Ducati To Begin Assembling Motorcycles In Argentina

David Swarts

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May 5, 2022

Ducati announces an agreement with the Volkswagen Group for CKD assembling of motorcycles in Argentina

Volkswagen Group Argentina will begin in 2022 the CKD assembling of Ducati motorcycles for distribution within the local Argentinian market

Ducati has very good performances in Argentina in terms of market share and brand recognition

The Italian manufacturer has seven exclusive dealerships with integrated service in the country

Bologna, Italy / Córdoba, Argentina, 5 May 2022 – Ducati announces an agreement with Volkswagen Group Argentina for CKD assembly of Ducati motorcycles to be distributed within the local Argentinian market. At the Córdoba Industrial Center, production will start by the end of 2022 thanks to an important investment, making the VW plant the third factory in the world outside of Italy for Ducati.

“The Argentinian motorcycle market is very interesting, Ducati has a strong positioning in this country in which over the years we have been able to achieve excellent results, both in terms of volumes and market share”, said Francesco Milicia, Ducati VP Global Sales and After Sales. “In Argentina we can count on a great collaboration with the Volkswagen Group which distributes our bikes, and it is also thanks to this strong relationship that we are able to take this important step which will help to strengthen our position in this market even more”.

“Argentina is an important pillar for Volkswagen Latin America. With this new investment, we will continue to strengthen our brand in the region, with models that are increasingly adapted to the needs of our customers,” said Pablo Di Si, Executive Chairman of Volkswagen Latin America. “Starting to assemble Ducati motorcycles in Córdoba is a great joy, since Volkswagen Group Argentina will be the first VW Group subsidiary in the world to do so.”

The commercial relationship between Ducati and Volkswagen Group Argentina began in 2013, after Audi AG bought the Italian motorcycle manufacturer globally in 2012. Ducati has a very good recognition in the high-performance Argentinian motorcycle market, having achieved excellent results in terms of market penetration.

Ducati currently has seven exclusive dealerships in Argentina, which commercialize the full range of Ducati and Scrambler Ducati motorcycles. Each dealer offers an integrated service and a showroom area where the bikes are exposed, with an exclusive space dedicated to the “Land of Joy” and the Ducati Scrambler products.

The first model to be assembled Córdoba Industrial Center will be the Scrambler Ducati Icon. The Scrambler Ducati range has become the most appreciated in the Argentinian market, after the first local presentation in 2016. Its urban-inspired motorcycles, designed under the post-heritage concept, invite personalization and self-expression while offering total versatility in their use, maintaining the features and characteristic equipment of every Ducati brand product.

FUELL Names Canadian Distributor

David Swarts

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May 5, 2022

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FUELL Announces Exciting New Distribution Partnership With Velocity Distribution in Canada

May 5, 2022- FUELL is thrilled to announce a new distribution partnership with Velocity Distribution in Canada. This electrifying new distribution partnership will provide Canadian consumers access to the complete line of FUELL e-bikes, and FUELL genuine parts and accessories.

This FUELL-Velocity partnership is a tremendous opportunity for both companies, as well as participating Canadian dealers and consumers. Consumer demand for e-bikes in Canada continues to grow rapidly and the new availability of FUELL e-bikes is the perfect solution for the Canadian market.

Recently, FUELL partnered with Velocity to display Flluid-1 e-bikes at the Montreal Bicycle Show with an impressive public response. The show was a huge success and the FUELL/Velocity booth was mobbed throughout the weekend. There was a strong interest from dealers, rental and leasing companies as well as consumers in FUELL products.

This kind of response proves the demand is high for FUELL e-bikes and that FUELL products meet the demands of Canadian consumers who are looking for a serious, premium technology and long-range e-bikes in Canada. Flluid e-bikes are a great solution for cities, suburbs and roads in the Canadian market.

“This new partnership is a real success for both brands. Providing desirable products through an exceptional dealer network that provides outlets and service near every rider has been Velocity’s forte for a long time. FUELL’s strengths are in innovative product design and manufacture. In the exploding marketplace for electric mobility, this makes a dream pairing for enthusiasts who want cutting-edge designs but need solid local support. Velocity’s leadership team has the breadth of knowledge and experience to go full bore into this emerging marketplace, and the leadership at FUELL is very excited for the future together” ~ Erik Buell – CTO at FUELL Inc.

“Bicycle and powersports dealers in our network are either readily selling e-powered bikes, or excited to make the move and integrate them into their lineups. The response to FUELL has been unanimous, they are all stunned by its looks, the performance and technology that FUELL is bringing forward.” Jason Mateus – Director of Sales at Velocity Distribution.

Everyone at FUELL and Velocity Distribution is excited about this new partnership and looking forward to many years of success for both brands!

AHRMA: Britten V1000 Will Be Ridden At NJMP

David Swarts

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May 5, 2022

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AHRMA: Britten V1000 Will Be Ridden At NJMP

ELORA, TN – A battle-tested icon will be seen and heard at the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) event at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) June 16-19.

New Zealander Stephen Briggs will be doing laps on Bob Robbins’ Britten V1000.

“I am very lucky to have made great friends with (Briggs) after I acquired the bike, he rode to second place in the World Bears championship in 1995,” Robbins said. “I was able to reunite him with the bike in 2014.”

Robbins explained that the CR & S Britten was the first customer produced bike for Roberto Crepaldi of Café Racers & Superbikes (CR & S) and loaned to the factory from new for their racing efforts.

Known as P001 for the first production bike after three factory bikes, it has been rebuilt twice since 2014 including updating new components such as rods, pistons, and bearings.

“The engine cases and most components are original from 1994 and saw many thousands of World-level race miles in its day including the Isle of Man Senior TT in 1996 with Shaun Harris,” Robbins said. “Many parts have been replaced or reproduced to keep it running well.”

Some upgrades, including a Motec electronic system, have been added to preserve the original components in working condition and add some fail-safe features.

The engine has been slightly de-tuned by lowering the RPM limit. “In the day, these bikes were revved as high as 12,500 RPM at times and made 165 HP at the wheel,” Robbins said.

“The black and yellow color scheme was based on the CR & S racing team colors,” Robbins said. “After a successful history of racing at the World Championship level, it was retired and rebuilt after 1997 and put on display.”

The motorcycle had not been run for many years following. Robbins purchased the Britten in 2014 and it underwent a complete tear-down and refresh with the intention of using the bike for demonstration laps at racetracks.

Briggs has been on board the bike at several events since 2014, including the Pukekohe Park, Hampton Downs Classics events, and the Ruapuna New Zealand BEARS and John Britten 20th anniversary BEARS events in New Zealand during 2015. Continuing its tour in 2015 in the United States, the bike was on track at NJMP and was one of ten V1000’s in attendance and was one of the five on track at The Barber Vintage Festival. During 2016, it turned laps at the Ducati Club Race Assen. During 2017 the V1000 was at the AHRMA national at Road America, and the Isle Of Man Lap of Honor 2017. More recently, it was back at the 2019 Pukekohe New Zealand Classic, Burt Munro Challenge Invercargill New Zealand, and AHRMA’s Road America event.

More information about the AHRMA event at NJMP is at www.ahrma.org

About AHRMA

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association is a member-owned nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the sport of historic motorcycle racing. Since 1989, AHRMA has provided an appropriate environment to showcase vintage and alternative modern racing motorcycles in the disciplines of road racing, motocross, dirt track, trials, and cross country. With more than 3,300 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and is one of the world’s leading vintage motorcycle organizations.

Video: Petrucci Helps Launch Ducati DesertX In Sardinia

David Swarts

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May 4, 2022

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Video: Petrucci Helps Launch Ducati DesertX In Sardinia

Ducati and Audi together in Sardinia with DesertX and RS Q e-tron for a special event

International debut for DesertX and RS Q e-tron, together in off-road with Danilo Petrucci and the official Audi drivers including Stéphane Peterhansel and Carlos Sainz

To celebrate this partnership, the Centro Stile Ducati has created a special livery for the DesertX inspired by that of the Audi RS Q e-tron

The new DesertX will be available in European dealerships starting from the end of May, also in a depowered version for A2 license holders

Olbia / Borgo Panigale, Bologna (Italy), 4 May 2022 – The most highly anticipated motorcycle of 2022 and the most surprising rally prototype met in Sardinia for a special event organized in partnership by Ducati and Audi. The new Ducati DesertX and the Audi RS Q e-tron took centre-stage in the first test reserved for the international media, which could also count on the presence of Danilo Petrucci, winner of a stage of the Dakar 2022, and the official Audi drivers/co-drivers Emil Bergkvist, Stéphane Peterhansel, Edouard Boulanger, Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz.

To celebrate this event, the Centro Stile Ducati has created an exclusive livery for the DesertX inspired by that of the RS Q e-tron. This special bike was ridden by Petrucci, who put on a show together with the Sainz/Cruz pairing on a technical off-road track.

Andrea Ferraresi, Centro Stile Ducati Director: “When we saw the RS Q e-tron for the first time, we couldn’t help but imagine it in action among the dunes and rocks together with the DesertX. This event gave us the opportunity to do so and so we decided to create an exclusive livery, inspired by the colours and graphics of the Audi prototype. Seeing cars and motorcycles together off-road is truly a great show. The collaboration between the two brands and between their respective Design Centers is strong and important”.

The DesertX is the model with which the Borgo Panigale motorcycle manufacturer enters the mid-displacement enduro segment. The bike is designed to tackle the most demanding off-road and for this reason it is equipped with a 21″ front wheel, 18″ rear wheel, long suspension travel and ample ground clearance. Powered by the 11° Testastretta engine , DesertX guarantees a comfortable, easy and safe ride on every type of journey thanks to the attention paid to ergonomics, careful aerodynamic study and advanced technological equipment.

The safety and performance of the new Ducati model are also guaranteed by the electronic systems, which represent the state of the art in terms of riding assistance. There are 6 Riding Modes available on DesertX (two of which are intended for off-road use: Enduro and Rally), and they work in combination with the 4 Power Modes that modify the power and responsiveness of the engine.

The RS Q e-tron is Audi’s rally prototype to tackle the desert and embodies the purest efficiency. The innovative electric drive with high voltage batteries and energy converter pushes the limits of what is possible. The RS Q e-tron made its debut in the 2022 Dakar Rally last January and impressed with four stage victories, while in March it achieved his first overall victory at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Audi factory driver driver Carlos Sainz underlined the importance of the model for the motorsport program of the German manufacturer: “What Audi has achieved with this concept is technically unique and a real benefit for us drivers. The event in Sardinia was great to communicate the benefits of the electric drive. All the media were impressed throughout”.

Sainz, Petrucci and all the Audi drivers were greeted enthusiastically by the press during this event which confirmed the great bond and constant collaboration between Ducati and Audi.

The new DesertX, which since its presentation has met with remarkable success, will be available in all European dealerships in the Ducati network from the end of May. The new model is also available in a 35kW depowered version for A2 license holders.

The time has come for bikers to make their wildest travel dreams come true.

#DesertX #DreamWilder

NEMRR: Doucette, Franco, Greenwood Star In Season Opener

David Swarts

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May 4, 2022

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NEMRR: Doucette, Franco, Greenwood Star In Season Opener

2022 NEMRR Round One Wrap-Up

The NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing (NEMRR) series round one was held under blustery cold conditions for much of the weekend of April 30-May 1 at the freshly improved New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS). The sun came out on Sunday afternoon and gave riders the opportunity to experience the revitalized racetrack surface at full pace for the first time.

NEMRR president John Grush worked with the staff at NHMS over the off season and coordinated a plan to make some significant improvements to the track in several areas. Together with several NEMRR veteran riders, Grush helped NHMS to use the budget to the fullest and the crew smoothed out critical bumps in Turn 1, Turn 8, two places in Turn 10, Turn 11 and Turn 12. The feedback from the paddock was universally positive. The track is safer and more enjoyable to ride and the series may see faster lap times as the series holds its next few events.

While practice times were off due to the cold and windy conditions on Saturday morning, there was a mix of familiar faces and some new winners as the sun came out and the races unfolded during the day.

NEMRR #1 plate holder Rick Doucette led off the weekend in the GTL by #74 class with a win on his Plaistow Powersports Yamaha R5 over a hard-charging Eli Block on his Built by Block motard bike.

A special congratulations went out to 18-year-old Renee Franco on her Penguin Racing Ninja 400 as she scored her first ever Expert class victory over Souhegan Valley Motorsports’ Shane Lewis in the FirstTrax GT500 Class.

Renee Franco (194). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

Perennial NEMRR champion Scott Greenwood dominated the Adrenaline Performance GTO and Dunlop Tires GTU classes on his Argo Cycles Yamaha R6, running times in the low 1:13 range in spite of the sub-50 degree temperatures!

The feature Saturday was again the Michelin Motorace $1500 challenge, which features many of the strongest riders in NEMRR on the popular middleweight class machines. This was an all-Yamaha affair at the front as 2021 Champion Greenwood grabbed the holeshot and used a steady stream of 1:13 laps to separate himself form the field. The real battle was between veteran riders Rick Doucette and Tony’s Track Days’ Paul Duval. Duval got the jump off the line but Doucette got aggressive early and took over the second spot for a few laps. Duval struck back as the two approached the halfway point and ran some defensive lines on the final lap to secure his runner-up position.

2022 also marked the launch of a new era of lightweight class racing with NEMRR with the advent of the Dunlop Talent Cup. Corey Maynard, Tony Romo and Chad Geer of Dunlop Tires were all in attendance to show their support of this new class, which was designed to support young riders on MotoAmerica Junior Cup-level machinery. Dunlop is offering both special weekend Dunlop contingency awarded to the top 5 Dunlop finishers and championship bonus cash at the end of the year.

NEMRR and Dunlop are excited to provide this opportunity for these promising young riders, and the series is excited to continue to have more riders follow in the footsteps of successful NEMRR riders like Ben Gloddy, Teagg Hobbs, and Eli Block at the MotoAmerica level.

Renee Franco continued her breakout weekend by grabbing the early lead and making her way though traffic with confidence as the race progressed. She was followed by her Penguin Racing teammate Brianna McHugh and Shane Lewis to round out the podium.

NEMRR Round 2 is May 21-22 and the 99th running of the Loudon Classic is June 18-19.

For more information on NEMRR event visit www.nemrr.com

AHRMA Race Results From Thunderhill Raceway Park

David Swarts

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May 4, 2022

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AHRMA Race Results From Thunderhill Raceway Park

Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the bottom left corner of the PDF viewer to better see all pages of the race results.

RRW 2022 Thunderhill Raceway Park - Weekend Results

Americans Racing In Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo This Weekend At Vallelunga

David Swarts

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May 4, 2022

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Americans Racing In Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo This Weekend At Vallelunga

First round of the Aprilia Racing RS 660 Trofeo, May 6-8 at Valleunga, Italy

The Aprilia Racing RS 660 Trofeo kicks off the 2022 season with the first round May 6-8 at the Vallelunga Circuit, Campagnano di Roma, Italy, in conjunction with the Italian CIV Championship.

In a partnership between BK Corse and Robem Engineering, Robem Engineering MotoAmerica Twins Cup riders Ben Gloddy and Teagg Hobbs will compete against the European competition, as well as fellow Americans Max Toth and Kaleb De Keyrel.

The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo allows riders to showcase their individual talent on equivalent machinery, identically prepared by Aprilia Racing.

With its arrival in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup series, the Aprilia RS 660 has shown its capability to elevate the competition, proving victorious in the 2021 championship. With the RS 660 Trofeo, Aprilia Racing extends its collaboration with the US to create opportunities for its most talented riders.

The live timing and streaming links can be found here: https://www.civ.tv

Robem Engineering’s partners for 2022 include Aprilia Racing, Piaggio Group Americas, BK Corse, Synchrony, The Center for Plastic Surgery, Velocity Calibrations, Bitubo Suspension, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag, Vesrah, Sprint Filter, DID, Magura USA, Sara Chappell Photos, NGK/NTK, Blud Lubricants, Millennium Technologies, Motovation USA and SC-Project.

AHRMA: Adams Wins Vintage Cup Races At Thunderhill

David Swarts

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May 3, 2022

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AHRMA: Adams Wins Vintage Cup Races At Thunderhill

(Elora, Tennessee) – The 2022 Vintage Cup class sponsored by RoadracingWorld.com, featuring Vintage Superbike Heavyweight, kicked off both days of racing at Thunderhill Raceway Park, in Willows, California. Curtis Adams, from Riverside, California, won both races on a 1981 Honda CB750F.

Adams and Jesse Davis, of Long Beach, California, both entered the weekend with 2000 points. Current Vintage Cup class leader, Jeremy Maddrill, of Stiger, Illinois, did not make this West Coast event, thus presenting an opportunity for valuable points to be earned. A shootout between Adams and Davis was expected, but unfortunately for Davis, he highsided in Turn Five and his weekend ended early.

Adams put his head down and put in the laps. While challenged by Darrin Gauvin, of Camarillo, California, aboard his 1981 Honda CB900F, Adams was not to be overtaken as his lap times consistently improved and landed him with double-points and a jump to second place overall in this series.

“I worked control for this event and the corner workers could not say enough about this class as Adams laid down consistent laps. It is truly the sound of music each time they take to the track. I look forward to watching as the remainder of the season unfolds,” stated Dewanna Comer, AHRMA’s Road Race Director.

The 2022 Vintage Cup Trophy will be awarded to the Vintage Superbike Heavyweight class winner at select events including Heartland Park Motorsports Park, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, Ridge Motorsports Park, and Barber Motorsports Park. Our thanks to Roadracing World for their sponsorship of the Vintage Cup class, and to supporting AHRMA’s vision of “Keeping the Past Fast.” The Vintage Superbike Heavyweight class is sponsored by International CBS Owners Association (ICOA). Race dates and event registration links are available at: ahrma.org/schedules-results.

AHRMA National Historic Cup Roadracing Series Vintage Superbike Heavyweight Results – Saturday April 30, 2022

1. Curtis Adams, 1981 Honda CB750F, Riverside, CA

2. Darrin Gauvin, 1981 Honda CB900F, Camarillo, CA

3. David Crussell, 1978 Kawasaki Z1R, Pleasanton, CA

4. Jesse Davis, 1982 Yamaha XV920RJ, Long Beach, CA

AHRMA National Historic Cup Roadracing Series Vintage Superbike Heavyweight Results – Sunday, May 1, 2022

1. Curtis Adams, 1981 Honda CB750F, Riverside, CA

2. Darrin Gauvin, 1981 Honda CB900F, Camarillo, CA

3. David Crussell, 1978 Kawasaki Z1R, Pleasanton, CA

About AHRMA

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association is a member-owned nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the sport of historic motorcycle racing. Since 1989, AHRMA has provided an appropriate environment to showcase vintage and alternative modern racing motorcycles in the disciplines of road racing, motocross, dirt track, trials, and cross country. With more than 3,300 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and is one of the world’s leading vintage motorcycle organizations.

Moto2: Antonelli Undergoes Successful Arm Pump Surgery

David Swarts

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May 3, 2022

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Moto2: Antonelli Undergoes Successful Arm Pump Surgery

NICCOLÓ ANTONELLI: SUCCESSFUL SURGERY ON HIS RIGHT ARM

After further investigation, the rider of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team underwent surgery for arm pump this morning in Modena

Modena (Italy), May 3rd 2022 – Niccolò Antonelli underwent surgery this morning to reduce the arm pump diagnosed in his right arm after the Spanish GP of the last Sunday.

The investigations conducted after his return to Italy at Policlinico di Modena, after an abnormal pain in the second half of the race that had compromised the final result, confirmed the diagnosis. Niccolò underwent operation this morning by Prof. Luigi Tarallo and his crew and the surgery was successful without complications. He will miss the testing session scheduled for the weekend in Barcelona to immediately begin rehabilitation and be back on track as soon as possible to compete at the French GP at Le Mans next week (12.20 pm CET, Sunday May 15th).

Niccolo Antonelli

Sunday’s race was very difficult, especially the final laps, as the pain in my right arm became unbearable. I gave my best and I crossed the finishing line, but it was important to understand exactly what happened. I did all the necessary checks and a form of arm pump, that required a surgery in a short time, was found. I had the operation this morning and everything went well. I thank Dr. Tarallo and his crew for their support and great professionalism. I can’t wait to start the rehabilitation and get back on track as soon as possible.

MotoAmerica: Yuasa Battery Sponsoring Stock 1000

David Swarts

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May 3, 2022

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MotoAmerica: Yuasa Battery Sponsoring Stock 1000

Yuasa Battery Named Title Sponsor Of MotoAmerica’s Stock 1000 Series

The MotoAmerica Yuasa Stock 1000 Series Started At Road Atlanta With A Thriller

IRVINE, CA (May 3, 2022) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that Yuasa Battery Inc., the largest American manufacturer and distributor of batteries for motorcycles, snowmobiles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and personal watercraft, is now the title sponsor of the MotoAmerica Yuasa Stock 1000 class for the 2022 racing season.

For over 40 years, Yuasa has been the industry standard for powersport batteries around the world while supplying powersports batteries to more OEMs than all its competitors combined. Later this year, Yuasa will also introduce its automotive batteries to the North American market with its YBX series.

“When you think of batteries in the powersports market, you think of Yuasa,” said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Director of Sponsorship. “They are number one and for good reason. We’re thrilled to have them as a sponsorship partner of MotoAmerica and as the title sponsor of the Yuasa Stock 1000 class. With a margin of victory of just .001 of a second in the opening round, there is no closer racing than in that class. We look forward to a thrilling season and we’re pleased to have Yuasa onboard for 2022.”

“Yuasa is very proud and honored to serve as the presenting sponsor of MotoAmerica in our 40-plus years as a leading manufacturer of powersports batteries in the U.S.,” said Yuuka Moriya, President and CEO of Yuasa Battery Inc. “As the primary sponsor for the Stock 1000 class, we are excited to share our passion for motorsports with MotoAmerica.“

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Ducati To Begin Assembling Motorcycles In Argentina

May 5, 2022

A Ducati Scrambler Icon customized with colors from the Argentinian flag. Photo courtesy Ducati.