Laguna Seca AMA weekend. The culmination of 5 rounds of heavyweight Ducati Superbike prize fights, the finalists of the richly contested Ducati Superbike Concorso have now come to town. 10 finalists representing superbike models from the original Ducati Superbike, the 750 Sport, to the latest contender, the 1098 lined up for a winner takes all final round. Join me for a visit to Ducati Island, a history lesson as well as a visual feast since these machines, brought by their owners from all over the USA literally represent the full spectrum of Ducati Superbike history over the years. One lucky owner goes home with a new Ducati 1098, and two runner up's with Ducatisti "trips of a lifetime" to the Ducati factory and the Milan Motorcycle show. Let the contest begin...
Photos and captions by Vicki Smith
Dwayne Frye's 916 might be best understood with the fairing off. Virtually every part of this bike has been breathed on in some way.
It's time for the awards.
Lined up in the sun, it's a beautiful sight
Danny Carson shines up the winners 1098
The contestants wish each other luck. I swear, they honestly looked like they meant it!
Each entrant lined up next to his entry.
You could cut the tension with a knife.