(Cupertino, California) – Ducati North America is proud to announce major contingency support for the new MOTO-ST endurance racing series, which will begin with the 8-Hours at Daytona on October 21, 2006. A total of $20,000 of contingency support for privateer Ducati racers aboard any of the eligible Ducati models listed in the MOTO-ST rules will be posted. The Ducati contingency bolsters the $100,000 total event purse recently announced by MOTO-ST organizers. Ducati North America will award Ducati racers in the SuperSport Twins class with $5500 for first; $2,500 for second; $1,250 for third; $500 for fourth; and $300 for fifth. Ducati racers in the GrandSport Twins and Sport Twins class will receive $2,500 for first; $1,275 for second; $700 for third; $300 for fourth and $200 for fifth. Complete details of the $1,125,000.00-plus 2006 Ducati contingency program, including the racer registration form, are available on www.ducatiusa.com under the racing section. MOTO-ST is organized by Professional Motorsports Productions of Toronto, Ontario, Canada and is sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) of Pickerington, Ohio. The Grand American Road Racing Association, based in Daytona Beach, Florida, provides the series with administrative and commercial support. The MOTO-ST advisory board features some of the most respected individuals in the world of motorsports, including AMA Hall of Fame members, respected motorcycle racing journalists and renowned officials from various forms of road racing. Learn more about MOTO-ST at www.moto-st.com. Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. Ducati has won eleven of the last thirteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. The Company produces motorcycles in five market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring and Multistrada. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at www.ducatiusa.com.