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Buell Offers Cash Incentives To Previous Buell Owners, Through Year End

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From a press release issued by Buell:

BUELL CLOSES 2003 WITH “AMERICAN MUSCLE” PROMOTION

Buell Motorcycle Company is offering cash incentives to previous Buell owners on new motorcycle purchases for the final two months of 2003. This is a great time to visit your local Buell dealer and buy a new Buell motorcycle at participating dealerships around the country.

Buell is offering prospects who visit participating U.S. Buell dealers a free “American Muscle” t-shirt with no purchase obligations. Downloadable coupons are available on the Buell web site and all prospects have to do is take the coupon to their dealer and have the dealer apply their business stamp. Then prospects mail-in the coupon to receive the t-shirt. This offer is good while supplies last.

Approximately 36,000 existing Buell owners will receive a private offer cash incentive coupon by mail, an additional incentive redeemable for $500 cash with the purchase and delivery of any new Buell Lightning or Firebolt motorcycle from a participating dealer, Nov. 1-Dec. 31, 2003. No down payment financing is available to all qualifying customers and can be combined with the $500 cash incentive.

For more information go to www.buell.com or visit a participating Buell dealership.

Ducati SportClassic Concept Bikes Coming To America

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From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DREAM MACHINES: DUCATI TO LAUNCH THREE NEW CONCEPT BIKES IN THE USA AT CYCLE WORLD INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOWS IN LONG BEACH AND NEW YORK

Inspired by the Sportbikes of the 1970s, Ducati’s Three SportClassic Prototypes are the Stuff of Enthusiast’s Dreams

Bologna Italy – “Our dreams live in the legends of racing, in riders like Paul Smart who helped us to write some of the most wonderful pages in the history of world motorcycling. Our dreams live in the simple and classic lines, the rich details and the colours of those trail-blazing Ducati sport bikes of the 1970s” remarks Federico Minoli, President of Ducati Motor Holding.

Minoli continues with “The three bikes to be unveiled represent the perfect mixture of winning technology – always a Ducati hallmark – with the timeless beauty of Ducati Design. PaulSmart, Sport, GT – three motorcycles designed to wet the appetites of enthusiasts everywhere, giving our Ducatisti, we hope, something to dream about. The bikes you will see are design studies. They are not for sale. And yet, at Ducati we know that dreams sometimes come true.”

Whilst all three machines embody the same essential concept, timeless Ducati design linked with high performance, the individual designs, named PaulSmart 1000, GT 1000 and Sport 1000 offer three particular expressions of Ducati heritage while utilizing the latest and most innovative Ducati technologies.

The PaulSmart 1000 is inspired by the 750 Imola on which Paul Smart rode to victory in the historic 200 Miles of Imola in 1972. The PaulSmart 1000 bike brings the spirit of its predecessor back to life with levels of performance able that surpass the expectations of today’s most demanding two-wheel enthusiasts.

The GT 1000 is a sport bike eminently suitable for everyday use, striking a perfect balance between the comfort of a two-seater and the performance of a twin-cylinder Desmo engine. Tradition and stylish elegance are merged seamlessly in this machine, made even more interesting by high-spec componentry and the road performance modern Ducati motorcycles.

The Sport 1000 is a gutsy “Café Racer”. Ducati through-and-through, with a coat of bold Ducati yellow paint, the Sport delivers timeless good looks and excitement that fans and enthusiasts expect of all Ducati sport bikes.

The unveiling will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California December 11th 2003, and the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City January 2nd 2004.

20th Anniversary Love Ride For Charity This Sunday In California

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From a press release issued by Harley-Davidson:

LOVE RIDE XX: THE MILESTONE 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Harley-Davidson of Glendale will celebrate the Love Ride XX, the Milestone 20th Anniversary ride in Glendale, California on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003. Grand Marshal Jay Leno will lead the caravan of nearly 20,000 motorcycles with Honorary Grand Marshal Peter Fonda, Founder and Chairman Oliver Shokouoh. Bill & Karen Davidson, two great-grandchildren of William A. Davidson one of the original founders of Harley-Davidson, will also ride in the 50-mile caravan from Harley-Davidson of Glendale to Castaic Lake.

The Love Ride began as a biker carnival and turned into one of the biggest motorcycle fundraising events of its time. In the past 18 years, the Love Ride has raised more than $15 million for charity. This year’s fundraising goal is to raise more than $1 million dollars for The Los Angeles Times’ literacy initiative Reading By 9, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and other local charities. Funds will be raised throughout the day at different sites, which will offer a barbecue, motorcycle trade show and concert.

This year’s concert line-up features ZZ Top, The Nelson Brothers and Lee Rocker. Love Ride is currently the largest one day motorcycle event in the world. It is a place where everyone has a good time while making a difference in the community and the world in which we live.

For more details, please go to www.loveride.org.

CCS Racer Killed In Motorcycle Shop Shooting

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Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

CCS racer and Superbike Motorsports owner Scott Ponder, 30, and mother Beverly Guy, 52, as well as employees Brian Lucas, 29, and Chris Shubert, were found shot to death around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, inside the Spartanburg County, South Carolina, motorcycle dealership.

Lucas was the service manager at Superbike Motorspots, and Shubert was a mechanic.

According to news reports, a customer called 911 and reported finding four people dead inside the dealership.

Ponder and his wife, who was not at the shop when the shootings took place, were expecting their first child.

The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have seen anything in the area of the shop between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Thursday to call (864) 596-2616.

Yamaha Belgarda Signs Foret For World Supersport

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From a press release issued by Yamaha Belgarda:

YAMAHA BELGARDA SIGNS FABIEN FORET!

Fabien Foret was born on the 29th January 1973 in Angouleme (France) and made his Supersport World Championship debut in 2000. He won the Supersport World Championship title in 2000. Fabien Foret “I am very happy to sign for Yamaha Belgarda because I know how competitive the bike is already and so I will be able to concentrate on trying to win the world title straightaway. I cannot wait for the November tests when I’ll be able to throw my leg over the R6 for the first time. I am sure that the Yamaha-Foret partnership is going to be a very successful one and give us all a lot of pleasure.”

The other Yamaha Belgarda rider in 2004 is Dutchman Jurgen van den Goorbergh who was re-signed after his excellent results in 2003 – his debut season on four-stroke production based bikes. Jurgen van den Goorbergh “2003 has been a year of apprenticeship for me on 4-strokes and in a new class, but I was still able to fight for the championship. Thanks to all the good experience I gained this year, I’ll be able to go all-out for the title in 2004.”

Claudio Consonni (Yamaha Belgarda S.p.A Racing Manager) “We are sure and happy that we have two riders who can win the Supersport World Championship in 2004. They are a perfect mix of an attacker and a thinker! It’s the first time in Belgarda’s Racing history without an Italian rider. A sorry fact, but we are are more and more an international team and we must try and compete with the strongest squad. It doesn’t mean that there are no up and coming riders in Italy, but just that our present structure does not allow for Italian rider at present.”

Now let’s all look forward to the winter tests!


Ducati Reports Record Third Quarter Sales

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

DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2003 RESULTS

Highest Third Quarter Unit Sales and Registrations Ever. Revenues Excluding Forex Effect Up 25% –

Bologna, Italy, November 6, 2003 – Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH, Borsa Italiana S.p.A: DMH), a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, today announced financial results for the third quarter and nine months, ended September 30, 2003.

For the third quarter of 2003, unit sales were 6,865, an 18.8% increase over the same period in 2002, the highest number of motorcycles ever sold by the Company in a third quarter. Revenues for the period were Euro 75.3 million, up 24.7% excluding forex effects, (or 20.5% including forex effects) over the same period in 2002.

Third quarter revenues from motorcycles for the period increased 26.6% excluding forex effects, (or 22.4% including forex effects) to Euro 55.9 million and represented 74.2% of revenues. Motorcycle-related products, including spare parts, technical accessories and apparel, increased 17.7% excluding forex effects (or 13.2% including forex effects) to Euro 18.9 million over the comparable period in the previous year.

Gross margin was 37.7% of revenues versus 41.4% in the period, mainly due to a negative motorcycle mix and forex effects. Sales costs represented 24.3% of sales versus 34.2% in the period last year, representing a decrease of Euro 3.1 million, as a result of the Company’s strict cost controls. EBITDA was Euro 6.7 million (or Euro 5.0 million including forex effects) versus zero in the period of the previous year.

In the third quarter of 2003, pre-tax loss was Euro 5.4 million versus a loss of Euro 11.1 million last year. The improvement of Euro 5.7 million was mainly due to higher EBITDA and lower financial charges.

For the third quarter, unofficial Ducati worldwide registrations, a measure of retail sales, were up 10% versus the same period last year, in a market which grew 7%. In particular, increases were up in Italy 21%, the US up 19%, non-subsidiary importer countries up 13%, France up 9% and Benelux Countries up 8%. Registrations were down 3% in Germany, down 5% in the UK and down 9% in Japan.

“Ducati has posted very strong results for the third quarter of 2003, confirming the improving trend during the course of the year thanks to our popular new product introductions and the effect of our savings programs,” said Federico Minoli, Ducati Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The Multistrada, in particular, continues to break records, having sold 4,762 units in six months since its launch, and we are increasing our sales target to 5,500 units. Also, the new Monster S4R has had a great success having sold over 2,200 units in five months. Just last week in Tokyo, we unveiled prototypes of the Sport Classic dream bike, a new concept of thoroughly modern motorcycles that capture the essential beauty, timeless style and emotion of the original Ducati sport bikes of the 1970’s. The PaulSmart, GT and Sport are all powered by the advanced Desmo 1000 DS engine. Depending on the market reaction and ensuing demand, we will announce a production timeline.

“On the racetrack, we are very pleased with our successes as well – official Ducati Fila racer Neil Hodgson won the riders title in the World Superbike Championship at Assen, in Holland, bringing Ducati’s total to ten and underlining the extraordinary performance of our new 999 Testastretta Superbike. The MotoGP season ended in Valencia on November 2 in style, with Loris Capirossi finishing on the podium. The final standings in the Rider’s Championship sees Loris and Troy Bayliss finishing in fourth and sixth places respectively. So, additionally, after an absence of 30 years, Ducati took second place in the Constructors’ World Championship, bringing to a close a spectacular season,” added Minoli. “What a superb result – congratulations and thanks to the riders, to their teams and of course to all our fans.”

For the first nine months, unofficial Ducati worldwide registrations, a measure of retail sales, were down 5% versus the period last year, with the US down 20%, the UK down 11%, Japan down 11%, France down 7%, Germany down 2%, Italy down 1%, while the Benelux Countries grew 6% and Non-subsidiary countries were up 8%. This is a notable recovery after declines of 18% and 4% in the first and second quarter of 2003, respectively.

First nine months 2003 revenues of Euro 284.6 million, were down 0.7% excluding forex effects, (or down 4.8% including forex effects) versus the period in 2002. EBITDA was Euro 37.8 million excluding forex effects (or Euro 30.8 million including forex effects) versus Euro 38.8 million in the first nine months of 2002. At EBT level, there was a loss of Euro 7.0 million versus a gain of Euro 3.7 million in the 2002 period mainly due to adverse forex, restructuring and depreciation costs.

“The third quarter improvement, driven by increased sales as well as reduced product and structure costs, brings us in line with our expectations for the full year of a flat top line versus year ago – excluding forex effects – and a positive bottom line. However, after the slow start to the year and the subsequent recovery, the outlook for 2003 remains challenging. Our ability to meet our targets will largely depend on forex non further deteriorating and the sustained growth of our relevant market.” said Enrico D’Onofrio, Ducati Chief Financial Officer.

The Company’s net debt at September 30, 2003 was €Euro 112.2 million, up versus the Euro 100.4 €million at the same date a year earlier mainly due to lower EBITDA. The company’s gearing ratio was 73% at September 30, 2003 versus 64% at the same date a year earlier.

At the end of September, the Company has re-purchased 293,235 shares, equivalent to €Euro 391,225 or 0.185% of its stock capital.

A discussion by Ducati management of the third quarter 2003 results is available at www.ducati.com under Company and then Investor Relations, and can be accessed until mid-February 2004 under Webcast of Results at the bottom of the IR Press Release Schedule section.

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. Ducati has won twelve of the last fourteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. The Company produces motorcycles in four 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 40 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.ducati.com.

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, as described in documents previously filed by the Company with CONSOB and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Fergusson Has 2004 Ride With Australian Honda Team

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Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Adam “Crusty” Fergusson and Josh Brookes will ride for Castrol Honda in the 2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Series.

According to www.mcnews.com.au, Fergusson and Brookes will ride Honda CBR600RRs in Supersport and CBR1000RRs in Superbike.

After finishing on the podium twice in the 2001 World Supersport series, Fergusson joined the AMA Superstock and Formula Xtreme series in the middle of 2002. After only six races, Fergusson finished 12th in FX points (with four podium finishes and one win) and 15th in Superstock points (with three podiums and five top-five finishes). In 2003, Fergusson finished fifth in both class Championships, taking two Formula Xtreme podiums with four podiums and nine top-10 finishes in Superstock.

Brookes rode in the 2003 Shell Advance series for Castrol Honda, finishing seventh in the Superbike Championship and fourth in the Supersport Championship.

Fergusson could not be reached for comment at post time. A call to his American wireless phone was greeted with a recording which said the number was no longer in service.

Siglin Wins Talent Search, Takes Home GSX-R750 Racebike

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From a press release issued by publicist Dorina Clarke, for Team Hammer, Inc.:

Chris Siglin Wins Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars

Lake Elsinore, Calif. – Chris Siglin, 22, of Clayton, California won the 2003 Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars during the Suzuki Cup Finals at Road Atlanta last weekend.

Siglin was one of two semi-finalists in the Talent Search, and, along with Greg Moore, 25, of Brookwood, Alabama, earned a fully sponsored ride in the GSX-R750 Cup during the WERA Grand National Finals weekend. Siglin and Moore were provided with custom-fit Alpinestars leathers in Valvoline EMGO Suzuki colors, Alpinestars boots and gloves, Michelin tires, entry fees and the use of a Valvoline EMGO Suzuki GSX-R750 racebike with a mechanic.

Siglin won the Valvoline EMGO Suzuki GSX-R750 he rode at Road Atanta by finishing better than Moore in the GSX-R750 Cup Final. Moore crashed out while leading, and Siglin, who had never been to Road Atlanta before, finished ninth.

“I’m really excited about winning the bike, I didn’t really expect it,” said Siglin. “I’m still in shock about it. It’s really cool. I’ll probably race it a couple times at Willow Springs, finish off the year, and do a couple track days. Overall, the Talent Search was an awesome experience, worth every penny plus more. All the knowledge, the experience, the people I’ve met, it was absolutely great, more than I ever expected, for sure. Mike Canfield was my mechanic and he worked his ass off! To be involved with the Valvoline EMGO Suzuki guys at the GNF was a dream come true, to have the great equipment and great guys behind you is the best feeling in the world. I knew I was going to an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people and not sure what to expect, but I ended up meeting some of the nicest people I’ve ever met!”

Moore agreed with Siglin regarding his Talent Search experience. “It was an awesome experience,” Moore said. “Everybody was great. They make it easy for you to just go out and ride. I didn’t have to work on my own stuff, and I was able to just ride. Mike Earnhardt was my mechanic and we got on real well. I crashed and broke my foot and hand early in the weekend, but was still able to win three WERA Championships and do a 1:27.5, my best lap. In the GSX-R750 cup race I got the holeshot on all three starts and when I came around for the second lap I saw plus zero on my board so I thought someone was right on my ass. I kept pushing it and going down the hill in turn four I didn’t get my foot up and it got caught between the bike and the gator bumps and I crashed. Even though I was hurt, I am not the kind of person to not give 110 percent. It’s a fine line, sometimes you ride hard and are a hero and sometimes you crash and burn. Hopefully the team was happy with what I did. Everything about the whole experience was great.”

More information on the Team Hammer Talent Search Presented by Alpinestars can be found in the News section of www.teamhammer.com


AHRMA Adds Willow Springs Date To 2004 Road Race Schedule

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Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) has added an event at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California to its tentative 2004 Historic Cup road race schedule.

According to the organization’s website, the Garage Company’s Corsa MotoClassica will take place May 8-9 at the 2.5-mile, nine-turn track.

AHRMA has already announced events at Sandia Motor Speedway in Albuquerque, New Mexico, May 1-2 and Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, California, August 14-15 and plans to add another 2004 date in California.

For additional info, go to www.ahrma.org or call (615) 851-3674.

Seacoast Sport Cycle Open House This Saturday In Derry, New Hampshire

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From a press release issued by Seacoast Sport Cycle:

Seacoast Sport Cycle Announces Grand Reopening/Open House Celebration

Seacoast Sport Cycle invites Italian two-wheel enthusiasts to its grand reopening celebration — Saturday, November 8th from 10 to 6 at 208 Rockingham Road, at the intersection of Route 28 and Kilrea Road in Derry, New Hampshire, 4 miles north of the shop’s old location.

Seacoast Sport Cycle brings you Aprilia and Moto Guzzi motorcycles and scooters, showcased in our new 6,000 sq. foot location. Stop by to see the new models and grab a light lunch. For more information or directions, please call Seacoast Sport Cycle at 603-437-5656.

www.aprilia-nh.com or www.motoguzzi-nh.com

Buell Offers Cash Incentives To Previous Buell Owners, Through Year End

From a press release issued by Buell:

BUELL CLOSES 2003 WITH “AMERICAN MUSCLE” PROMOTION

Buell Motorcycle Company is offering cash incentives to previous Buell owners on new motorcycle purchases for the final two months of 2003. This is a great time to visit your local Buell dealer and buy a new Buell motorcycle at participating dealerships around the country.

Buell is offering prospects who visit participating U.S. Buell dealers a free “American Muscle” t-shirt with no purchase obligations. Downloadable coupons are available on the Buell web site and all prospects have to do is take the coupon to their dealer and have the dealer apply their business stamp. Then prospects mail-in the coupon to receive the t-shirt. This offer is good while supplies last.

Approximately 36,000 existing Buell owners will receive a private offer cash incentive coupon by mail, an additional incentive redeemable for $500 cash with the purchase and delivery of any new Buell Lightning or Firebolt motorcycle from a participating dealer, Nov. 1-Dec. 31, 2003. No down payment financing is available to all qualifying customers and can be combined with the $500 cash incentive.

For more information go to www.buell.com or visit a participating Buell dealership.

Ducati SportClassic Concept Bikes Coming To America

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DREAM MACHINES: DUCATI TO LAUNCH THREE NEW CONCEPT BIKES IN THE USA AT CYCLE WORLD INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOWS IN LONG BEACH AND NEW YORK

Inspired by the Sportbikes of the 1970s, Ducati’s Three SportClassic Prototypes are the Stuff of Enthusiast’s Dreams

Bologna Italy – “Our dreams live in the legends of racing, in riders like Paul Smart who helped us to write some of the most wonderful pages in the history of world motorcycling. Our dreams live in the simple and classic lines, the rich details and the colours of those trail-blazing Ducati sport bikes of the 1970s” remarks Federico Minoli, President of Ducati Motor Holding.

Minoli continues with “The three bikes to be unveiled represent the perfect mixture of winning technology – always a Ducati hallmark – with the timeless beauty of Ducati Design. PaulSmart, Sport, GT – three motorcycles designed to wet the appetites of enthusiasts everywhere, giving our Ducatisti, we hope, something to dream about. The bikes you will see are design studies. They are not for sale. And yet, at Ducati we know that dreams sometimes come true.”

Whilst all three machines embody the same essential concept, timeless Ducati design linked with high performance, the individual designs, named PaulSmart 1000, GT 1000 and Sport 1000 offer three particular expressions of Ducati heritage while utilizing the latest and most innovative Ducati technologies.

The PaulSmart 1000 is inspired by the 750 Imola on which Paul Smart rode to victory in the historic 200 Miles of Imola in 1972. The PaulSmart 1000 bike brings the spirit of its predecessor back to life with levels of performance able that surpass the expectations of today’s most demanding two-wheel enthusiasts.

The GT 1000 is a sport bike eminently suitable for everyday use, striking a perfect balance between the comfort of a two-seater and the performance of a twin-cylinder Desmo engine. Tradition and stylish elegance are merged seamlessly in this machine, made even more interesting by high-spec componentry and the road performance modern Ducati motorcycles.

The Sport 1000 is a gutsy “Café Racer”. Ducati through-and-through, with a coat of bold Ducati yellow paint, the Sport delivers timeless good looks and excitement that fans and enthusiasts expect of all Ducati sport bikes.

The unveiling will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California December 11th 2003, and the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City January 2nd 2004.

20th Anniversary Love Ride For Charity This Sunday In California

From a press release issued by Harley-Davidson:

LOVE RIDE XX: THE MILESTONE 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Harley-Davidson of Glendale will celebrate the Love Ride XX, the Milestone 20th Anniversary ride in Glendale, California on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003. Grand Marshal Jay Leno will lead the caravan of nearly 20,000 motorcycles with Honorary Grand Marshal Peter Fonda, Founder and Chairman Oliver Shokouoh. Bill & Karen Davidson, two great-grandchildren of William A. Davidson one of the original founders of Harley-Davidson, will also ride in the 50-mile caravan from Harley-Davidson of Glendale to Castaic Lake.

The Love Ride began as a biker carnival and turned into one of the biggest motorcycle fundraising events of its time. In the past 18 years, the Love Ride has raised more than $15 million for charity. This year’s fundraising goal is to raise more than $1 million dollars for The Los Angeles Times’ literacy initiative Reading By 9, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and other local charities. Funds will be raised throughout the day at different sites, which will offer a barbecue, motorcycle trade show and concert.

This year’s concert line-up features ZZ Top, The Nelson Brothers and Lee Rocker. Love Ride is currently the largest one day motorcycle event in the world. It is a place where everyone has a good time while making a difference in the community and the world in which we live.

For more details, please go to www.loveride.org.

CCS Racer Killed In Motorcycle Shop Shooting

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

CCS racer and Superbike Motorsports owner Scott Ponder, 30, and mother Beverly Guy, 52, as well as employees Brian Lucas, 29, and Chris Shubert, were found shot to death around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, inside the Spartanburg County, South Carolina, motorcycle dealership.

Lucas was the service manager at Superbike Motorspots, and Shubert was a mechanic.

According to news reports, a customer called 911 and reported finding four people dead inside the dealership.

Ponder and his wife, who was not at the shop when the shootings took place, were expecting their first child.

The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have seen anything in the area of the shop between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Thursday to call (864) 596-2616.

Yamaha Belgarda Signs Foret For World Supersport

From a press release issued by Yamaha Belgarda:

YAMAHA BELGARDA SIGNS FABIEN FORET!

Fabien Foret was born on the 29th January 1973 in Angouleme (France) and made his Supersport World Championship debut in 2000. He won the Supersport World Championship title in 2000. Fabien Foret “I am very happy to sign for Yamaha Belgarda because I know how competitive the bike is already and so I will be able to concentrate on trying to win the world title straightaway. I cannot wait for the November tests when I’ll be able to throw my leg over the R6 for the first time. I am sure that the Yamaha-Foret partnership is going to be a very successful one and give us all a lot of pleasure.”

The other Yamaha Belgarda rider in 2004 is Dutchman Jurgen van den Goorbergh who was re-signed after his excellent results in 2003 – his debut season on four-stroke production based bikes. Jurgen van den Goorbergh “2003 has been a year of apprenticeship for me on 4-strokes and in a new class, but I was still able to fight for the championship. Thanks to all the good experience I gained this year, I’ll be able to go all-out for the title in 2004.”

Claudio Consonni (Yamaha Belgarda S.p.A Racing Manager) “We are sure and happy that we have two riders who can win the Supersport World Championship in 2004. They are a perfect mix of an attacker and a thinker! It’s the first time in Belgarda’s Racing history without an Italian rider. A sorry fact, but we are are more and more an international team and we must try and compete with the strongest squad. It doesn’t mean that there are no up and coming riders in Italy, but just that our present structure does not allow for Italian rider at present.”

Now let’s all look forward to the winter tests!


Ducati Reports Record Third Quarter Sales

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

DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2003 RESULTS

Highest Third Quarter Unit Sales and Registrations Ever. Revenues Excluding Forex Effect Up 25% –

Bologna, Italy, November 6, 2003 – Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH, Borsa Italiana S.p.A: DMH), a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, today announced financial results for the third quarter and nine months, ended September 30, 2003.

For the third quarter of 2003, unit sales were 6,865, an 18.8% increase over the same period in 2002, the highest number of motorcycles ever sold by the Company in a third quarter. Revenues for the period were Euro 75.3 million, up 24.7% excluding forex effects, (or 20.5% including forex effects) over the same period in 2002.

Third quarter revenues from motorcycles for the period increased 26.6% excluding forex effects, (or 22.4% including forex effects) to Euro 55.9 million and represented 74.2% of revenues. Motorcycle-related products, including spare parts, technical accessories and apparel, increased 17.7% excluding forex effects (or 13.2% including forex effects) to Euro 18.9 million over the comparable period in the previous year.

Gross margin was 37.7% of revenues versus 41.4% in the period, mainly due to a negative motorcycle mix and forex effects. Sales costs represented 24.3% of sales versus 34.2% in the period last year, representing a decrease of Euro 3.1 million, as a result of the Company’s strict cost controls. EBITDA was Euro 6.7 million (or Euro 5.0 million including forex effects) versus zero in the period of the previous year.

In the third quarter of 2003, pre-tax loss was Euro 5.4 million versus a loss of Euro 11.1 million last year. The improvement of Euro 5.7 million was mainly due to higher EBITDA and lower financial charges.

For the third quarter, unofficial Ducati worldwide registrations, a measure of retail sales, were up 10% versus the same period last year, in a market which grew 7%. In particular, increases were up in Italy 21%, the US up 19%, non-subsidiary importer countries up 13%, France up 9% and Benelux Countries up 8%. Registrations were down 3% in Germany, down 5% in the UK and down 9% in Japan.

“Ducati has posted very strong results for the third quarter of 2003, confirming the improving trend during the course of the year thanks to our popular new product introductions and the effect of our savings programs,” said Federico Minoli, Ducati Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The Multistrada, in particular, continues to break records, having sold 4,762 units in six months since its launch, and we are increasing our sales target to 5,500 units. Also, the new Monster S4R has had a great success having sold over 2,200 units in five months. Just last week in Tokyo, we unveiled prototypes of the Sport Classic dream bike, a new concept of thoroughly modern motorcycles that capture the essential beauty, timeless style and emotion of the original Ducati sport bikes of the 1970’s. The PaulSmart, GT and Sport are all powered by the advanced Desmo 1000 DS engine. Depending on the market reaction and ensuing demand, we will announce a production timeline.

“On the racetrack, we are very pleased with our successes as well – official Ducati Fila racer Neil Hodgson won the riders title in the World Superbike Championship at Assen, in Holland, bringing Ducati’s total to ten and underlining the extraordinary performance of our new 999 Testastretta Superbike. The MotoGP season ended in Valencia on November 2 in style, with Loris Capirossi finishing on the podium. The final standings in the Rider’s Championship sees Loris and Troy Bayliss finishing in fourth and sixth places respectively. So, additionally, after an absence of 30 years, Ducati took second place in the Constructors’ World Championship, bringing to a close a spectacular season,” added Minoli. “What a superb result – congratulations and thanks to the riders, to their teams and of course to all our fans.”

For the first nine months, unofficial Ducati worldwide registrations, a measure of retail sales, were down 5% versus the period last year, with the US down 20%, the UK down 11%, Japan down 11%, France down 7%, Germany down 2%, Italy down 1%, while the Benelux Countries grew 6% and Non-subsidiary countries were up 8%. This is a notable recovery after declines of 18% and 4% in the first and second quarter of 2003, respectively.

First nine months 2003 revenues of Euro 284.6 million, were down 0.7% excluding forex effects, (or down 4.8% including forex effects) versus the period in 2002. EBITDA was Euro 37.8 million excluding forex effects (or Euro 30.8 million including forex effects) versus Euro 38.8 million in the first nine months of 2002. At EBT level, there was a loss of Euro 7.0 million versus a gain of Euro 3.7 million in the 2002 period mainly due to adverse forex, restructuring and depreciation costs.

“The third quarter improvement, driven by increased sales as well as reduced product and structure costs, brings us in line with our expectations for the full year of a flat top line versus year ago – excluding forex effects – and a positive bottom line. However, after the slow start to the year and the subsequent recovery, the outlook for 2003 remains challenging. Our ability to meet our targets will largely depend on forex non further deteriorating and the sustained growth of our relevant market.” said Enrico D’Onofrio, Ducati Chief Financial Officer.

The Company’s net debt at September 30, 2003 was €Euro 112.2 million, up versus the Euro 100.4 €million at the same date a year earlier mainly due to lower EBITDA. The company’s gearing ratio was 73% at September 30, 2003 versus 64% at the same date a year earlier.

At the end of September, the Company has re-purchased 293,235 shares, equivalent to €Euro 391,225 or 0.185% of its stock capital.

A discussion by Ducati management of the third quarter 2003 results is available at www.ducati.com under Company and then Investor Relations, and can be accessed until mid-February 2004 under Webcast of Results at the bottom of the IR Press Release Schedule section.

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. Ducati has won twelve of the last fourteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. The Company produces motorcycles in four 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 40 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.ducati.com.

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, as described in documents previously filed by the Company with CONSOB and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Fergusson Has 2004 Ride With Australian Honda Team

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Adam “Crusty” Fergusson and Josh Brookes will ride for Castrol Honda in the 2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Series.

According to www.mcnews.com.au, Fergusson and Brookes will ride Honda CBR600RRs in Supersport and CBR1000RRs in Superbike.

After finishing on the podium twice in the 2001 World Supersport series, Fergusson joined the AMA Superstock and Formula Xtreme series in the middle of 2002. After only six races, Fergusson finished 12th in FX points (with four podium finishes and one win) and 15th in Superstock points (with three podiums and five top-five finishes). In 2003, Fergusson finished fifth in both class Championships, taking two Formula Xtreme podiums with four podiums and nine top-10 finishes in Superstock.

Brookes rode in the 2003 Shell Advance series for Castrol Honda, finishing seventh in the Superbike Championship and fourth in the Supersport Championship.

Fergusson could not be reached for comment at post time. A call to his American wireless phone was greeted with a recording which said the number was no longer in service.

Siglin Wins Talent Search, Takes Home GSX-R750 Racebike

From a press release issued by publicist Dorina Clarke, for Team Hammer, Inc.:

Chris Siglin Wins Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars

Lake Elsinore, Calif. – Chris Siglin, 22, of Clayton, California won the 2003 Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars during the Suzuki Cup Finals at Road Atlanta last weekend.

Siglin was one of two semi-finalists in the Talent Search, and, along with Greg Moore, 25, of Brookwood, Alabama, earned a fully sponsored ride in the GSX-R750 Cup during the WERA Grand National Finals weekend. Siglin and Moore were provided with custom-fit Alpinestars leathers in Valvoline EMGO Suzuki colors, Alpinestars boots and gloves, Michelin tires, entry fees and the use of a Valvoline EMGO Suzuki GSX-R750 racebike with a mechanic.

Siglin won the Valvoline EMGO Suzuki GSX-R750 he rode at Road Atanta by finishing better than Moore in the GSX-R750 Cup Final. Moore crashed out while leading, and Siglin, who had never been to Road Atlanta before, finished ninth.

“I’m really excited about winning the bike, I didn’t really expect it,” said Siglin. “I’m still in shock about it. It’s really cool. I’ll probably race it a couple times at Willow Springs, finish off the year, and do a couple track days. Overall, the Talent Search was an awesome experience, worth every penny plus more. All the knowledge, the experience, the people I’ve met, it was absolutely great, more than I ever expected, for sure. Mike Canfield was my mechanic and he worked his ass off! To be involved with the Valvoline EMGO Suzuki guys at the GNF was a dream come true, to have the great equipment and great guys behind you is the best feeling in the world. I knew I was going to an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people and not sure what to expect, but I ended up meeting some of the nicest people I’ve ever met!”

Moore agreed with Siglin regarding his Talent Search experience. “It was an awesome experience,” Moore said. “Everybody was great. They make it easy for you to just go out and ride. I didn’t have to work on my own stuff, and I was able to just ride. Mike Earnhardt was my mechanic and we got on real well. I crashed and broke my foot and hand early in the weekend, but was still able to win three WERA Championships and do a 1:27.5, my best lap. In the GSX-R750 cup race I got the holeshot on all three starts and when I came around for the second lap I saw plus zero on my board so I thought someone was right on my ass. I kept pushing it and going down the hill in turn four I didn’t get my foot up and it got caught between the bike and the gator bumps and I crashed. Even though I was hurt, I am not the kind of person to not give 110 percent. It’s a fine line, sometimes you ride hard and are a hero and sometimes you crash and burn. Hopefully the team was happy with what I did. Everything about the whole experience was great.”

More information on the Team Hammer Talent Search Presented by Alpinestars can be found in the News section of www.teamhammer.com


AHRMA Adds Willow Springs Date To 2004 Road Race Schedule


Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) has added an event at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California to its tentative 2004 Historic Cup road race schedule.

According to the organization’s website, the Garage Company’s Corsa MotoClassica will take place May 8-9 at the 2.5-mile, nine-turn track.

AHRMA has already announced events at Sandia Motor Speedway in Albuquerque, New Mexico, May 1-2 and Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, California, August 14-15 and plans to add another 2004 date in California.

For additional info, go to www.ahrma.org or call (615) 851-3674.

Seacoast Sport Cycle Open House This Saturday In Derry, New Hampshire

From a press release issued by Seacoast Sport Cycle:

Seacoast Sport Cycle Announces Grand Reopening/Open House Celebration

Seacoast Sport Cycle invites Italian two-wheel enthusiasts to its grand reopening celebration — Saturday, November 8th from 10 to 6 at 208 Rockingham Road, at the intersection of Route 28 and Kilrea Road in Derry, New Hampshire, 4 miles north of the shop’s old location.

Seacoast Sport Cycle brings you Aprilia and Moto Guzzi motorcycles and scooters, showcased in our new 6,000 sq. foot location. Stop by to see the new models and grab a light lunch. For more information or directions, please call Seacoast Sport Cycle at 603-437-5656.

www.aprilia-nh.com or www.motoguzzi-nh.com