Andreas “Andy” or “Meki” Meklau gained notice by winning the first National Superbike race he entered in his home country of Austria, in 1991. That result led to Meklau’s World Superbike debut later that same year at the Osterriechring in Austria. Meklau came onto the World Superbike scene full time in 1992, and in 1993, Meklau took his one and only World Superbike win at the Osterriechring. During his career, Meklau earned four World Superbike podium finishes and two fastest laps. His 140 World Superbike race appearances places Meklau second among current World Superbike racers, four appearances behind Pierfrancesco Chili (144) and 16 ahead of reigning Superbike World Champion Colin Edwards II (124). Meklau spent most of his time in World Superbike as a privateer, and spent every season on a Ducati. When not racing World Superbike, 33-year-old Meklau records top finishes in the German National Superbike series.

Just prior to the start of the 2001 World Superbike season, the Remus Racing team withdrew from the World Superbike Series, leaving Meklau without a ride. Now Meklau is coming to America to fill the HMC Ducati seat vacated by injured Scott Russell.

Several riders were considered for the open Ducati North America Superbike seats, but were told that they needed to bring a sponsor with them. Candidates included former AMA Superbike/World Superbike/ Grand Prix racer Mike Hale, former Australian Ducati Factory rider Craig Connell and former NCR Ducati World Superbike racer Lance Isaacs, among others.

In addition to his strong ties with the Ducati factory, the fact that Andreas Meklau brought exhaust maker Remus with him as a sponsor was probably the deal maker.

Andreas Meklau’s Superbike World Championship Series Finishes:

1992 34th (tie)
1993 15th (1 win)
1994 6th (behind 1. Fogarty, 2. Russell, 3. Slight, 4. Polen, 5. Crafar)
1995 13th
1996 18th
1997 18th
1998 18th
1999 11th
2000 13th