While nothing is set in stone at the moment, it seems quite likely that Ducati will be racing the 2009 AMA/DMG series.

But in exactly which class?

Ducati currently supports Larry Pegram's 848-based Ducati effort in the Formula Extreme class.

Ducati North America's Michael Lock stated last night in regards to their 2009 efforts that while they wish to be in the 1000cc Superbike class, if several manufacturers leave the class and the series, it's less likely Ducati will be there.

"We would very much like to be racing in the USA next year," Lock wrote in an e-mail message. "Where, how and with whom are all a little more complicated to answer. My understanding of how things are developing is that we are most likely to be competing in Daytona Superbike next year. It is really a development of Formula Extreme and we are happy with our progress in that class this year. As far as the liter class goes, obviously we have a very competitive bike in the 1098R and we would relish pitting it against the established competition. However, I'm still keen to learn as to how many of them are likely to turn up!"

Paddock insiders predict that both Suzuki and Honda will pull out of racing at the end of the 2008 season as a result of the new DMG rules package and series format.

"For a small company like Ducati the cost of racing at a competitive level in the USA represents a significant proportion of our revenue," Lock continued. "To justify the cost we have to be satisfied that we will be competitive, that the opposition be present and that anyone will take notice of the results. I am planning towards Ducati being involved next year, but I am currently fielding more questions from potential sponsors than I have answers for. I think Laguna Seca next month will represent some kind of deadline for key decisions, so I hope we will be in a position to know what we are doing by them."

The United States is poised to become Ducati's number one market in terms of sales.