This 848 has had a tough life to date. And now it's going to get tougher
Last year I decided to enter the 848 Challenge and ever since that decision, a challenge is exactly what I've had on my hands.
On one of his last days at the magazine, Barry - our mag designer - took Ducati's 848 to Brands for some instruction with our very own Niall Mackenzie. An ex-GP god, a pristine Italian superbike and a dry Brands Hatch. What would possibly go wrong? Well, Barry for a start.
Bazza's lowside out of Druids probably looked very stylish, the resulting 848 however, didn't.
So after months of wrestling with the insurance company, I am finally the owner of a Tavnered Ducati 848. It's in a sorry state.
The season starts at Brands Hatch this weekend but I feel that my poor old 848 won't want to go back there so soon, so I won't be taking part in the first round.
Truth is: I've got my work cut out just getting the bike sorted.
I'm aiming to treat my 848 to Assen on the 13th May for its first race in the 848 Challenge. It pains me to see all the other bikes prepped and ready to go when mine's in the state it's in.
This blog will be a warts-and-all account of my experience with the 848 Challenge, racing an 848 and of course, an account of my first season as a Club Racer. If you'd like to help in any way, then please get in touch.
I'm funding the whole thing out of my own pocket; which I'll probably regret in 9 month's time. Good luck to everyone entering the 848 Challenge this year, it's set to be a great season.
