New Leadership Elected to Guide Ducati Riders of Orange County into an Exciting Future
Costa Mesa, California — December 22, 2023. Ducati Riders of Orange County, an award-winning Ducati Official Club known for its passion for Ducati motorcycles and the thrill of riding in Orange County, is excited to announce the appointment of its new board of officers.
Following a democratic election process, the Club is proud to introduce a team of dedicated leaders poised to steer it into a new era: Renato Bonomini continuing as President, Filippo Pagan newly appointed Vice President, Ben Gray newly appointed Secretary, and Donatella Barragan newly appointed Treasurer.
The new officers would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing officers for their dedication and invaluable contributions during their tenure. Under their stewardship, the Club has seen significant growth and has been a beacon for Ducati enthusiasts worldwide. We recognize Mario Espinoza, Pratik Kekre, and Chris Kirkwood for their tireless efforts in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community of riders. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors and look forward to their continued involvement in the Club.
Renato Bonomini, President
Renato has been an active member of DROC since 2019 and its President since 2021. Originally from Italy, Renato grew up in Castiglione delle Stiviere, a quaint town located two hours north of Bologna. He discovered his passion for motorbikes early, starting to ride at the age of 14 with a racing replica 50cc sport bike. It wasn’t until his relocation from Italy to the USA that he was able to fulfill his dream of owning a Ducati. His collection began with a Panigale 899 and expanded to include a Monster 1200S, a Hyper, a 996, and a V4R, under the motto “as long as they fit in the garage”.
I am excited for the renewed confidence in my role as President! My passion for Ducati started with its sophisticated technology and style but quickly evolved into loving the connection with the Ducatisti community that is so strong in Southern California. I wish I had a bigger garage.
Filippo Pagan, Vice President
Filippo has been an active member of DROC since 2021. Born and raised in Venice, Italy, his early experiences with motorcycles began in his hometown. He moved to Southern California some 27 years ago and made it his new home. The Italian culture often instills a deep-rooted passion for motorsports, and for Filippo, this passion was identified in Ducati, the epitome of two-wheeled exotics. Upon arriving in California, Filippo briefly pursued offshore racing, sparking his enduring fascination with speed. His dream was realized with the acquisition of a 2019 Ducati Panigale V4, instantly cementing his love for the iconic Italian brand.
DROC is my second family. I love to ride and hang out with people who share my passion for history and art. That’s what Ducati means to me!
Ben Gray, Secretary
Ben has been a DROC member since 2019 when he happened to meet some members by chance. He started riding motorcycles in 2016 while always salivating over the Hypermotard. Later he ended up with a 939 SP and a 950 SP. Currently, Ben is a proud owner of a 2023 Ducati DesertX. During his spare time, he often plays video games, travels, rides, eats, goes to live music shows, and just generally enjoys life. Ben is a passionate rider and loved to help with the club when asked in the past and wanted to give back. This is his way to give back in a more official capacity.
I am new to the Ducati family but the warm welcome that I have received across the DOC Clubs is an experience. Love of Ducati brought me here and the love from all Ducatisti will keep me here! Forza Ducati!
Donatella Barragan, Treasurer
Donatella (Donna), originally from Northern Italy and now living in Orange County, CA for 25 years, realized her lifelong dream of owning a motorcycle three years ago. Joining the DROC Club in June 2021, she quickly fell in love with the community’s camaraderie and passion for motorcycles, leading her to buy her first Ducati, a 2020 Panigale V2. Despite being a busy single mother, Donatella actively participates in the Club’s events, enjoys tracking her V2 regularly, and spends her free time on mountain and road biking. She also has a passion for cooking.
I take immense pride in representing the Ducati brand, a symbol of my Italian heritage, and being a part of this incredible group of riders, and I feel it’s my time to give back now. This Club has enriched my life with enduring friendships, has taken me to places beyond my wildest dreams, and has been a source of empowerment as a woman rider. I aspire to inspire other women to pursue their riding dreams. Forza Ducati!
The Ducati Riders of Orange County are confident that this new team of officers will bring fresh ideas, strong leadership, and a renewed passion for Ducati motorcycles and the riding community. The Club looks forward to an exhilarating journey ahead under their guidance.
For more information about the Ducati Riders of Orange County, upcoming events, or membership details, please follow the Club’s website, its social media pages, or, if you are a member, its dedicated private communication channels and mailing list.
Contact
Ben Gray, Secretary
secretary@drocdesmo.com
1601 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
About Ducati Riders of Orange County, a Ducati Official Club
DROC brings together people who have a passion for the Ducati brand around Orange County, California. The Club, sponsored by the award-winning flagship dealer Ducati Newport Beach, invites motorcycle enthusiasts with shared values of respect, a sense of community, loyalty, and responsibility to join the Club.
About Ducati Official Clubs
Ducati Official Clubs bring together persons who have a passion for the Ducati brand and promote such passion, sharing the values and vocation of the brand, as well as the company’s mission to conceive, design, and manufacture premium-brand sports motorcycles with exclusive Italian design, distinctive features and superior performance proven at racetracks throughout the world.