Ducati UK and the Ducati Sporting Club are to run a new single make Championship - The Sport 1000 Cup - as an addition to the hugely popular Desmo Due race series. The Desmo Due series which began in 2005 has been regarded as one of the most successful, affordable and competitive race series in the UK with grids in 2006 often over subscribed.


The Sport 1000 which is part of the Sport Classic range will run alongside the Desmo Due series under the control of the New Era Club. It is expected that this format will attract both experienced and improving club racers with the chance to compete in a championship well within their budget and competitive with other championships.


The Sport 1000 Cup will be held over 8 rounds taking in circuits such as Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Oulton Park and Cadwell Park. In addition there is the possibility that one round may be held abroad as the Desmo Due did this year at Assen.


The Sport 1000 will give racers a unique experience of riding a classic café style racer with a modern air-cooled engine, a modern chassis and of course, modern tyres. The machines will produce approximately 95bhp and allow riders the chance to experience the opportunity of riding a Ducati L-twin race bike at an affordable price.


The machines will be allowed minimal changes from standard, with no engine modifications other than an exhaust system to increase ground clearance, offering competitors an even playing field in terms of cost and performance. The series will be run on a control tyre basis, similar to the Ducati Sporting Club Desmo Due series and will not allow the use of wet tyres or warmers.


Riders will qualify for a special discount if purchasing a new machine via the dealer network, once they have registered for the series. Additional support for entrants will be made available as a part of the overall package,


It has been agreed that Chris Bushell and Paul James of the Ducati Sporting Club will administer and operate the series on behalf of Ducati and that the New Era Motorcycle Club will run the races.


Tim Maccabee, Managing Director of Ducati UK said “having ridden a Sport 1000 myself on the track a few times last year, and also seen the camaraderie and competitive nature of the Desmo Due series at first hand, I am really excited about the Sport 1000 Cup. I confidently predict that it’s going to be the best sounding one make grid in 2007 and probably the best looking too”.