Etc.
etc.
DUCATI WINS WWW AWARD
Ducati’s website, www.ducati.com, overcame stiff opposition from Ferrari, Aprilia, BMW, Alfa Romeo and Toyota to top the automotive category of the seventh annual media awards presented by renowned Italian financial newspaper II Sole 24 ORE. Winners of the awards, sponsored by the Italian Minister for Innovation and Technology, were determined by votes from the general public and a jury made up of representatives from the press, finance and technology communities. Re-launched in 2000, Ducati.com is said to attract more than 1.2 million visitors per month-40 percent of whom are American-and offers complete information on the firm’s motorcycles, racing activities and special events such as internet sales of limitededition models.
NEW DIRT MAN
Cycle World welcomes new Off-Road Editor Ryan Dudek to its staff this month. Son of a 30-year factory R&D technician, Dudek, 25 is a Pro-level motocross and offwith vast testing experience. Among his recent racing accomplishments are back-to-back wins in the grueling Glen Helen 24-Hour, where he defeatec former CW dirt man Jimmy Lewis, among others. In fact, it was Lewis who recommendec Dudek for the job, carrying on a tradition that previously saw longtime Off-Road Editor Ron Griewe recommend Lewis in the early ’90s.
MANN NAMED FIRST LADY
Kay Mann was honored as “The First Lady of Vintage Motocross” at the 14th Mike Lightfoot Memorial AHRMA National at Madera, California, last October. Kay is the wife of legendary racer Dick Mann, and along with her husband has been active in VMX racing since its inception. On a BSA, naturally.
DUCATIS ARE FOR CLOWNS
No, seriously. Ronald McDonald is clearly a motorcycle enthusiast. After profiling on a Harley {etc., February), RM turned up at Denver, Colorado’s Erico Motorsports, which held its first “Scoot for Toys" event late last year to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. The clown, as well as everybody else on scooters and bikes, made a heroic showing in light of the snowfall on the day. No word on whether Dainese has been signed up as RM’s gear sponsor. Still researching the cost of making custom boots, no doubt...
ROME ALSO RISES
The struggling Italian motorcycle industry got a much-needed shot in the arm to start the new year, as two major financial deals were finalized. The Piaggio Group completed its $450 million acquisition of Aprilia and Moto Guzzi, creating what is being touted as the world’s fourth-largest motorcycle company with annual revenues of $1.9 billion, a production capacity of over 600,000 vehicles and a presence in 50 countries. And Proton made good on its $90 million buy-in to MV Agusta SpA, the former Cagiva Group that also manufactures Husqvarnas. The Varese District Court ruled that temporary receivership proceedings were to be terminated after founder Claudio Castiglioni showed that the Proton buy-in would enable the company to pay off its debts. Under the terms of the agreement, Proton will become the majority shareholder, Castiglioni will remain as CEO and a new managing director will be appointed by Proton.
