Two Ducati Motologic 1198R Superbikes just metres from an Army Tiger Helicopter; the stuff of dreams for many, but a thrilling reality for the factory Ducati team yesterday at Robertson Barracks. It was an extremely rare opportunity afforded to the team and not one soon forgotten. The invitation from 1st Aviation at Robertson Barracks in Darwin was not one to pass up as two very different worlds of technology, performance and skill came together. The Ducati 1198R Superbike and the Tiger helicopter are extremely different in both their technological make-up and indeed their application, to say the least. However it was an ever-increasing number of Army personnel that gathered at 1st Aviation to greet the Ducati Motologic Racing Team and both parties enjoyed the opportunity. The elite Tiger helicopter certainly takes technology to a whole new level, but in a speed challenge? There was little point testing the metal of the Ducati 1198R against the Tiger. The nimble Superbike winning hands down with a top speed of around 300km/hr; the Ducati 1198R would leave the Tiger behind (albeit very politely) as even without all its weaponry, the Tiger’s top speed is in the vicinity of 270km/hr. Two-time Australian Superbike Champion Jamie Stauffer and Ducati Motologic Racing team mate Jordan Burgess were nonetheless in awe of the spectacular machinery hovering just metres from their helmets. Stauffer: “This opportunity has been fantastic; even just to be able to get up close to the Tiger helicopter and talk to the Army personnel about its capabilities is terrific. We also had the chance to go in the flight simulators which really gives you an appreciation of what these guys actually do and the skills they have. Everyone was really welcoming and it was a great way to begin our stay in Darwin for the Australian Superbike event.” Burgess: “What a great afternoon! The Tiger helicopter is incredible. It was a little nerve-wracking to have it hovering just behind us, even unarmed, but it was a real thrill, something I won’t soon forget. There was quite a crowd of Army personnel that gathered once we had the Ducati Motologic transporter, the Superbikes and the Tiger out on there together and the interest in the bikes and the team was great to see.” The Ducati Motologic Race Team are extremely appreciative of the opportunity to get so close to one of the most technologically advanced pieces of equipment in the country and the welcome we received from the personnel at 1st Aviation at Robertson Barracks was fantastic. Playing with Tigers is certainly a thrill, however it is back to the job at hand for the Ducati Motologic Race Team as Jamie Stauffer and Jordan Burgess place their focus squarely on the Hidden Valley Raceway for Round 2 of the Australian Superbike Championship this weekend April 10th and 11th.