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I have read a few places now that Ducati want to race a few MX nationals this year if everything aligns for them.
Just wondering who they would put on the bike? Would it be someone from USA on a SX only deal?
I would have thought they would have waited until they had a rider sorted for the 2026 season not just picked a random rider to do a race or 2
They need to meet Homologation rules first and the word on the street is AC ( the other ac)
AC confirmed. Adam Chatfield is making his debut somewhere in 2026
According to the Ducati USA website it is supposed to be available in July. I don’t see homologation being an issue for late summer MX races or final SMX rounds (assuming they could get a rider for the last three). Cairoli on a Ducati would certainly garner some attention.
I don't think production started and they have 45 days left to produce 200 units and have them in the US.
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I’d love to know how many 25 crf450 were available when Hunter made the switch last year. I suspect the ama will largely turn a blind eye to the issue.
There you go, bringing facts to vital….
Sooo, valid point. However, if they were for sale, and were only racing a couple of times, would AMA, MX Sports, FIM, or whoever, grant them a waiver to race a couple times?
I completely understand homologation rules for full season, established manufacturers, etc. For a new manufacturer just doing a couple races I really don’t see the downside
We've seen this dance before... They'll be racing this Summer regardless of the March deadline. It'll be with whatever stated quantity by the August deadline.
The problem is even if they want to race a couple of times the bike still needs to meet the homologation rules because they can't race a prototype bike.
If they make an exception, you don't think Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, ... would also love the ability to race a works bike of they could.
Personally, I think the homologation rule needs a revision.
Cant they? Doesn't the works exemption rule still exist?
I thought there was a rule like when Yamaha raced yz400 each manufacturer is allowed race a pre production prototype bike a year ahead of time but only allowed to do it one year and never again
I don't think so; pretty sure it went away.
But no worries, it's not like the AMA enforces anything at that level. 🙄
I think they have til June 1 or July 1 for nationals no? Or is that date just for the 400 units? Still can’t imagine AMA holding them to the coals on this.
GP's are run what ya brung, and the ama did away with something the fans would enjoy. Makes sense.
Homo rules irrelevant- they will allow Ducati to race if they want. That’s a fact..
200 by March 1st and the other 200 by June 1st.
Nothing will come of it just like nothing came out of Triumph not meeting the rules in '24.
Isn’t there some weird thing in the rules where they bikes don’t have to be on dealer floors, just have X amount available to the dealers? I can’t exactly remember but that’s why Triumph was okay (allegedly)
Looking back, magazines did the first ride of the 2025 Honda in July and they were listed as available on August. Not too unlike Ducati.
My thoughts too. Just like Hunter racing the 25 bike last summer.
Pit Row
Screw the AMA
I saw several people with those bikes here in Illinois by August, I don't doubt they met the rules. Triumph on the other hand...nah
Ok so if they are allowed who’s actually riding them that isn’t going to have us all on vital saying
“it’s slow, 15th place finish is nothing special, buy a different bike and save your money, looks heavy, better off buying 2 Suzukis for that price”
That was 29 years ago, the rule was changed.
Just a guy named Antonio Cairoli. 10-15 would actually be pretty impressive if AC222 races it.
Would love to see Seewer on it at a National, but I guess schedule conflicts puts an end to that. I’ll happily settle for AC though.
I imagine they will allow them to race one or two rounds regardless of the H rule. Will be cool to see Cairoli suit up again on US soil.
What are the latest rumors on who they are grabbing full time for 26? Is Barcia still in consideration? Seems like an easier transition with the TLD connection.
I heavily despise the AMA rules for homologation these days... If the bike is going to be a production bike the following year, let them run it. And if they don't make the bike, remove any and all wins, return race earnings, and remove records as punishment.
I think that if production bikes are actually shipping to the US, the AMA will allow them to race a few nationals. They may be short of the numbers needed for homologation, but the AMA is obviously flexible on the rule.
I would venture (if the bikes get here this summer) then the only Ducati's on the track will be ridded by a privateer(s).
450 class should be
That is correct
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