Ducati Museum Display set for TT Grandstand

The 2008 Isle of Man TT Races are rapidly approaching and work behind the scenes continues to carry on at a relentless pace. Whilst last year’s Centenary event saw numerous parades of former iconic riders and machines, fans this year will be able to see a series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of Ducati’s involvement in the Isle of Man Festival. The celebrations will also mark the 30th anniversary of the great Mike Hailwood’s TT comeback.

An impressive line up of Ducati machinery has been assembled with the prestigious Ducati Museum in Bologna transporting some of its most famous exhibits to the Island for a week-long exhibition at the TT Grandstand in Douglas.

The first Ducati TT entry, the 125cc Desmo Ducati will be on display along with Mike Hailwood’s 1978 Ducati, returning to the Isle of Man, on the 30th anniversary of his incredible TT comeback. There will also be plenty to see for fans of more modern bikes, including Casey Stoner’s 2007 MotoGP World Championship-winning Ducati Desmosedici, Carl Fogarty’s 1994 World Superbike Championship-winning 916 Ducati and Neil Hodgson’s 2003 World Superbike Championship-winning 999 Ducati.

Ducati will also be holding a special Parade Lap, prior to the Dainese Senior TT Race on Friday June 6 and fans will get the chance to see some exotic Ducati machines ridden by some of the greatest Ducati riders. Like the Centenary celebrations 12 months ago, a world class array of stars and machines has been assembled as Ducati celebrate their history in the finest possible manner. Some of those riders set to star are:

Carl Fogarty - arguably the most successful and most instantly linked rider synonymous with the Ducati brand. Took a record 59 World Superbike wins and 4 World titles for the brand between 1992 and 2000 and remains the most successful World Superbike rider of all time.

Tony Rutter – had some of his finest career moments on 600cc Ducati’s taking 4 TT wins and 4 World titles, all in the Formula 2 category.

Sammy Miller - was in at the very beginning when he competed in the 1958 factory team alongside Luigi Taveri, Romolo Ferri and Dave Chadwick. Sammy, who was an accomplished road racer, came in 4th that day and went on to even greater things as a truly outstanding trials rider.

Trevor Nation – competed on both 750cc and 600cc Ducati-Cagiva machines during the 1980’s in the World Formula One and Two Championships, finishing 3rd and 5th in the 1984 TT races.

John Barton – finished 2nd in the 1997 Singles TT and 3rd in 2000. Set the 3rd fastest Singles lap of all time in 1999 at 112.21mph.

Iain Duffus – finished 2nd in the 1995 Senior TT on the 916 Top Gun Ducati, setting his first ever 120mph laps and firmly establishing himself as a Superbike contender.

Paul Smart – one of the forerunners for putting Ducati on the International stage, Smart’s win at the 1972 Imola 200 remains one of the most prestigious wins for the Bologna factory in their chequered history.

Ian Simpson – had some of his finest career moments on Ducati machinery, winning the 1997 British Production Championship and finishing 2nd in that year’s corresponding TT race. Also took wins and podiums in the British Superbike Championship for Duckhams and Red Bull sponsored bikes.

James Whitham – enjoyed two season’s as a Ducati rider in the mid 1990’s, finishing 7th in the 1994 World Superbike Championship and taking his only series win on the 916 Ducati in Indonesia.

Michael Rutter – began his Superbike career on Ducati’s as far back as 1992 and has taken numerous wins and podiums for the Italian brand in the British Superbike series. Rejuvenated this season on the North West 200 1098 Ducati.

Ducati will also be offering guided demonstration rides, using machines from their latest range, starting from the TT Grandstand throughout race week. Indeed, most of the activity will be centred around the Grandstand and the paddock giving you the opportunity to get close to some of these fantastic machines.

Minister for Tourism and Leisure Adrian Earnshaw MHK commented: “Ducati have a fine pedigree at the TT and are also on a high at present following their first Moto GP World Championship success. We are delighted to be welcoming them to TT 2008 and I am sure the fans will enjoy visiting the Museum exhibition as well as seeing some of the finest Ducati riders ever in the Parade Lap.”