Salt Lake Motorsports

Four days at the Estoril circuit were completed with a test session on April 14th with warm and sunny conditions. During the test Stoner settled a consistent pace in the 1’37s. “I’m happy with the work we’ve done today. We modified a few things that made the bike a little less nervous over the bumps and allowed me to lap in 1’37s with more consistency than I managed yesterday. We also tried a few new tyres and found some interesting things.” Fellow Ducati Marlboro Team rider Marco Melandri found his fastest lap at 1′39.725, saying “Things have improved a little and I’m quite pleased. We need to continue and be positive, work together and I’m sure we’ll find the way forward.” Current world standings have Stoner in 4th and Melandri in 13th. Rumors were also abound this week that Team Ducati Marlboro is doing outside tests on the Desmosedici GP8 with former GP riders Troy Bayliss and Max Biaggi, confirming that the team may make such a move with Marco Melandri.

The first night ride in the history of the MotoGP was held last weekend in Qatar. But Ducati MotoGP Team rider Casey Stoner wasn’t afraid of the dark. He started the defense of his title from fourth on the grid and had dropped to fifth by the end of the first lap, before charging through to set up a stirring battle with Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo. The Spanish rookie proved to be the most difficult obstacle between Stoner and his eleventh career MotoGP win but by the eighth lap Stoner was in control and little by little he opened out an insurmountable gap.

Ducati Xerox Team rider Troy Bayliss pulls off historic double win at Phillip Island.

This was Bayliss’ last race in front of his home crowd at Phillip Island, and he rode both races with perfection (despite an elbow injury). He led the pack from the start of Race 1, and again for most of Race 2 - after rival Corser crashed out. Teammate Michel Fabrizio placed 3rd in Race 1. But an unfortunate penalty left him unable to catch up in Race 2, for a 19th place finish. Bayliss now leads the championship with 88 points, 27 points ahead of the next closest rider. Michel Fabrizio is in 8th place overall.

Keep your eye on SLMS for information about tickets to the World SBK event at Miller Motorsports Park June 1st! It’s been 4 years since the FIM Superbike World Championship has raced in America, and we’re proud to have it right here in Utah! It will share the track that weekend with the AMA Superbike Champs. “This will be the biggest international sporting event in this state since the Olympic Winter Games in 2002“, said track owner Larry H. Miller.
In other news, the big racing circuits - AMA, SBK and MotoGP - have begun with a bang, with Ducati Xerox team rider Troy Bayliss achieving a historic double win at Phillip Island on March 2nd.
Ducati Spring apparel is arriving soon and it is looking hot! Finally, be sure to stop by SLMS to secure your spot at the SLMS Ducati Track Day at MMP on April 26th. Details forthcoming.