RACE WEEKEND PICTURES

Every motorcyclist eagerly awaits the news of Daytona Bike week, as it signifies the beginning of motorcycling season and that all of us may soon go riding on dry asphalt again. Or, if the weather has cooperated, you've already been riding and the thought of racing season has you brimming with excitement. All of these symptoms are shared between true two-wheeled fanatics, but especially among Ducatisti—where the riding/racing experience provides so much more.

Recognizing this, Ducati North America has expanded upon the annual Ducati.net Ducati Daytona Day by incorporating the more than 20-year strong event into a full Ducati Island. A refuge for Ducatisti and all motorcycle enthusiasts from Wednesday through Saturday, Ducati Island Daytona was the premier off-track attraction at the Speedway.

Ducati owners received special treatment from the moment they arrived, including exclusive Ducati parking, hospitality and the welcoming site of the 2008 model lineup and an apparel vendor onsite to fulfill every need.

A new and welcome addition to Daytona was the kick-off of the second Ducati Superbike Concorso contest—which features the best Ducati Superbikes in the country and, perhaps, the world. Owners present their meticulously prepared Superbikes that represent decades of Ducati racing success, each of which are judged by the most knowledgeable Ducatisti in the land as they compete for a trip of a lifetime to the Ducati Homeland. The Superbike Concorso exposed America's hidden treasure trove of rare and phenomenal Ducatis last year and this year will show you even more.

No matter what was going on, Island inhabitants always had plenty to check out as they walked the Ducati Island vender midway. With specially selected products offering the latest in performance, enhancement, protection, news, and vendors included Oakley, Destination Daytona Ducati, NCR, Foremost Insurance, Riders for Health, Cycle News, Road Racer X, Pirelli, and Mototrak GPS.

Friday's annual Ducati Day Daytona featured Ducati University with Pirelli, Ohlins, and Larry Pegram; Ducati University with Bruce Meyers; a supercar showcase and featuring the Le Mans Champion Risi Competitzione Ferrari 430GT; 2 Ducati apparel fashion shows; a Ducati Hypermotard exhibition featuring #1 USA freestyle rider Chris "Teach" McNeil; an autograph session with Larry Pegram, Roland Sands and Eric Wood; a DOC display tent; the Ducati Sound Off Competition judged by an Italian DOC; custom cartoonist portraits; and the sounds and MC'ing of Jukebox Heros.

It was an unbelievable weekend! Pictures can be found here. There are 4 Ducati Islands this year and we want to make each one bigger and better than that last. It's up to you to make that happen! The Next Ducati Island is during the World Superbike race at Miller Motorsports Park May 30th thru June 1st. Click here for more details.