RACE! SOUTH AFRICA & DUCATI JOHANNESBURG — A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
Yesterday, we had the privilege of attending the launch of the incredible new RACE! South Africa premises and the new home of Ducati Johannesburg — and from the moment we drove onto the property, you could see and feel the presence.
RACE! South Africa and Ducati branding was everywhere, immediately setting the tone. Huge glass display units outside showcased motorcycles in spectacular fashion, with some of these spaces almost big enough to accommodate cars.
For those who know RACE! South Africa, you’ll understand the important role the company has played in the South African luxury performance and lifestyle market. For those who don’t, RACE! South Africa specialises in premium A-to-Z solutions for supercars and motorcycles, with a focus on world-class craftsmanship, refinement, attention to detail and exclusive brands.
Their new multi-storey premises are massive. The building has been completely customised, refreshed and given the unmistakable RACE! touch, creating an incredible new destination for performance and lifestyle enthusiasts.
One of the first things that caught our attention was the lineup of Ducati’s latest demo motorcycles, which have just landed in South Africa and are now available for customers to experience on request.
This is a fantastic development because, in the past, getting some of these motorcycles available for testing could be difficult. Now, customers have the opportunity to sample a range of Ducati’s latest machines before making that all-important decision.
As the event got underway, motorcycle and car enthusiasts began flooding in. The launch was invite-only, with numbers capped to ensure the event never became too busy and guests could properly enjoy the experience.
Inside, there was an incredible collection of motorcycles and automotive eye candy waiting to be discovered.
One of the first surprises was a collection of special crates carrying the unmistakable MM93 branding. Most of us immediately knew what that meant.
On display was the stunning Ducati Panigale V2 MM93, inspired by Marc Márquez’s “Todo Rojo” Desmosedici GP test livery from Barcelon
With race-position clip-ons, forged wheels and track-focused components, it is a seriously special motorcycle. This is also a bike Marc uses for practice and training away from MotoGP, making it even more special to see in person.
Photos simply don’t do the Panigale V2 MM93 justice. Seeing it in the flesh is a completely different experience. The detailing, the livery and the presence of the motorcycle make it something that genuinely stands out from the crowd.
The showroom itself was packed with incredible motorcycles and premium brands. There was a rare Ducati Desmosedici, two incredibly exclusive Ducati Panigale V4 S Lamborghini editions, a Ducati Panigale V4 R and a host of other exotic and premium motorcycles.
There was also an impressive selection of riding apparel and equipment, including Dainese, AGV and Suomy, along with riding gear, accessories and plenty more.
Aprilia scooters, Italjet, MV Agusta, Motards and a whole host of other motorcycles added even more eye candy to an already spectacular display.
Then you step into Ducati Johannesburg itself, and it’s another level entirely.
The showroom was packed to the rafters with the latest and greatest Ducati models, alongside Ducati riding apparel and accessories.
Behind the scenes is also a substantial workshop with qualified technicians ready to keep customers’ pride and joy running and looking at its absolute best.
But the experience doesn’t stop there.
Before heading upstairs, there is a dedicated space that Marco explained will eventually take on more of a restaurant-style vibe, giving clients somewhere to relax, enjoy refreshments, grab something to eat and soak up the atmosphere.
Adding to that experience are massive LG televisions positioned throughout the showroom and dealership. Marco explained that some of these screens alone cost more than R800,000, and they are certainly difficult to miss.
The idea is to create far more than simply a place to buy motorcycles. The screens will allow guests and customers to sit back and enjoy MotoGP, other forms of racing, major sporting events and more while enjoying something to eat or drink, helping create the relaxed lifestyle atmosphere that RACE! South Africa is aiming for.
Then you head upstairs, and things take another turn.
The next level is home to a stunning collection of high-end luxury vehicles and supercars. There was everything from Rolls-Royce to a custom, completely blacked-out Tesla Cybertruck, alongside Lamborghinis, Ferraris and some beautiful classic and collectible BMWs and Porsches.
It was an incredible selection of vehicles and certainly provided plenty of eye candy for everyone attending.
As you continue further up through the building, hanging above the staircase was a beautiful custom Honda Fireblade track bike, fitted with a whole host of custom accessories and modifications. It was a fantastic piece of machinery and a fitting addition to a building that celebrates performance at every level.
The next level takes you into a completely different environment, with bespoke premium office spaces occupied by a selection of high-end businesses offering their own premium services and products.
It becomes clear as you make your way through the building that RACE! South Africa has created far more than just a showroom or dealership. The entire facility has been designed as a destination where luxury, performance, lifestyle, business, motorcycles and automotive culture all come together.
Outside, the atmosphere was just as impressive, with a DJ providing the soundtrack throughout the event, an open bar and some incredible food keeping everyone entertained.
We were then treated to presentations from the people behind this incredible new venture.
Marco Casciani, owner of RACE! South Africa, took to the stage with his daughter to welcome everyone, thank the guests and explain the vision behind this massive expansion.
Marco spoke passionately about how this was always a dream — one that dates back to his racing days and his involvement with premium motorcycle brands in South Africa. Taking on Ducati Johannesburg and creating a facility of this scale was a natural progression of that dream.
We also heard from Tertius Cronje, head of Ducati South Africa, who shared their thoughts on the future of Ducati in South Africa and the vision for the brand moving forward.
It was fantastic to hear directly from the people behind the businesses and understand the passion, commitment and vision that has gone into creating this new destination.
And then, after the speeches, came the moment everyone had been waiting for.
Ducati unveiled the absolutely spectacular Panigale V4 Márquez 2025 World Champion Replica.
This was the headline reveal of the event, and it certainly did not disappoint.
Limited to just 293 units worldwide to celebrate Marc Márquez’s seventh World Championship, this is an extraordinarily rare Ducati.
Powered by the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 producing 218.5 hp, the motorcycle features an STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, Brembo GP4 Sport Production calipers, 338.5mm T-Drive discs, carbon-fibre wheels, extensive carbon components and Marc Márquez’s personal signature hand-painted onto the tank.
Two of these incredible motorcycles were available, both carrying a price tag of approximately R1.6 million — and both were already sold.
Ducati has a magnificent talent for taking already incredible motorcycles and transforming them into something completely out of this world.
The Panigale V2 MM93 and the Panigale V4 Márquez 2025 World Champion Replica are two extraordinary machines, and seeing both of them together in the flesh was genuinely special.
Photos really don’t do either of these motorcycles justice.
This wasn’t simply a dealership launch. It felt like the creation of a new destination for South Africa’s motorcycle and performance lifestyle community — somewhere where motorcycles, supercars, racing, luxury, apparel, business and culture all come together.
A massive congratulations and thank you to Marco Casciani and the entire RACE! South Africa team, as well as Tertius Cronje, Mark Walters, Ducati South Africa and the entire Ducati Johannesburg team, for putting together such an incredible launch.
It was an absolute privilege to be there and experience it first-hand.
NEW LOCATION
Ducati Johannesburg
145 Katherine St, Sandown
Sandton
RACE! South Africa
