t was announced last November that Eric Bostrom would pilot a Ducati 999 in the 2004 AMA Superbike series as part of a factory-supported Ducati effort to claim the AMA title for the first time since 1994. The world-famous racing division from Bologna, Italy will be providing the machines and the technical support for the factory-supported team, which will take part in the 18-race 2004 AMA Superbike schedule under the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin banner.
     “We are extremely satisfied to have reached a two-year agreement with Eric Bostrom to take part in the AMA championship,” declared Ducati Corse Superbike Director Paolo Ciabatti. “As well as being an extremely talented rider, Eric will also be an excellent ‘ambassador’ for Ducati in one of the most important strategic markets for our company. Thanks to the collaboration with Terry Gregoricka of Ducati Austin, who will make available the logistics structure, technicians and the experience of his team at their new Road Atlanta premises in a two-year deal, and with the appointment of a Ducati Corse engineer as technical director, we are certain that we will obtain some important results.”
     The Ducati 999, which will be racing for the first time in the AMA championship, will be able to count on the support of French tire manufacturer Michelin, re-creating a successful long-term partnership that has brought the two companies a total of seven world Riders’ titles, including the 2003 crown for Neil Hodgson in the Ducati 999’s debut season.
     “We are delighted to be able to continue our successful collaboration with Ducati, also in the AMA championship” declared Nicolas Goubert, Michelin’s Head of Motorcycle Competition. “With its different circuits and conditions, the AMA Superbike championship will offer a major technical challenge for us and we are happy to face up to it with our long-term partner Ducati.”
     Ducati Austin is a Ducati-only full service motorcycle shop located in Austin, Texas. For more information, log onto: www.ducatiaustin.com. For more information about the Ducati 999, log onto: www.ducati.com

Photos by Kinney Jones

(A) The Ducati 999 utilizes a dual-sided aluminum swingarm with an Ohlins rear shock absorber. (B) Up front it’s also Ohlins at work with 42 mm pressurized upside-down suspension units. (C) Here’s Eric’s view of things from the saddle. (D) With the fairing removed the engine is exposed and it’s all business. The 999 utilizes a six-speed gearbox and dry multiplate clutch. The curved inlet coming off the radiator provides cool air to the rear timing belts. (E) 16.5-inch Michelins front and back are standard on Bostrom’s factory race machine.