Borgo Panigale (Bologna)
Organisers of the third edition of the Imola 200 Revival event have held a press conference at the Ducati factory in Bologna, Italy, announcing this year’s exciting event at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit of Imola, 21-23 September. The famous race event of the 70s will not only be relived in an authentic gathering of motorcycling history, but also represent the 40th anniversary of Paul Smart’s legendary 1972 victory aboard the Ducati 750 Imola Desmo.
The 1972 victory for Englishman, Paul Smart, and second place for Italian teammate, Bruno Spaggiari, has long represented a milestone in the Italian manufacturer’s rich racing history, as it started 40 years of L-twin, Desmodromic success with its production-based motorcycles.
Ducatis from the Borgo Panigale factory in Bologna have since dominated the World Superbike Championship for over 25 years, winning 17 Manufacturers’ World titles and 14 Riders’ World titles, with riders such as Raymond Roche, Doug Polen, Carl Fogarty, Troy Corser, Troy Bayliss, Neil Hodgson, James Toseland, and Carlos Checa racing to a total of more than 300 victories on racetracks around the world.
Celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the victory that started this incredible success began during the World Ducati Week 2012 in June, when 65,000 passionate Ducatisti from all over the world saw Paul Smart himself attend an exhibition of the ten most significant models in Ducati’s production-based racing history. The exhibition then moved to the Belgian circuit of Spa Francorchamps which hosted the prestigious Bikers’ Classic events and is now set to be on show at the Imola 200 Revival, 21-23 September.
During the planned three days of racing in Imola, Smart will be joined by many other famous names when he rides his 750 Imola Desmo in the Ducati Hall of Fame Parade scheduled at 15:00, Sunday, 23 September. All Ducati motorcycles entered for the Imola 200, in addition to Ducati owners and Ducati Owner’s Club members of the public, will also be allowed take part in the parade.
The Imola 200 Revival event also includes a 4-hour endurance race for heritage motorcycles, with multiple riders sharing the honour of racing each of these valuable and historic machines. The incredible event will relive the unique and emotional atmosphere, evoking the memories and passion of racing during the ‘70s and ‘80s, when Ducati raced in the endurance series with models like the 900 NCR, 600 TT2 and 750 TT1.
The location chosen for the Press Conference to present this year’s Imola 200 Revival could not have been anywhere other than Ducati’s Borgo Panigale factory in Bologna. Gabriele Del Torchio, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, welcomed everyone and underlined the relevance of this special anniversary year and the importance it represents to a company like Ducati.
Ducati Marketing Director, Diego Sgorbati, then spoke about the heritage of the company and how it is proudly presented in the Ducati Museum, further underlining the fact that the modern day, advanced Ducatis are built with exactly the same DNA and continue the company’s legacy of iconic motorcycles. He confirmed the support and promotion of the Imola 200 Revival event and the fact that it reaffirms Ducati’s commitment to its heritage.
During the conference, Pietro Benvenuti, CEO of the Imola Enzo and Dino Ferrari International Circuit, recognised the significant role that the circuit had played in many years of international racing and how this celebratory event confirms its direct association with the growth and evolution of motorcycling.
Cristian Jupsin, Manager of DG Sport and event organiser acknowledged the successful collaboration between Ducati and DG Sport by announcing that all members of the official Ducati Owner’s Clubs who order a weekend ticket for the event will be given a second ticket free of charge.
