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  "It's a lot different with someone on the back, but I'm getting used to it. I even got my knee down in a few corners"

When a V8 Supercar and Porsche racing driver says he's had a thrilling ride, you know it's something special.

"There is no better roller coaster or theme park ride," says Michael Patrizi after riding piggyback with three-time World Superbike champion and MotoGP winner Troy Bayliss. "People think it's great when we take them on a V8 drive, but I've never experienced anything like this," he says.

Bayliss, who retired from racing three years ago, has created a package of ride-day experiences which will be available in all mainland states. "After I retired, I was still contracted to Ducati and in 2009 I tested their GP bikes and since last year I've been testing their superbike," he says.

"I also started teaching in their Ducati Ride Experience in Europe. I really enjoyed it, but I wanted to wean myself off Europe and thought I'd like to do something like that back here in Australia."

Rather than reinvent the wheel, Bayliss has piggybacked on the established Champions Ride Day circuit to offer some special extras for fans. Riders will be able to follow Bayliss around the track to learn his lines, get special tuition from the champion and even dine with him. Non-riders like Patrizi can also enjoy a Bayliss experience by riding three laps two-up on the pillion seat of a special Ducati 1098 superbike with handles on the fuel tank, a specially adapted seat and lower footpegs.

The Troy Bayliss Experience will be part of the Champions Ride Days at Queensland Raceway and Lakeside in Queensland, Eastern Creek and a 5.2km private track called The Farm Circuit in NSW, Phillip Island in Victoria, Mallala in South Australia and Barbagallo in Western Australia. Dates are available on the website .

"(Patrizi) was my first two-up guinea pig and this is the first time I've ridden a bike on this circuit," says Bayliss after taking the V8 and Carrera Cup driver for a spin around Queensland Raceway which included a 100m wheelie. "It's great to see the look on his face when you get back to the pits. We've made a few adjustments so it's more comfortable on the back. It's a lot different with someone on the back, but I'm getting used to it. I even got my knee down in a few corners."

Bayliss has put his four-wheel racing ambitions on hold for the new project after an abortive start in the endurance rounds of the V8 Supercars in 2009. He didn't get to drive in either race after early incidents with teammate Dean Fiore in the driver's seat.

2-up Ducati Superbike Experience: $295
Day at the Track with Troy:
QLD: Lakeside Raceway $895; Qld Raceway $795
NSW: Eastern Creek $995; The Farm $1295 (limited to 12 riders)
VIC: Phillip Island $995; Broadford Raceway $795
SA: Mallala Raceway $895
WA: Barbagallo Raceway $895

Web: www.troybaylissexperience.com.au