Ducati 848 Challenge returns for 2012

For many riders the Ducati 848 Challenge series has been the ideal platform to display their talents in front of huge BSB TV audiences, and for many it provides the best profile for their valued sponsors.

The success of the championship has been reflected with 25 riders already signed up for the 2012 season and a large number still looking to join the series before the opening round at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend.

Ducati Manchester’s Robbie Brown, who last season finished third overall, returns for 2012 and must start as one of the Championship favourites along with Darren Fry (JHP Racing/Ducati Coventry) hoping to return to the form that took him to the title in 2010. However, they face stiff competition from riders switching to the Challenge for the first time in 2012, including Marty Nutt (NUTTTravel.com), Ed Smith (Ultim8 Racing) and Max Hunt (OHLINS @ P & H Motorcycles) who all spent last season in British Supersport. Former British 250 Champion Woolsey Coulter is coming out of retirement to take up the Challenge and will be joined by 2011 MRO Stock1000 Champion Byron Beckett, ex-TTC rider Nicky Wilson (NWR), along with Sean Neary (Motocorse) and Ryan Myler (Close Print Ducati).

Although there are some experienced riders competing, the Challenge welcomes a group of up and coming young riders eager to make their mark in the paddock. James White, 18, (Team After Dark) the 2011 Thunderbike Champion will seek to use his experience of racing a Ducati (his 2011 title was achieved on a 749) while James Folkard, 20, (Win43.com) will be stepping up as last year’s Aprillia RRV450 Champion. Sam Coventry (Moto Rapido) joins the series from the Spanish CEV Stock Extreme Championship, Ryan Gibson, 17, (Fast Frame UK) comes from North Gloucestershire 600 class while Kasey Wyatt, 18, (GBmoto Racing) moves up from the highly competitive Aprilia Superteens.