Ducati enters 2009 in style with a string of parties, new model launches and dealer openings in the month of January. Cupertino, Calif (22 January 2009) Hot on the heels of its most sucessful year ever, Ducati North America is carrying its momentum into 2009. The first three weeks of the year have brought on a flurry of activity, including the Grand Opening of Ducati New Orleans, the showroom launch of the 2009 Monster 1100 S, and a New Year party to remember in New York City. Following months of preparation, Ducati’s grand entrance to 2009 began with the unveiling of the third showroom in the Ducati Retail Design program: Ducati New Orleans. The gorgeous new 1,500 foot space opened its doors on January 9th with a distinctive gala, attended by several government dignitaries. After six months of construction, Ducati is ready to put its mark on the Big Easy with Louisiana style. The new showroom can be seen at www.ttrno.com. Adding to the excitement of the New Orleans Grand Opening was the showroom launch of the 2009 Monster 1100 S. Sixty of the new ultimate naked bikes met the public in fancy dress, wearing exciting paint schemes and accesories as entrants in Ducati’s customization contest for dealers. The competition was stiff, but in the end the award for the best Monster went to Del Amo Motorsports in Redondo Beach California, for their Los Angeles themed Monster. All of the competing Monster 1100’s can be seen at www.ducatiusa.com. Ducati New York had news of their own, hosting a New Year bash surrounding the Manhattan round of the International Motorcycle Show. Festivities included a live Muay Thai fighting match to launch the new 2009 Ducati Streetfighter S, catering by renowned chef Johnny Iuzzini, the unveiling of the new Ducati line of sunglasses by Oakley, and a showing of the Pegram Racing AMA Superbike. Noteworthy attendees included Ducati CEO Michael Lock, AMA Superbike racer Larry Pegram, and 500 eager Ducatisti. The year has much more coming from Ducati, including a welcome party for Kentuckian Nicky Hayden to it’s MotoGP team this weekend in Southern California. For more information on Ducati and its line of sport motorcycles please visit www.ducatiusa.com.