A little bit of Italy comes to Owensboro.
As the seasons change here in central Indiana, the seasonal changes are occurring in the world of MotoGP starting with the first tests of next season’s teams yesterday at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain.
Back on September 15th we all learned here at http://www.redbullindianapolisgp.com about our 
local MotoGP hero, Nicky Hayden, making a move to Ducati for the 2009 season. This photo of Nicky and Ducati’s, Casey Stoner from the 2007 MotoGP season turns out to be a very prophetic view. The 2009 MotoGP season will see the Australian and American, both world champions, aboard the iconic Italian red machines as teammates.
Nicky Hayden bid a fond farewell to his Honda team of seven years after Sunday’s final MotoGP event of the 2008 season in Valencia. He was greeted Monday morning in the Ducati MarboroTeam garages, ready for his first experience aboard the Ducati GP8 and GP9 motorcycles. Nicky’s first ride is chronicled here at http://www.redbullindianapolisgp.com. His move to the Ducati Marboro Team was commemorated with a small decal on the bike that simply stated “Chapter 2.”
Well you should all remember from my earlier blogs what a Nicky Hayden fan I have been for many years. You may also recall I have a couple very special Ducati sport bikes that seem to accumulate the most miles during the riding season. Are you starting to get the picture of a match made in heaven? Nicky Hayden on a Ducati represents what could be a spectacular alignment of stars.
I hope all the good folks in Owensboro, Ky., are ready for a bit of Italian flare to come to town. A Kentucky tradition since 1963, the Moonlite Bar-B-Q in Owensboro, voted the “Best Barbecue in Kentucky” by Kentucky Monthly and Kentucky Living readers, may need to add Italian sausages to the barbecue pit.
I’m sure the other fine Kentucky tradition in town, Earl’s Racing Team, will be adding some Ducati memorabilia to the family collection.
I know I’m anxious to start “Chapter 2” of my collection of Nicky Hayden memorabilia.
I’ll see you all in a couple weeks at www.redbullindianapolisgp.com.
Greg