Cairoli and Ducati Desmo450 MX Debut at RedBud
Ducati Corse marked the American debut of the Desmo450 MX during round six of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship at RedBud, a pivotal track renowned for its challenge and scenery along Lake Michigan. Nine-time World Champion Antonio Cairoli flew the flag for the brand, supported by Factory Connection.
Cairoli, who served as Grand Marshal at Southwick the previous weekend, faced challenging conditions with only two 20-minute practice sessions for acclimatization. Nevertheless, he demonstrated impressive adaptability by qualifying 10th out of 80 riders, a robust performance in the highly competitive motocross arena.
In the opening moto, Cairoli launched from fifth position but struggled early, slipping to 12th within two laps. However, he rebounded effectively to finish ninth after a strong effort to outpace his competitors.
The second moto showcased Cairoli’s potential further as he achieved a strong start, advancing to fourth place. Unfortunately, an electrical issue derailed his challenge for a podium finish, leading to a premature retirement.
Cairoli’s experience at RedBud provided valuable insights for Ducati as they continue their development of the Desmo450 MX, ahead of the upcoming round at Spring Creek in Millville, Minnesota.
Key Quote:
“It was an amazing experience to ride here in RedBud. In the first moto, I had some trouble during the first laps… Overall, it was still a positive day. We’re here to test and develop the bike, and these things can happen.” — Antonio Cairoli
