The Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance Executive Board is pleased to announce that Ducati has been chosen as the featured motorcycle marque for 2011. On display will be a stunning collection of rare Ducati motorcycles covering the entire history of the famed brand from Bologna. The Ducati brand was founded on the strength of sales of the Cucicolo, or "Little Pup", a clip-on engine launched in late 1940s before coming to International attention as a sporting marque. Ducati has managed to weather many financial storms and re-invent themselves innumerable times, while never losing the passion for style and speed.

In the 1950s the famed Ing. Fabio Taglioni made practical the use of the 'Desmo', or Desmodromic (positive valve actuation) on the factory's race bikes. From this technology advancement, a whole new class of lightweight single cylinder machines won the hearts of fans the world over.

Ducati became known as a 'big bike' builder in 1972 when Paul Smart won the grueling Imola 200 mile race on a 750cc Big Twin. This led to an ever-expanding production of V-Twin machines that have continued that success to this day.

It was just a few short years later when Mike Hailwood made his famous comeback at the 1978 Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) race aboard a Ducati. The company wasted no time in launching the MHR or Mike Hailwood Replica to much acclaim.

Ducati continued producing both street and racing machines until the next big break came, with Texan Doug Polen and Willow Grove, Pa. Ducati dealer and tuner Eraldo Feracci won the World Superbike Championship and AMA Championships. From the 851, 888 and the 916 models, success continues to this very day, with Ducati at the forefront of both modern design and masterful engineering.

This year, the 15th Annual Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance will feature David Hailwood as our special motorcycle guest. David is the son of the late, great Mike "The Bike" Hailwood. S. M. B. Hailwood was awarded both the M.B. E. (Member of the Order of the British Empire) and the George Medal of Valor before his untimely death in 1981. Hailwood was the winner of nine FIM Grand Prix World Championships, scored 76 Grand Prix wins, has 14 Isle of Man victories and was also named Motorcyclist of the Millennium. He is still referred to widely as "the best there ever was" at racing a motorcycle. Son David, and Mike's wife Pauline have worked tirelessly at preserving the history of Mike's achievements. It is our pleasure to welcome David as our guest, and we hope you can join us at this year's event.

Some of the motorcycles in the show will be on display at the Third Annual Classic Motorcycles at The Simeone Museum from August 13th to September 8th. For more information on this show, go to www.simeonefoundation.org and find out about the "Kick Start" Party on August 13th with special guest and ex-Ducati racer Cook Neilson.