I can't stop the BOOM going off in my head.......

It sounds like.........THUNDER!!!! Attention all citizens, attention all racers! So thanks to Ducati North America last week announcing that they will be offering a limited 50 "race kits" available, special racer pricing, and contingency for their current stable of vintage looking Sport Classic machines. Not a big deal right, no-unless you're me and wanted one of these bikes a year ago for the street and thought about building one for the track but just COULD NOT afford it, nor did it make sense with last years GSXR program I ran in a fight to earn my expert roadracing license.

So I did what any Irish, raving lunatic, mad race bike garage scientist who's ridden on and owned every major brand of the "big four" from Japan would have done....I sold out. Yes, I decided that you know, for all of the stress this past year with my bike, and procuring parts, and the whole Jennings trip....that I wasn't really having fun. I mean I love my bike and all.....but it looks like every other one that's been done like that- so I listed it for sale. If it sells, then I'm officially over my head and in a bigger heap of trouble right? Then why can't I sleep, why do I foster constant thriving ideas in my head of an all new program, a racebike platform of a different nature, of a Ducati air cooled L twin of all things????? Why oh why??? You know why?

THUNDER.

The bark of that Zard twin piped Sport Classic in bright Ducati red that I rode last summer has never left my mind. The look of those laced spokes for God's sake....I'm only 34-not 64! But it draws me. Like a supermodel in looks, like classic Black Sabbath in my head, I was born in the 70's....so why not? No one's racing this bike, who would? Can't be competitive....look at it! Haha naysayers........looks like my GSXR is already sold(as of yesterday). But hell if that falls through-I'll find a way-I always do, at getting what I want.

Well I want this. I already ordered the limited Race Kit option 2 package with full Ohlins, Termi exhaust, and body kit. Oh it's happening. Funny thing is, so many people love Ducati. Ducati themselves LIVE to race. My customers have never even been to a race to watch me on my Suzuki's(nor my wife or son, or mom, or inlaws, or....) too far they said, at 3 and a half hours to Summit Point. Yet this word of me and the Ducati is spreading like wildfire, people are offering to donate money, time, and resources into this-just to feel a part of it, to watch it grow, and watch it race......hell if I win. You can't imagine what memories conjure up from pure strangers and their 'vintage' days. Define vintage and you define these Euro bike loyalists.

Just getting there and doing it, with friends and supportive sponsors, on a bike that has barely seen a race paddock in the USA, yet is bled from the very history of International Roadracing, from the last 50 years - we've already won! It's about heart, it's about free thinking, comraderie and thoughtful resources, it's from sponsors who understand that deep down, they want to feel apart of something good, something whole, and a team that stands for something.

For my father the supportive Harley die hard, my mother the still constant worrier, my wife my best friend, and my son my biggest reason every day is worth cherishing...........this 2007 season is for you.


ThunderDuc Racing


The best is yet to come. This blog has been a resource but stay tuned, as there is a storm coming......a BIG STORM! Remember that name, it stands for Ducati, it stands for grass roots racing with no politics, it stands for friends and family, it stands for quality vendors and their gear. It stands for fallen riders, Ducatisti of course but anyone and everyone we've ever lost that was as passionate as bikes as I am-I ride for you.



ThunderDuc Racing-


Be careful of your dreams, they may just come true.