Burgess and Stauffer with the Tiger helicopter in Darwin on Wednesday.

Two Ducati Motologic 1198 R Superbikes just metres from an Army Tiger Helicopter is the stuff of dreams for many, but a thrilling reality for the factory Ducati team on Wednesday at Robertson Barracks in the Northern Territory.

Ducati Motologic yesterday experienced a rare opportunity with an invitation from 1st Aviation at Robertson Barracks in Darwin, not wanting to pass up two very different worlds of technology, performance and skill in the lead-up to this weekend’s second round of the Australian Superbike Championship at Hidden Valley.

The Ducati 1198R Superbike and the Tiger helicopter are extremely different in both their technological make-up and indeed their application, however it was an ever-increasing number of Army personnel that gathered at 1st Aviation to greet the Ducati Motologic Racing Team and both parties enjoyed the opportunity.

The elite Tiger helicopter certainly takes technology to a whole new level, but in a speed challenge? There was little point testing the metal of the Ducati 1198 R against the Tiger. The nimble Superbike winning hands down with a top speed of around 300km/h, the Ducati 1198 R would leave the Tiger behind as even without all its weaponry, the Tiger’s top speed is in the vicinity of 270km/h.

Two-time Australian Superbike Champion Jamie Stauffer and Ducati Motologic Racing teammate Jordan Burgess were nonetheless in awe of the spectacular machinery hovering just metres from their helmets.

“This opportunity has been fantastic; even just to be able to get up close to the Tiger helicopter and talk to the Army personnel about its capabilities is terrific,” Stauffer commented. “We also had the chance to go in the flight simulators which really gives you an appreciation of what these guys actually do and the skills they have.

“Everyone was really welcoming and it was a great way to begin our stay in Darwin for the Australian Superbike event.”

For Burgess, a rookie in this year’s ASBK series, the experience was one that he won’t soon forget.

“What a great afternoon! The Tiger helicopter is incredible,” he said. ” It was a little nerve-wracking to have it hovering just behind us, even unarmed, but it was a real thrill, something I won’t soon forget. There was quite a crowd of Army personnel that gathered once we had the Ducati Motologic transporter, the Superbikes and the Tiger out on there together and the interest in the bikes and the team was great to see.”

While playing with Tigers is certainly a thrill, it is now back to the job at hand for the Ducati Motologic Race Team as Stauffer and Burgess place their focus on Hidden Valley Raceway for this weekend’s second round of the ASBK series.