John Avelluto wins at Daytona

Daytona Bike Week 2007

Friday March 9, 2007 Daytona Beach Florida.

The grandest of all Ducati events in the United States was underway. DucatiDayDaytona.

This year’s event was held at the speedway in what Danny Carson of Ducati North America had created as “Ducati Village” The setting was spectacular. Danny had done a wonderful job. The Ducati flag that set atop the huge Ducati tent could be seen for blocks. This would be the setting of the most prestigious Ducati only bike show in the US. The Concourso DucatiDayDaytona.

In celebration of Ducati’s introduction of the new 1098. The Superbike was the Marquee Model. Vicki Smith Owner of Ducati.net and founder of DucatiDayDaytona had gathered superbikes from all over the United States. Rows of very pristine Ducati’s glistened in the Florida sunshine.

John Avelluto of Desmodromiclub Kansas City had been invited to display his 2005 999 among these beautiful Superbikes. John had spent all of last winter detailing his 999. He completely disassembled it, from the Italian flag pin striping, gold nitrate fork tubes, black powder coated frame to the inlayed painting and polishing of the heads. John’s Ducati is the most detailed motorcycle I have ever seen. This was a labor of Love. John’s passion for Ducati is with out equal and reflected in every detail of his Ducati.

As the day progressed and the awards ceremony approached all of the members of Desmodromiclub Kansas City gathered at the stage for the announcement of the winners of the Concourso DucatiDayDaytona Bike show. We all waited as other categories where awarded. Finally the Superbike category was announced. The announcer said “the winner of the Superbike class is a 2005, John A, Av,”

The announcer was having difficulty pronouncing John’s last name, at that moment I knew my friend had WON. I drove both fists in the air leaped and shouted AVELLUTO, AVELLUTO. I turned to see John standing there with a huge smile. For him to be chosen to display his bike in such a prestigious event was a great honor. To realize the judges thought his to be the best of them all, rendered him motionless. Again I shouted AVELLUTO, you WON, go get that trophy. John made his way to the stage to accept his trophy.

This was a very happy day for all who are Desmodromiclub Kansas City. Again this year Desmodromiclub Kansas City managed the parking area and directed contestants to registration. Our banners where proudly displayed at the entrance, and in the area of DOC present at DucatiDayDaytona.

Our President Marco and another Brother from Rome had made the long trip from Italy to Judge the Desmo Idol sound contest.

Dave Wuthnow represented Desmodromiclub of Kansas City in the Desmo Idol sound contest with his Sport Classic. It was evident that all those long hours of hard work by Vicki Smith had insured that this was the grandest DucatiDayDaytona of them all.

Wildeman

For more DucatiDayDaytona information www.ducati.smugmug.com

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