Ben Bostrom to World Superbike?
The saga so far is this, and not much of it beyond the first sentence is confirmed.

Ducati Corse is exploring not re-signing Troy Corser for 2000 and instead has decided in the last day or two that would like Vance and Hines Ducati rider Ben Bostrom to take Corser's place on the official Ducati WSC team.

Bostrom is currently signed to Vance and Hines Ducati for 2000. Corser, according to paddock rumor at Sugo, had signed with Ducati for 2000,  but that seems to have been premature.

Background: Vance and Hines signed Ben Bostrom early in the silly season to get him off the market and secure at their team for 2000. It was made public by his manager, Fred Bramblett, that Bostrom had opportunities in WSC, but Ducati was not one of the parties mentioned to be bidding on young Ben. Vance and Hines Ducati dominated the championship this year, winning eight races and finishing second in the series points.

Neither Terry Vance or VHRD crewchief Jim Leonard were available for comment. There is a MIC (Motorcycle Industry Council) symposium in Irvine today and most of the industry is there.

Ben's big break or just a cloud of Corse smoke? Time will tell

-- Dean Adams