Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Returns to 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Series
MotoGP/WSBK rider Loris Baz to spearhead the effort on the Ducati Panigale V4 R
Dunmore, PA, February 3, 2021 – Warhorse HSBK Racing has announced its return to the 2021 MotoAmerica Championship with a new rider aboard the factory spec Ducati Panigale V4 R SBK.
Former MotoGP and World Superbike competitor Loris Baz will pilot the Ducati Panigale V4 R during the 10-round MotoAmerica HONOS Superbike Series.
The team’s title sponsor and lineup information will be released shortly. The team is powered by Warhorse HSBK Racing, North American Warhorse, Ducati New York, and Horsepower HD.
The 28-year-old Frenchman Baz spent three years in MotoGP (2015-2017) and six years in World Superbike (2012-2014; 2018-2020). During the 2020 WorldSBK season, Baz scored four podiums and finished the season eight overall, the second-best of independent riders. Throughout his WorldSBK career, he had achieved two wins, two poles, 18 podiums, and three fastest laps.
Baz is no stranger to Ducati. He competed on satellite Ducati machinery in the 2016 and 2017 MotoGP seasons.
“I’m super happy to join the HSBK team and MotoAmerica. It will be a big challenge, but I will have all the tools, the right team, and the right bike with Ducati. We only have one target in 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike, and that’s to win the championship,” says Loris Baz.
“I’m super happy and thankful for the opportunity. I will work as hard as needed with the Dunlop tires and the V4 R to reach the goal of winning. I also have to learn all the new tracks, which the team will help me with. It’s a massive challenge, but I have everything needed to win.”
Warhorse HSBK Racing is also no stranger to Ducati. Last year they entered a Ducati Panigale V4 R SBK into the last two rounds of the year as a test program. With the Italian Lorenzo Zanetti at the controls of the V4 R, Ducati claimed podiums at each final round of the 2020 MotoAmerica Superbike Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
During the Indy round, the team claimed the win in race two. This was the first time Ducati won an American superbike race since 2010. That year, Larry Pegram was victorious at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.
“We are thrilled to announce that we are back with Ducati and this time as an official entry in the Superbike class. We did our homework at the end of last year and feel like with the support from Ducati Corse and a rider like Baz we have a good chance to fight for the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship,” says Team Principal Bobby Shek.
Also joining the efforts as Team Manager is Ducati legend Eraldo Ferracci. The owner of the Philadelphia-based Fast by Ferracci formed the first American Ducati factory race team in 1988 -Team Fast by Ferracci Ducati. The team took its first of two World Superbike titles in 1991, followed by two AMA Superbike titles. Led by Eraldo, Team Fast By Ferracci became the most successful Ducati team in the world during those years.
“Our recent acquisition of Ducati New York, combined with the joint venture of Ducati New York, North American Warhorse, and HSBK Racing, has resulted in a state-of-the-art service/race shop,” says Louis DeNaples III, Principal at Warhorse Powersports Group.
“Along with the collaboration with our long-time dear friend and mentor, Mr. Ferracci, there is no better way to show our commitment to Ducati, MotoAmerica, and the sport. I’d also like to give an extra thanks to Ducati North America for the ongoing support with the new team effort!”
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Founded in 2011, HSBK Racing pairs the best sponsors, technicians, riders, and industry insiders to create an unstoppable team that consistently runs at the front of the pack in any premier class. The team claimed Ducati’s first win in America after 10 years. In 2019 the team formed a partnership with North American Warhorse and Ducati New York to create Warhorse HSBK Racing.
North American Warhorse, located in Dunmore, PA, is the largest premier motorcycle and power sports dealership in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As an authorized dealer of the top power sports brands worldwide, North American Warhorse provides the largest selection of vehicles in the Northeast Pennsylvania area.
Ducati New York, located in SoHo, is the flagship Ducati dealership, with a renovated showroom of more than 7,500 square feet at a fashionable address. The Manhattan showroom has Italian style and modern aesthetic of Ducati, with a comprehensive line of apparel, dedicated Ducati accessories, and an all-new Ducati service department.
Horsepower HD, serves the Williamsport, Pa., area, offering the best in new and pre-owned HD bikes and parts. Horsepower HD is also part of the Warhorse Powersports Group.
