Pit and Mikel (AMAL member) once again traveled 3,000 km this year to visit the WDW at the Misano Circuit. What does this have to do with "old" motorcycles? It's simple: they were riding a TT1 replica - (the motorcycle that, among others, the legendary Tony Rutter rode in the 80s) - and a 916, which officially became a classic this year for its 30th anniversary.
The 2024 edition of WDW was therefore all about celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Ducati 916, a sports icon that has significantly shaped Ducati's history.
Mikel, who had already ridden his 916 to Misano for the second time, had the privilege of participating as a protagonist in a series of initiatives organized this year as a tribute to this sports icon.
His 916 belonged to Paulo, one of Mikel's best friends, who passed away a few years ago from a stroke.
There was an exhibition "Celebrating an Icon: 30th Anniversary 916" featuring displays of the 916, 996, and 998 models. A series of "Championship-winning bikes" ridden by Carl Fogarty, Troy Bayliss, and Troy Corser were on display.
A highlight for Mikel was a "Parade Lap" on the Misano Circuit with Carl Fogarty and Troy Bayliss, and a 20-minute track session at race speed, exclusively for the 916 / 996 / 998 models.
The entire event was officially documented with an exclusive holographic sticker for the 916 and participation in this event.
Finally, there was a dedicated VIP terrace for the participants of this initiative to watch the Lenovo Race of Champions together with Troy, Carl, Régis Laconi, Ruben Xaus, and Carlos Checa.
The event was one of the many highlights of the summer of 2024. Naturally, it was also possible to test the new motorcycles both on-road and off-road, which Mikel, as every year, did extensively.
Seeing so many 916 models on the streets of Misano, Cattolica, and Riccione in the evening was amazing and brought back memories of the 90s.
Unfortunately, the number of truly old King Shaft motorcycles at each event is decreasing. Most of them are now in living rooms or museums.
A big thank you to Pit with the TT1, who is still young enough to ride with us!
