With Harley-Davidson already pulling out and Yamaha’s return dependent on signing Anthony Gobert, the latest news is that Ducati may not return to the AMA Superbike series in 2002.

Ducati officials have expressed disappointment with the results obtained by the two Superbike teams currently running the AMA series with Ducati motorcycles, HMC Ducati and Competition Accessories Ducati.

An independent emissary has made at least one inquiry to a team owner currently running a successful AMA Formula Xtreme and 600cc Supersport team, regarding possibly running a Ducati Superbike team in 2002 and 2003. But current contractual obligations have made that scenario impossible.

Meanwhile, several riders for the current Ducati teams are shopping their services around the paddock.



Editorial Comment: On the bright side, if Yamaha and Ducati join Harley-Davidson on the sidelines, AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth’s job will become easier, because his staff members–famous for ignoring the needs, concerns and input of non-factory teams and riders–will have fewer teams they have to communicate with before he sets policy or makes decisions.