Canadian Duc comes second

From Ducati USA

CUPERTINO, CA -- The grand finale of the Ducati Monster Challenge concluded last weekend at round 2 of the AMA Superbike series, which was held at Barber Motorsports Park. The dozen winners of the regional Monster Challenge events squared off for this finale, with the winner being awarded the title of "Coolest Monster in North America," along with a brand new 2006 Monster S2R 1000 motorcycle.

Sean Kelii of Sacramento, CA emerged victorious after the brutal scrutiny of a panel of motorcycle industry judges, including legendary motojournalist Alan Cathcart, Speed Channel's Greg White and Barber Museum chief motorcycle restorer Brian Slark. The judges cast their votes based on the performance, workmanship, creativity and sound of each Monster.

Kelii was crowned the owner of the “Coolest Monster in North America” for his 1999 Monster 900, which he rides regularly and has highly modified, but still maintains the look of the Monster. Sean eliminated as much weight as possible from the bike and has a host of modifications including a carbon fiber tank, carbon wheels, piston kit and a lightened flywheel.

"Actually, I think I'll try to keep the racing heritage alive and give the bike to my dad so he can experience the enjoyment I got from building a mean Monster," Kelii said. "He supported me for so many years and this is a chance to give back to him. He's a real enthusiast but he needs an air cooled Ducati."

The second place finisher, Peter Hattle of Montreal, wins a spectacular trip to the US MotoGP held at legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Hattle had a highly modified 1997 Monster 900. Rounding out the podium was 18-year old Daniela Dunne from Santa Barbara, CA, who performed much of her own work on the retro inspired 1997 Monster 750.