August 10, 2007
US - The latest round of the Ducati Superbike Concorso was held this past weekend during the AMA Superbike Championship races at Mid-Ohio. Entrants for the round included some true rarities and perfectly complemented a special historical display of Ducati artifacts bringing together the company's motorcycling and non-motorcycling past.
Having only three awards to present put the judges in a tough spot as the round had so many immaculate machines. In the end, the Superbikes that took top honors just barely edged out the competition.
Based on ballots submitted by the Mid-Ohio crowd, the "People's Choice" vote went to Chris Calovini's 2000 996 with a chrome frame and "tricolore" paint scheme. Peter Calles was awarded "Best Original Superbike" for his 1977 900SS with only 213 original miles on the odometer. The award in the "Best Modified" category went to Tom Buoniello's tastefully modified 2002 998S Bostrom replica, complete with the signature Bostrom paint job.
As at the USGP Concorso round, SPEED announcer Ralph Sheheen brought the event to a close and announced the highly anticipated "Best in Show." Top honors went to Mr. Robert Lawrence for his immaculately restored 1974 750SS "Green Frame"—a model that is amongst the most coveted of Ducati’s factory Superbikes.
Lou Saif's fanatically restored 1983 TT1 was also announced as the first "judges pick wildcard" and transfers to the finals at Laguna Seca in September. John Bragg's 1098 S "Casey Stoner Replica" was also invited to transfer as a wildcard. Two more wildcard spots remain.
The next round of the Superbike Concorso will be held at the Road Atlanta AMA Superbike Showdown, August 31 through September 2, 2007. Entries for the Road Atlanta round will be accepted until August 17 at www.ducatisuperbikeconcorso.com. The grand finale will take place at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, September 16, 2007.
The online round is in full swing and you can vote until August 15. Full contest details and additional information can be found at www.ducatisuperbikeconcorso.com.