Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Vincent Haskovec will test with Ducati Austin at Pikes Peak Thursday.

“I’m going to just practice tomorrow and see how it goes,” said Haskovec, reached by cell phone in the paddock at Pikes Peak International Raceway.

“These guys called me up and asked if I want to ride the bike. They said, he (Anthony Gobert) is not practicing Thursday so you can ride it. Of course I said yes. There was no hesitation on my part.

“It’s a third bike. They have two bikes with #16 on them and a third one with just a red cross on it. They’re making fun of me, some of these guys on the crew that I know, saying I’m going to need a helicopter tomorrow. They think that thing’s gonna launch me out probably.”

Haskovec said the deal was set up by Jimmy Filice of OMS, who also represents Ducati Austin. “I signed with OMS two days ago,” said Haskovec. “They arranged this. Jimmy Filice is the guy who I’m talking to, he set it up.”

Asked about the status of his existing ride with Hooters Suzuki, Haskovec said “I’m gonna keep going. It’s not like I’m gonna race this bike or something, it’s just a test. They’re gonna see how I’m doing, see how I do, and we’re gonna go from there.”