The Ducati TT2/TT1 symposium planned for the Donington
Park classic event over the weekend of 9th-11th August is shaping up
nicely. Based on the TT symposium that's run in the US for several years
(below) there should be plenty of controversy - like does Tony Rutter's TT1
(above at the TT) exist anymore? Tony had a nasty crash at Montjuic Park (probably
on a blown-up GSX-R's oil, which explains the occasional claim he was riding a
Suzuki: it's in some photos of the crash.) and the TT1 was destroyed: Tony was
left in a coma for several days, with the oft-maligned Vernon Cooper part of
the beside vigil in Barcelona. Post-crash photos show the TT1's frame in two,
and all the magnesium cases and suspension melted by the ensuing fire. But then
how often do you have to replace an axe's head and shaft before it stops being
your axe? As Paul Simon wrote, a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards
the rest
The TT2 was Taglioni's swansong, and reflected his distrust
of complexities like 4-valve heads and liquid cooling. Once the Castiglionis
had Massimo Bordi in the big chair (and thanks to Reno Leoni working out how to
stoke a Pantah to 748CC) the TT1 became the prototype Ducati Superbike, with
rising rate rear suspension and super trick front forks, courtesy of Cagiva's
500GP racer. From then on 4-valve heads and a liquid cooling were only a matter
of time, along with the legendary 851cc capacity. So that makes the TT2/TT1,
rather than the bevel twin, the real genesis of Ducati's domination of superbike
racing and that fantastic T-shirt with the Cagiva elephant and the Sumo wrestler...
More on the event below
The 9th 10th
and 11th August 2013 will be the dates for the first ever TT2
Symposium to be held in the UK with people coming from as far afield as
Australia to view and show these wonderful bikes. We have a dedicated area
where we shall have The Italian Village where these classic bikes will be
displayed in all their glory, we are also anticipating having an area where one
can sell and buy spares etc for their bikes.
It is being held at Castle Donington in conjunction with the
CRMC.....It is possible to buy weekend passes and there are excellent secure
camping facilities available. £40 will get you 2 adult passes, 1 camping space
and the facility to display your bike. Should you wish to book please mail your
interest to tt2symposium@gmail.com.
If camping doesn’t appeal there are many hotels and B&Bs in the area and I
suggest you look at www.lastminute.com
Should you wish to enter your bike for an event please visit
the CRMC site to down loads the regs etc. However there will be an opportunity
in the early evenings to parade the bike around the track ( not a race I stress
!) For any further information please contact Roy Thersby on 01642 612784
