Story: Koz Mraz Photos: Poppy Fior & Joe Drift

You don’t hear names like Loris Baz, Josh Herrin, or Xavi Forés riding with your local motorcycle club. Unless you’re a member of the Phoenix Ducati Official Club. With 693 current Arizona members, it is the most active, and largest statewide Ducati club in America.

Loris Baz was the Ride Captain of the recent PHX Ducati Official Club ride. Warhorse HSBK Racing Loris Baz had recently graced the podium coming in 3rd in pouring rain at Road America race 1. At 6’2 Loris is the tallest rider to ever race MotoGP and is a fan favorite because of his enthusiastic interaction with motorcyclists of all types and ages.

GO AZ Ducati in Scottsdale is the PHX Ducati Official Club partner. Providing oven-cooked pizza and Italian gelato a good time was had by all. Club President Roland AZ only started riding in 2019. He trained at Team Arizona and honed his skills at Built To Win Academy. Roland purchased a Ducati and was inspired by the comradery of other Ducati owners. Losing his sister to Covid in 2020 was devastating and riding was his saving grace. His bike is numbered 33, the age of his sister.

His catharsis was the fuel that powered not only the club’s growth it was the inspiration to invite pro riders to interact with motorcyclists and fans alike. Inviting riders such as Shelina Moreda, who races in the Super Hooligan class on a Ducati monster and Sarah Dean Cole, president of the Houston Desmo Owners Club helped promote and inspire woman riders. Currently, PHX Ducati Official Club now has over 20 female riders.

Safety is a big issue; helmets and the proper gear are required (Although not a legal requirement in Arizona). With 60 or so riders participating in the Pro-Ride events Roland tells the members “It’s not a race, just have fun. If it was a race, we all know who’s going to win.”

With upcoming MotoAmerica Superbike races at Brainerd International Raceway, The Ridge, Laguna Seca, Mid-Ohio Circuit of the Americas, and New Jersey it promises to be a very exciting race season

Phoenix Ducati Official Club
MotoAmerica