Former racer Eraldo Ferracci might be back in racing next season. He's welcome back any time. image by brian nelson

The paddock may not be without an Italian entry next year, after all.

Long-time Superbike maestro Ferracci ran the Ducati Superbike team for years before it moved to Vance & Hines and then several other teams. For those new to the sport: Ferracci won the World Superbike championship twice with Doug Polen and the US Superbike title with both Polen and Troy Corser.

Ferracci has been absent from the paddock for several years where his colorful personality and tireless enthusiasm have been missed--and we have yet to even mention his bountiful and delicious lunches.

Ferracci is here today at Mid-Ohio in what clearly seems to be a scouting mission for 2007.

Ferracci discounted a return to Superbike with MV machinery (son Larry heads MV USA) next year, saying he's a little behind on his learning curve with traction control to jump into Superbike--but Superstock... say, that sounds like fun.

The last homologation list I saw had the MV 1000 on both the Superbike and Superstock lists.

Ferracci can scarcely walk ten feet in the paddock without being nearly mobbed by both fans and paddock regulars.