It has been rumored all week that HMC Ducati owner Mitch Hansen has been trying to source two more Ducati Superbikes in order to run two riders at the next round of the series at Fontana. The rumors heated up last night on word that the two machines would be for none other than former Superbike champion Doug Chandler. It is assumed that Chandler would join Pascal Picotte on the HMC team.

Mitch Hansen has not returned our calls asking for comment.

Reached moments ago, former Superbike champion Chandler stated that he had no comment on his current status but might be making an announcement "soon".

There have also been rumors since before Daytona that Hollywood actor Nic Cage (who is a Ducati enthusiast)wants to get into Superbike racing on some level. Related? Unrelated? Nobody seems to know.