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Spartan

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Part of the interest of the first race of the MotoGP season relates to the class photos, where the riders come out first for the 125cc group shot, then Moto2, and last the MotoGP riders appear. The 125 riders are mainly kids, so there is a lot of joking around in high voices that haven’t dropped yet. Moto2 is a mix of young and not as young, but it’s still a large field so the phrase “herding cats” is likely to be uttered a few times as the Dorna folks try to get everyone into position for the photograph.

The MotoGP riders are much fewer in number, but the group makes up for its smaller size with proportionally larger egos, and the premier class’ mind games are already well under way when it comes to which individuals will appear to sit down first, and wait for those who chose not to wait for anyone else.

Some fellas down under have been hard at work, building what they hope is the ultimate track car. Named the Spartan V (yes, they’re only making 300 of them), the project centers around the 1198cc Ducati Superbike motor, and uses carbon fiber over a tubular space-frame chassis to reach a 661 lbs weight figure.

Powered by a 170 hp Ducati 1198S Superbike motor, boys from Oz claim that Spartan V will hit 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds, with a top speed of 173 mph. Rounding out the package is a six-speed sequential gearbox, and an optional FIA approved roll bar that replaces the street bars for racing duty. Photos and more details after the jump.