Ducati North America CEO Revives 1971 450 R/T Desmo and Competes in Biltwell 100 Desert Race

In the automotive and motorcycle industries, CEOs often come from economics or business backgrounds rather than mechanical engineering. Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America, defies this trend. He restored and raced a 1971 Ducati 450 R/T Desmo, blending business acumen with hands-on mechanical passion.

Chinnock participated in the 2026 Biltwell 100, a grueling desert race in California, to celebrate Ducati’s 100th anniversary. The bike he raced has a storied history: It was commissioned by Berliner Motors, Ducati’s U.S. importer in the 1960s, following Ducati’s victory at the Baja 500 with a Scrambler 350. The win spurred the development of a bike optimized for off-road speed, capitalizing on the era’s desert racing craze.

Chinnock began the restoration in January 2026, enlisting support from industry leaders like Pirelli, Dubya, and Race Tech. The air-cooled, single-cylinder engine received performance upgrades, including a titanium exhaust system, a modified swing-arm, and a custom aluminum skid plate. The bike was finished in a green and white livery inspired by the original 450 R/T prototype.

Race Day Challenges and Finish

With the bike prepared, Chinnock entered the Dual Shock (1971–1990) category and transported it to California. During the race, he demonstrated resilience by replacing a fouled spark plug and completing the final 17 miles with crooked handlebars after hitting a rain ditch. Though he did not win, he finished the race.

The following day, Chinnock returned to compete on Ducati’s 2026 Desmo450 EDX, the brand’s first motocross bike. He retired after a crash. Jordan Graham, a Fasthouse Ducati rider, won the race overall on a Desmo450 EDX with a six-minute lead.

Chinnock’s Commitment to Racing

“I expect to come back next year.” — Jason Chinnock, after the 2026 Biltwell 100

Business Leaders with a Passion for Racing

While business experience is common among automotive CEOs, enthusiasm for racing is not mutually exclusive. Carlos Tavares, former head of Stellantis, is a lifelong enthusiast who regularly competes in the Historic Monte-Carlo Rally. Notably, he drove a Lancia Stratos in the 2022 race.