a maiden MotoGP victory has so far eluded him. His aggressive style and personable nature has made Troy an extremely popular rider both inside and outside the circuits and he enjoys a massive following around the world. Troy will be assisted by Santiago Mulero, Head Technician and Ramón Aurín, Telemetry Engineer.

Alex Barros makes a welcome return to the team led by Sito Pons. Alex rode for four seasons with the Honda Pons team from 1999 to 2002, during which time he won 5 GPs and scored 14 podium finishes. He is one of the most experienced riders in the paddock, with over 240 GPs to his name, and he will be looking to call upon his wealth of experience and knowledge in his quest for the 2005 World Title. Alex will continue to work alongside Ramón Forcada, his Head Technician for the 2004 season, and with whom he worked throughout his previous time with the Honda Pons team, and Lluis Lleonart, his Telemetry Engineer.

Sito Pons:
“After two highly successful seasons the Camel Honda team now moves up a gear with the incorporation of two highly gifted and experienced riders. With Alex and Troy leading the charge, I am confident that the yellow Camel Honda bikes will be constantly battling for the leading positions in every race. I would like to thank Honda, Camel, Correos and the other team sponsors for their constant support and whilst we clearly have a lot of hard work ahead of us this winter, I am confident that this exciting new project will bring much success to everyone concerned once the 2005 championship gets underway in April in Jerez.”

Roberto Zanni
(JT International – Worldwide marketing and sales Senior Vice-President)
“For the third consecutive year, the prestigious Camel brand will take part in the MotoGP World Championship. The thrilling exploits of the Camel Honda team will continue in earnest in 2005, with a brand new line-up. We welcome our two new riders, Troy Bayliss and Alex Barros, to whom I wish a season full of satisfaction and success. I would like to thank Honda for lending their support once more, and for having contributed to the continuity of our MotoGP project. I am certain that the RC211V, our team, and our riders will hold the Camel name up high next season, on the long and challenging road that is the MotoGP World Championship.”

From a press release issued by Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha:

GAULOISES FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM CONTINUES WINTER TEST SCHEDULE IN MALAYSIA

Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi and his 2005 team-mate Colin Edwards began a three-day test in Sepang, Malaysia today, continuing the work they began in Valencia earlier this month. Rossi tested both the prototype of Yamaha’s latest-spec 2005 M1 machine and his 2004-spec bike, while team-mate Edwards carried on set-up work with the 2004 version of the M1.

The Factory Team was able to take advantage of a dry day with a peak temperature of 37 degrees to test from 10am to 6pm alongside Suzuki, the only other MotoGP team present.

World Champion Rossi, who took the seventh of his nine wins of 2004 at this track in October, completed 55 laps and recorded a best time of 2:02.50. Edwards completed 75 laps with a best time of 2:03.10.

The team will continue testing tomorrow and Wednesday.

LAP TIMES:

Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 2:02.50 (55 laps)
Colin Edwards (Yamaha) 2:03.10 (75 laps)

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM MAKES DEBUT APPEARANCE WITH BRIDGESTONE TYRES

Jerez de La Frontera, 22 November 2004 – Following the announcement of a collaboration agreement with Bridgestone to take part in the 2005 MotoGP World Championship, the Ducati Marlboro Team will be taking to the track this week for its first appearance with the Japanese manufacturer’s tyres. Three days of testing at the Jerez circuit in Spain will be the first, important test session for this new partnership in preparation for the 2005 season. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the Ducati Marlboro Team will be present with its two factory riders, Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa, to work on the set-up of the bike and to gain confidence with the new tyres.

This is also a significant debut for the Italian team for purely emotional reasons. “Tomorrow will be a really special day” declared Livio Suppo, Ducati Marlboro Team director. “For the first time our riders will test the Desmosedici on Bridgestone tyres and we will start to work with our new partner in preparation for next season. It will be the first appearance for the new partnership, with new faces in the pit garage, and after two years of close and constructive collaboration in MotoGP, it will be a strange feeling not to have Michelin technicians working alongside us. We must however now concentrate on 2005 and take advantage of every lap on the track to give the Desmosedici the possibility of recovering from 2004 and expressing the enormous potential of this fantastic bike. We have three days of testing here at Jerez and two more next week at Valencia. Let’s hope that the good weather gives us a hand so that Loris and Carlos can get used to the new tyres and work in the best possible way.”

Immediately after the Jerez tests the Ducati Marlboro Team will remain in Spain, this time at the Valencia circuit, where on November 29 and 30 it will be continuing testing work in preparation for the 2005 season. At Jerez and Valencia, in addition to Capirossi and Checa, the World Superbike championship runner-up Régis Laconi will also be present in the unusual role of test-rider with the Ducati Corse development team Desmosedici.

“In these last tests of 2004 we will also be helped by Régis Laconi” concluded Suppo. “Régis has considerable experience in GP and for this reason we asked him to give us a hand in these tests. Loris and Carlos will focus on tyres, while he will work with the development team engineers on several new components for the GP5, components which have already been tested by Vittoriano Guareschi and which will be tried out by Régis to speed up the development of the Desmosedici before being given to Loris and Carlos. The presence of Régis in our development team is purely one-off and Vittoriano will continue to be the official test-rider next year again for the Ducati Marlboro Team.”

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

LIMITED EDITION DUCATI 999R FILA NOW AVAILABLE

In honor of James Toseland’s recent World Superbike Championship, Ducati is proud to offer a special edition 999R Fila.

To commemorate Ducati’s 14 WSBK Championships and Toseland’s recent victory, Ducati is offering a replica of the 2004 winning 999R Fila.

The 999R Fila is an exquisitely crafted machine built with the lightest materials and finest components found anywhere in the world. For information about ordering one of these limited edition bikes, please contact your local Ducati dealer. There will only be 75 of these motorcycles for sale in North America.

Technical Highlights:
. . Based on the 2004 999R
. . Full Fila/Ducati Corse WSBK graphics, preinstalled and clear-coated
. . Carbon fiber side and upper fairing
. . WSBK-inspired braced swingarm
. . Deep-sump, short-stroke 999R engine with 146 hp
. . Magnesium head covers and headlight support
. . Ohlins front fork with radial calipers, Ohlins rear shock, and
Ohlins steering damper
. . Forged aluminum wheels
. . Price: $24,995 MSRP (USD)

999R Fila Styling
This model has the same design as the 999, but all the bodywork parts are formed from exotic carbon fiber. The choice of carbon fiber is part of the specific effort to reduce weight, which also led to the adoption of magnesium for several components, including the front headlight support. To finish off the exclusive design of the 999R Fila there is a limited edition numbered plate, affixed to the top triple clamp.

Chassis
True to its racing inspired origins, the 999R Fila is fitted with the best possible components. The Marchesini wheels are made from forged aluminum alloy. This is the same process used in the production of racing wheels, creating a wheel of higher torsional rigidity and lower weight. The wheels on the 999R Fila 2004 weigh 3.2 kilos less than those of the 999 and 999S, and one kilo less than the previous R series model. This means a marked reduction in the un-sprung weight and the moment of inertia, which improves handling.

Like the wheels, the brake and suspension systems are top-of-the-line race quality products. The brake system consists of discs mounted further outward for better cooling, radial mounted four piston/four pad brake calipers, and brake master cylinders with an integrated reservoir. The rear shock absorber and fork are by Ohlins, adjustable for pre-load, plus rebound and compression damping. The 43-millimeter diameter fork stanchions have a titanium-nitride treatment for improved suspension. This model also comes equipped with a fully adjustable Ohlins steering damper.

Engine
The Testastretta engine fitted in the 999R Fila chassis is a racing inspired upgrade to the base model 999. Bore has been increased from 100mm to 104mm while stroke has been reduced from 63.5mm to 58mm At the same time, the compression ratio has been increased, from the 11.4:1 of the 999 and 999S to 12.3:1. The result of these changes is a power output of 139 Hp at 10,000 RPM with 80 ft-lbs of torque at 8,000 RPM. These results have been achieved while still utilizing a catalytic exhaust system in accordance with the Euro2 standard for street-legal motorcycles.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

(Listed in chronological order)

APRILIA CHALLENGE (All Aprilia RS250)
1. Patrick Tracey
2. Kris Provost
3. Jamie Lenore
4. Robert Gosney
5. Peter Esquivel
6. David Steinhoff

VINTAGE HEAVYWEIGHT DINOSAURS
1. James Dobson (Yam)
2. Scott Fabbro (Suz GS750)
3. Russ Lomanto (Hon)
4. Ed Milich (Moto Guzzi)

BATTLE OF THE TWINS LIGHTWEIGHT
1. Jim Rau (MZ)
2. Michael Gougis (Kaw EX500)
3. Tom Nichols (Kaw EX500)
4. Steve Baker (Yam)

GRAVES MOTORSPORTS 650cc SUPERBIKE
1. Will Eikenberry (Kaw 636 ZX-6R)
2. Michael Beck (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Marc Palazzo (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Mickey Lane (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Chad Lewin (Suz GSX-R600)
6. Sam Carnibucci (Yam YZF-R6)

SANTA BARBERA MOTORSPORTS BATTLE OF THE TWINS MIDDLEWEIGHT
1. Richy Headley (Duc 749R)
2. Michael Sirolli (Duc 748)
3. Kurt Spencer (Suz SV650)
4. Bradley Adams (Suz SV650)
5. Tim Martinez (Suz SV650)
6. Kurt Whittington (Suz SV650)

VINTAGE LIGHTWEIGHT DINOSAURS
1. Clinton Whitehouse III (Yam)
2. James Dobson (Yam)
3. Warren Spradlin Jr. (Yam)

From a press release issued by WCM:

‘shoutingdog’ join the push for success with the Blata V6 project

International multimedia development company ‘shoutingdog’ have formed a partnership with WCM to capitalise on the marketing potential of the Blata V6 MotoGP machine.

As development of the V6 continues in the Czech Republic the interest in the unique V6 project continues to increase. Not surprisingly the exciting Blata machine has sparked considerable interest in the USA where more of everything including cylinders is always considered an advantage.

With particular skills in developing transatlantic media potential ‘shoutingdog’ will help capitalise on the interest being expressed.

Following meetings between, WCM’s Director of Racing Peter Clifford and ‘shoutingdog’ Marketing Manager Steve Hawthorne the two companies have laid out an agreement and strategy that should bring a lot of exciting ideas not only to the Blata V6 project but to the whole of MotoGP.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

WSMC racing started at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time Sunday at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California, but as of 12:20 p.m. local time, only one race had been completed due to delays caused by weather and oil clean-ups.

The track is being hit by intermittent light rain and snow flurries, which have caused crashes and hindered the clean up of oil from crashes–with riders falling not only during scheduled races but also on a warm-up lap preceding the start of a race.

After reaching 47 degrees F, the temperature at Willow Springs slipped back to 42 degrees F. The winds, however, have not diminished and continue to blow at 25-30 mph with gusts of up to 40 mph.

Meanwhile at the Roadracingworld.com offices, the weather is even worse. The area of Southern California known as the “Inland Empire,” about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, was hit by a major rain/snow storm early Sunday morning. Snow covered low foothills in the area that rarely see snow and heavy rains have caused flooding and mudslides.

The National Weather Service has issued snow, wind and flood advisories for the area.


Update: After red-flagging the third race of the day, WSMC officials decided to cancel the remaining races scheduled for Sunday at Willow Springs due to poor track conditions.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A large quantity of race fuel was stolen from storage containers on the property of KWS Motorsports, in North Charleston, South Carolina.

In an e-mail to Roadracingworld.com, KWS’s Kevin Hunt wrote that late this week thieves cut the locks off of the storage containers and stole the fuel and nothing else.

Local police are investigating and are optimistic that the thieves will be caught, according to Hunt.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A racer-autographed copy of C. Edward Link’s popular children’s book The Little Motorcycle has sold for $415 in an eBay auction to benefit the Roadracing World Action Fund, which promotes the use of soft barriers to reduce racetrack injuries.

The book was autographed by several top stars of AMA road racing during the 2004 season finale at Virginia International Raceway. Riders who have signed the book include: Mat Mladin, Miguel Duhamel, Jake Zemke, Ben Bostrom, Eric Bostrom, Aaron Yates, Doug Chandler, Roger Lee Hayden, Freddie Spencer, Kevin Schwantz and more.

Link has also offered to autograph the book, if the winning bidder so requests.

For additional information on the Roadracing World Action Fund, go to:

http://actionfund.roadracingworld.com