RACE WEEKEND PICTURES

It had been four years since the FIM WSBK Championship raced in America and the long flowing layout of the track at Miller Motorsports Park seemed to be a natural fit for the premiere racing class—which has been dominated this year by Troy Bayliss aboard the 1098 R based F08.

Wind and rain threatened the weekend on Wednesday and Thursday, but that didn't deter the record crowd from riding in from all corners of North America. Judging from the lines that formed outside of Ducati's hospitality tent for breakfast and lunch, Ducatisti arrived in full force to support the Ducati Xerox Team.

Ducati Island parking was filled over the weekend by bikes who clearly traveled many miles to get to the Island. With license plates from British Columbia to Maine, bug-strewn fairings on most of the Ducatis provided proof of each riders' passion. Over 100 Ducatis parked at the Island each day, with many more scattered throughout the expansive motorcycle parking butting up against the grandstands.

Ducatisti along with the rest of the Miller crowd enjoyed a Ducati Island complete with two Duc Trucks full of Ducatis, a full line of apparel and accessories and four performances of the ever-popular Ducati North America Fashion Show. Ducati owners enjoyed great food, shade, water and entertainment as Michael Fabrizio thrilled the crowd with amazing come-from-behind podium finishes. Despite the adversity Troy Bayliss faced on the track, he still managed to come out to the Island to sign autographs for excited fans and left the race weekend with his solid points lead intact.

Friday's AMA Formula Xtreme race was an exciting show for Ducati fans as Larry Pegram fought hard for places aboard his Ducati 848 sporting its new tricolore livery. In the end, Larry took fourth place and remains within one race's reach of first place in the points championship.

Throughout the weekend, the grandstands were erupting in cheers for Troy Bayliss and Michael Fabrizio as Ducati owners and non-owners alike stood behind Team Xerox and Ducati. It was an inspirational race weekend at Ducati Island. Pictures can be found here. The Next Ducati Island is the original at Laguna Seca during the US MotoGP July 18-20. Click here for more details.