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Ducati Test Session at Sears Point Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (February 5, 2001) - Ducati will send a four-rider contingent to Sears Point Raceway for a two-day test session, February 12-13, in preparation for the AMA Superbike Challenge, featuring the U.S. Chevy Trucks Superbike Championship in May.

HMC Ducati will be represented by Bay Area native Steve Rapp and Scott Russell, while Competition Accessories Ducati Racing Team will send Larry Pegram and John Kocinski.

Rapp, a native of Lafayette in the East Bay and a graduate of Acalanes High School, placed seventh in the U.S. Chevy Trucks Superbike Championship in 2000 and is still seeking his first Superbike victory. Russell, meanwhile, is a five-time winner of the prestigious Daytona 200.

Kocinski won the 250 Grand Prix World title in 1990 and was also the 1997 World Superbike champion. He placed eighth in 2000 for Superbikes. Pegram was 13th for Superbikes last year.

Construction is currently under way at Sears Point Raceway that will increase rider safety for the AMA Superbike Challenge, May 4-6. Riders will see increased run-off at turns 1, 2, 3, 3a, 4, 6 and 7 as a result of the facility's $35 million Modernization Plan. The two-year plan, which began in September (2000), will transform the facility into one of the premier motorsports and entertainment venues in the world.

The increased run-off continues Sears Point Raceway's commitment to rider safety. In the 1999 off-season, Turn 11 was shortened by two-tenths of a mile, giving riders nearly 300 feet of run-off room and eliminating the chicane at Turn 12. Increased run-off was also made available at Turn 5 with more than 100 feet, as compared with 20 feet prior.

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