Troy Bayliss Back on Track with Ducati

Retired 3 time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss will soon be back on track with Ducati in 2011 with the announcement of an addition to the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE), the new Troy Bayliss Academy. Lucky riders will ride with and receive direct tuition from the legendary triple World Superbike Champion himself on Ducati’s new 1198SP.

Catering to every level of riding experience, the 2011 DRE courses start begin in April at major circuits across Italy such as Adria, Imola, Monza and Mugello. The safety-driven, adrenaline-filled events collaborate with the Italian Motorcycle Federation (FMI) – setting a new benchmark for fully approved instruction.

For those wanting to lay their very first tire tracks on a motorcycle, the Basic course onboard the Ducati Monster 796 provides the perfect environment to learn in complete safety under highly skilled instructors. More experienced riders who want to further improve their skills will benefit from the Intermediate course; which uses Monster 796, Hypermotard 796 and Hypermotard 1100EVO models in specially prepared exercises.

On the track, the Racing 1 course uses the brand new 848EVO to teach basic track riding-skills in an environment specifically designed for those riding on a track for the first time; or those who have limited track experience. The course is held exclusively at the Adria Circuit, a perfect place for a track-riding debut.

The Racing 2 course is intended for those who already have track-riding experience and want to improve their style, technique and speed in a controlled and safe environment. Also using the Ducati 848EVO, participants will be under the professional tuition of highly experienced and accomplished instructors.

For those riders who already have well developed track skills, are comfortable with being in a high-speed environment and now want to take their riding to the next level, the Master course uses the new Ducati 1198 SP model.

DRE participants will enjoy considerable track time on some of Italy’s top race circuits and full immersion into the world of Ducati. The incredible line-up of instructors includes champions from the National, European and World level; including Dario Marchetti, Alessandro Polita and the charismatic 500cc World Champion, Marco Lucchinelli.

2011 also sees the addition of the Troy Bayliss Academy, an exciting new course designed for highly competent track-day riders aboard the new Ducati 1198 SP. Groups will be restricted to just four lucky riders per day, each riding with and receiving direct tuition from the legendary triple World Superbike Champion himself.

DRE course fees range from €350 (~$450US) for the Basic course to €2000 (~$2,600US) for the Troy Bayliss Academy. The fee includes motorcycle, tires, instructors, fuel, lunch and a welcome kit. Course registration opens on 20 January 2011 at www.ducatiridingexperience.com.

Bayliss had been rumored as wanting to return to Superbike racing with Ducati and made public statements to that effect before dramatically performing a you turn and claiming retirement for good. There has been some speculation that Troy may have become aware of Ducati’s plans to no longer field a factory team in the World Championship before it was formally announced.

Ducati Riding Experience courses:

• Basic (Monster 796)
• Intermediate (Monster 796, Hypermotard 796, Hypermotard 1100EVO)
• Racing 1 (Superbike 848EVO)
• Racing 2 (Superbike 848EVO)
• Master (Superbike 1198 SP)
• Troy Bayliss Academy (Superbike 1198 SP)