Ducati add new 899 to one-make series

Ducati have announced the successor to their successful one-make series that runs alongside the MCE British Superbike Championship, launching the TriOptions Cup and including the new 899 revealed in last week’s Motor Cycle News.

The series, which runs over 16 races and 8 rounds of the British championship, offers a relatively low-cost route into racing, offering riders discounted prices on the Ducati 848 to prepare as a race package.

From 2014, the new 899 will also be eligible, racing alongside the 848s, which will gain their own ‘race within a race’ for the current machines.

Ducati will also be making 899s available at a lower cost for competitors, with a £1,500 reduction for current racers off the retail price of £12,495, while new entrants to the series will save £1,000.

The overall series champion receives £5,000 in prize money as well as a Ducati entry to the 2015 National Superstock Championship or TriOptions Cup.

Ducati UK Managing Director Tim Maccabee said: “As we enter our fourth year as part of the British Superbikes series, it’s great to be able to announce that we will feature the new Supermid Panigale 899, keeping the series at the cutting edge of sports bike technology. I can’t wait for the new season to start!”