New Ducati 848EVO Wins the Daytona 200

In what was the bike’s first professional road race, the new Ducati 848EVO stormed to victory in the past weekend’s Daytona 200 event, in the hands of privateer Jason DiSalvo and Team Latus Motors Racing. The Daytona 200 had seven 848EVO entries, the most Ducatis on the 200 grid in over ten years.

“The 2011 season opener at Daytona International Speedway had great potential for Ducati before the green flag even dropped, thanks to the 848EVO being the weapon of choice for the Daytona Sportbike class,” Ducati says in a statement for the press.

DiSalvo’s victory in today’s race places him amongst legendary riders in Ducati’s long racing history. The 848EVO proved to be the bike which accomplished one of Ducati’s biggest wins in its US racing history, and the company will now set its sights on the season championship.

“I really want to thank the Latus Ducati guys for all of their work in the pits. I’m so happy I can give Ducati their first Daytona 200 win in my first race on the bike, and the 848EVO’s first ever AMA race! It’s a magical thing and I’m excited to fight for the championship as the season goes on,“ said DiSalvo.

“I am proud of what Jason and Team Latus Motors Racing have accomplished today. I wish them the best for the rest of the season and cannot wait to see our latest model post more victories!” said Cristiano Silei, CEO of Ducati North America.

The next race in which the 848EVO is set to prove its best will take place at California’s Infineon Raceway on May 13-15, 2011.