Ride to Gmie's Wedding - Gambang ,Pahang

 It was good weather all the way his morning through the glorious winding road of Karak Highway and our journey to Gambang was indeed enjoyable.

Gmie a member of SuperbikeMalaysia got married today...Congrates Bro

Friday February 25, 2011

Australian the first rider to dip under two minutes at Sepang

By LIM TEIK HUAT

SEPANG: After 12 years and tens of thousands of laps, the Sepang Circuit’s two-minute barrier for a MotoGP bike was broken yesterday as Australian Casey Stoner put his name in the history books as the first to do so.
The 2007 world champion saved his best for last as he became the first rider to dip under two minutes on the final day of the pre-season MotoGP test at the track.
Stoner, who is riding for Repsol Honda this season and the only rider to have won all three classes at Sepang, rode a blistering second lap in the morning session to post a stunning 1:59.665 around the 5.543km track.

Casey Stoner clocked the fastest lap time ever in 12 years on the 5.543km Sepang Circuit.

Team-mate Dani Pedrosa also underlined the awesome dominance of the Repsol Honda team by going under the two-minute barrier on his third lap.
However, the time was not fast enough to better Stoner’s timing. The Spaniard chalked 1:59.803 as both lap times stayed unchallenged for the rest of the session.
The grid enjoyed a third consecutive day of bright sunshine and clear skies except for the final 40 minutes when it started to drizzle in some parts of the track.
Another Honda rider Marco Simoncelli of San Carlo Honda Gresini and the fastest rider during the first test earlier this month, was third fastest with 2:00.163.
“Since coming into MotoGP, this test together with the 2006 winter test on the 990cc bike is the best pre-season.
“In 2006, I remember we had a very good last test that allowed us to face the first race well prepared and with a lot of confidence, and now it feels very similar.
“The bike is responding in the areas we need, although the first race is where you see clearly where you win and where you lose,” said Pedrosa, who has also won the 250cc world title at Sepang track before.
It was not a good day for the defending world champion Jorge Lorenzo who had to call it off after crashing on his Yamaha bike.
The Spaniard finished seventh fastest, covering 48 laps for the day.
Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi was back on track after skipping Wednesday’s session due to illness and finished the day 11th on the time-sheet. Rossi, riding for Ducati this season, clocked 2:01.469.

Lorenzo and Spies happy with Yamaha MotoGP team set-up

Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies pose with the new 2011 Yamaha MotoGP bike

MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo has said the whole Yamaha team will benefit this year from the good relationship between him and team-mate Ben Spies.

Lorenzo and former team-mate Valentino Rossi were fierce rivals but the mood is now much better the Spaniard said.
"Ben's serious on the track like me but we have no problems and I don't think we will in the future either," he said.
"It's good to have a good relationship, not just for us but to help Yamaha to develop the bike."
Lorenzo also revealed that he thought the American, who earned his factory-team chance after impressing for the satellite Tech3 Yamaha team last season - when he was named rookie of the year - could be a serious contender this year.
"I think Ben is going to fight for the championship. He is very fast and has already shown he can fight to the front of the pack and was the best satellite rider last year."
Lorenzo, 23, romped to his first elite-class world title last season as rivals such as Rossi and Casey Stoner were plagued by injury and technical problems but said he was full of confidence ahead of the new campaign which starts in Qatar on 20 March.
"I'm more relaxed than last year, not because I am the world champion but because I am older so I have more experience," he added.
"Every year I try to be more relaxed, and with a championship on your record you see things a bit differently."
When asked about his impressions of his new YZR-M1 bike, Lorenzo admitted: "I don't think any rider is ever totally satisfied.
"[However,] I understand it is really difficult to improve a MotoGP bike at this level when it is already so successful."
Spies said he felt under less pressure this season than last, but knew what he had to do this year to maintain the progress of his career.
"Last year I needed to prove something which I did. Now I'm on the factory team I feel I worked hard last year to get there and deserve it," he said.
"Now I need to keep giving 100%, I've got a great crew behind me and am riding for a great manufacturer.
"We should have a great bike this year and I've got a world champion team-mate so I've got the best of the best.
"This is the last step, MotoGP on a factory bike, the only thing left to do in a rider's career is win a MotoGP race and win a MotoGP championship and that's not impossible."

super motard

Yamaha WSBK & Monster Energy in 2011

YRT
02/20/2011

Click the images below for bigger versions:

2011 World Superbike
Following a successful 2010 season where Monster Energy became the "Official Energy Drink Supplier" for the Yamaha World Superbike Team, the relationship has been extended for the new season.
The 2011 team sees new rider pairing Marco Melandri and Eugene Laverty both sporting strong Monster Energy branding on their helmets and as the team's relationship strengthens the YZF-R1 race superbikes of Melandri and Laverty will also now carry subtle M-claw logos on their fairings. Monster Energy will continue to have a strong presence in the Yamaha World Superbike Team hospitality.
Monster Energy continues to drive a global fanbase by supporting action sports, motorsports and music. Its commitment to two-wheel motorsports includes Motocross, Supercross, Superbikes and MotoGP plus relationships with some of its greatest athletes.
Its action sports roots are unmistakable and the brand continues to work with awesome talent across skate, bmx, surf, FMX and many more sports besides.
Having arrived on European shores in 2008, Monster Energy is continuing to grow at speed outside of its US base and brings an unmistakably fresh and fun loving approach to the scenes it supports.
The hugely successful relationship between Yamaha Motor Europe and Monster Energy is now entering its fourth year in World Motocross, in 2011 no less than six Monster Energy Yamaha riders will be challenging for world titles in both the MX1 and MX2 world championships.
Yamaha World Superbike team supported by Monster Energy -
- Marco Melandri (Italy, YZF-R1 Superbike)
- Eugene Laverty (Northern Ireland, YZF-R1 Superbike)
Yamaha Monster Energy team in World Motocross -
- David Philippaerts (Italy, MX1 class, YZ450FM)
- Steven Frossard (France, MX1 class, YZ450FM)
- Anthony Boissière (France, MX1 class, YZ450FM)
- Gautier Paulin (France, MX2 class, YZ250FM)
- Harri Kullas (Finland, MX2 class, YZ250FM)
- Christophe Charlier (France, MX2 class, YZ250FM)
In the MotoGP World Championship the Yamaha Tech3 Team continues its partnership with Monster Energy this season and alongside Colin Edwards takes on MotoGP rookie Cal Crutchlow who was also supported by Monster Energy last year when riding the Yamaha YZF-R1 in World Superbike.

All eyes on Valentino Rossi for 2011 MotoGP season

Rossi's pre-season preparations have been hampered by a shoulder injury

By Azi Farni BBC's new pit-lane reporter

Many of you in the United Kingdom will not know who I am but I have been working in the paddock since 2009 as a reporter for Dorna and motogp.com.
It has been a great experience going from watching MotoGP on my TV on a Sunday to spending race days in amongst it all.
I know people get hyped up for the new season every year but I am really eager for this campaign to start. It is the last one in the 800cc category and I think it is going to be one to remember.
Of course, the big news is Valentino Rossi's move from Yamaha to the Ducati team and I stayed on after the race in Valencia to watch his first laps on board the Desmosedici at the first official test.
There was a lot more press coverage than usual and everyone was waiting with bated breath for the rain to ease off and for the nine-time world champion to take to the track.
There is a lot of debate about what he will do on the Ducati this year and I think it will be very difficult for him to recreate his sensational winning debut for Yamaha at Welkom in 2004 or the subsequent championship crown that followed.
I certainly expect him to be winning races but, with testing and development slowed by his recovery from a shoulder injury, I think it will be a tough start to the season for "The Doctor".
But if anyone can turn it around in an instant, it is Rossi. The other riders definitely know better than to underestimate his chances.

Lorenzo will find this year's competition tougher than in 2010

Ducati have certainly put a lot of work into their off-season development. There are some big changes to the bike they presented at Wrooom, notably a new fairing designed to help combat the front-end issues seen too often last year.
There are a lot of other changes and developments that could prove significant for the 2011 title race.
Casey Stoner, riding his first laps on board a factory Honda after his switch from Ducati, was beaming with smiles at the end of each day of testing after his stunningly quick adaptation to the RC212V.
He posted the fastest time in Valencia and third-fastest time overall in Sepang.
Dani Pedrosa, who clocked the second-fastest time in Sepang, was very happy with the Honda package for this year, primarily because there were no wholesale changes to the bike that was arguably one of the strongest packages in the latter half of last season.
The fact that the Honda factory have not brought out a completely new bike at the start of this year, something seen in previous tests, can only bode well for the six riders.
With the 2011 spec bike seeming to address the braking stability issues from 2010, I think we could well see Hondas dominating the top positions this year, with Andrea Dovizioso and Marco Simoncelli - the fastest rider in Sepang and riding with factory support - challenging for wins and podiums more consistently.
You cannot take too much from testing but I think Honda have the bike to beat this year.

The good news for British fans is that there are eight British riders to follow across the classes in 2011

Having said that, defending champion Jorge Lorenzo has shown no signs of slowing down after his record-breaking first MotoGP crown.
The Yamaha's M1 engine is not quite matching the Honda in top speed but it is still a very strong package and Lorenzo has already shown what he can do with it.
It is his title to lose but he will definitely find it a lot harder to win races as easily and as often as he did last year.
One of his biggest challengers will be team-mate Ben Spies, who has opted to keep the wall in the Yamaha factory garage that was put up to separate Lorenzo and Rossi.
The American created a lot of excitement with podiums and pole positions in his rookie year and he will certainly be expecting to be on the top step of the podium a good few times this year.
I also expect to see Alvaro Bautista pushing higher up the order this year. After a torrid year for the Rizla Suzuki Team, in which they lost half their garage, all the focus, money and development will be on Bautista making the GSV-R his own.
The good news for British fans is that there are eight British riders to follow across the classes this year.
Cal Crutchlow follows in the footsteps of James Toseland and Spies, entering MotoGP from World Superbikes by way of Herve Poncharal's Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team.
The 25-year-old Crutchlow is on a two-year deal and will need the first year to gain experience. It will be hard for him against the big boys but he has a good attitude and an experienced team around him.
With the BBC continuing coverage of the 125cc and Moto2 classes on the Red button, you can follow the other seven Brits in what should be an exciting season in both categories.

Danny Kent will be hoping to improve on his displays from last year

The Moto2 class provided some spectacular racing last year, with 17 different riders on the podium in 2010, and I think we will see more of that this year.
There are a lot of potential title contenders in this category but Briton Scott Redding should be one of them. He is already looking like carrying the momentum generated at the end of last year into pre-season testing. The 18-year-old is also involved in the development of the Suter MMX, so it is a bike that he is getting more and more comfortable with.
You cannot rule out Bradley Smith either - he is new to the category but has been improving rapidly in the Moto2 tests so far and has experience in challenging for wins and podiums.
The 600cc machines will suit his size better than 125cc, so I think we could see him pushing for those top places.
Then you have Scot Kev Coghlan, who comes over from the CEV Moto2 championship. He is still riding an FTR, which he has helped develop, and has experience on some of the GP tracks.
In the 125cc category, "veteran" rider Danny Webb will take the confidence from his career-best finish in 2010 into this year, riding with a new team and helping to develop the bike.
Danny Kent will be one to watch out for, riding for one of Aki Ajo's teams. Kent had an incredible season in the Red Bull Rookies Cup last year, pipped to the title on the last lap of the last race before showing some impressive displays in his subsequent five wildcard 125cc entries.
Making up the four Brits in this class will be Taylor Mackenzie, son of ex-500cc rider Niall and a man with a great sense of humour, and Harry Stafford. Both have experience at GP tracks as Rookies Cup graduates.
I think we are going to see some close racing and fantastic battles across all three classes this year and our Brits will no doubt give us something to cheer about.
See you in Qatar!

Ladies Track Day Special

http://superbikemalaysia.com/topic/5058420/

Thursday February 17, 2011

SIC to hold donation campaign during MotoGP testing

PETALING JAYA: The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will embark on a special donation campaign – “RM2 or More” – when the three-day MotoGP testing is held at the circuit next week.
This is in support of the government’s drive for funds to help flood victims.
“Basically, anybody who passes through the gates during the three-day testing, including SIC staff, contractors and suppliers, are encouraged to drop a minimum donation of RM2 which will then be channeled to the flood relief funds,” said SIC chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali.
Donation boxes will be placed at the entrance for fans to drop in their donations and Razlan is hoping for another large turnout when the second test is held from Feb 22-24.
“We had a good turnout at the first test earlier this month, including foreign fans. I am hoping more fans will turn up for the second test.
“The floods this time round were massive and the worst hit was Johor,” said Razlan, who added that the second test would feature world champion Jorge Lorenzo and his new Factory Yamaha Racing team.
The pre-season MotoGP test in Sepang next week will be the second for the MotoGP riders after the lifting of the test ban on Jan 31.
The first testing session from Feb 1-3 saw Marco Simoncelli of Team San Carlo Honda Gresini upstaging his more celebrated rivals with a time of 2:00.757 around the 5.543km track.

Phillip Island & World Superbike: 21 Years

Phillip Island & World Superbike: 21 Years

Tom Wera
02/16/2011

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2011 WSBK
When the 2011 World Superbike Championship begins on Feb. 27 at Phillip Island, Australia, the marriage of track and series will be celebrating their 21st anniversary.
World Superbike began racing at Phillip Island, and has been there every year since but 1993. This makes Phillip Island the longest-running event in WSBK Championship history.
Australians will enjoy loads of motorcycle racing there, considering the track is hosting a 12-race program, which includes World Superbike, World Supersport and the Australian domestic championship races.
When the 2011 WSBK season kicks off, five Australians will be competing at their home track. Troy Corser will be competing on the BMW Motorrad S1000RR; he has been racing on the track for 17 years, and has five wins there, the last while competing on a Suzuki in 2005.
Chris Vermeulen will race on the Kawasaki Racing Team ZX-10R. This will be his first official return to WSBK since missing most of last season. Vermeulen injured his knee at Phillip Island last year, and missed the following two races.
He then re-injured the knee at Round 9 in Brno, and missed the remaining of the 13 races.
The Italian Kawasaki Pedercini Team will field two riders, Mark Aitchison and Bryan Staring. Another Aussie will be former national Australian Superbike Champion Josh Waters on the Yoshimura Suzuki.
In World Supersport, Kawasaki Provec Motocard.com's Broc Parkes and Honda KUJA Racing's Mitchell Pirotta will be racing at home.

MotoGP: Bautista Optimistic for 2011

MotoGP: Bautista Optimistic for 2011

Sam Sims
02/15/2011

2011 MotoGP
In 2010 MotoGP, Alvaro Bautista joined the premier class with eight years of experience in World Championship competition, which included a 125cc title (2006).
During that first year on the Rizla Suzuki GSV-R, Bautista's best top finish was fifth, a position he conquered at both Catalunya and Malaysia. The Spaniard ended his rookie year with 13th overall, and garnered much experience in MotoGP.
For 2011, new challenges await, but Bautista's sophomore year as the sole Suzuki rider started well (his former teammate Loris Capirossi moving to the Pramac Ducati team).
Bautista's first official outing for 2011 MotoGP was at Sepang earlier this month, where he finished 10th overall with a 2:01.687, ahead of some big players such as Valentino Rossi (Ducati Team). These results gave Bauitsta an optimistic view of the upcoming 2011 MotoGP season.
Alvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzki MotoGP) says: "I'm very happy because I've improved my best lap time from last year, so it's a good sign for us."
Bautista, who missed the final day of the three-day session due to sickness, tested different frames, electronics and other modifications on the GSV-R. He says being the sole rider is a huge benefit when testing, allowing him more attention than available on a two-rider team.
Alvaro Bautista says: "I think being the only rider is positive on the whole, because Suzuki is working only for me and they are making the bike to my requests. Now it's very hard for me but I think that when the races start it will be easier and I think I'll have more support.
"In Valencia (last November) I tested many things and here I re-tested the same parts, but Suzuki is always a very fast bike here. Here I cannot feel the big difference like I felt in Valencia so this means that in hot conditions our bike is competitive, as always. In cold conditions I think we are improving.
"It's very important to have a competitive bike not only in hot tracks, but we need it to be competitive in cold tracks too so the work Suzuki are doing is of great importance."
In other Rizla Suzuki paddock news, team manager Paul Denning confirmed that John Hopkins will be the back-up rider for Bautista. "Hopper" will attend the Qatar test in March.

2011 WSBK Team Preview: BMW Italia

2011 WSBK Team Preview: BMW Italia

WSBK
02/14/2011

World Superbike
After the historic success obtained last year in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, won by the almost all-conquering Ayrton Badovini (nine wins out of 10), the BMW Motorrad Italia team will now be trying their luck in the top category of World Superbike.
The World Superbike BMW squad, headed by Serafino Foti, will be making its first appearance in the category, retaining the services of the Italian rider and entering another S1000RR machine for two-times world champion James Toseland (photos).
The Sheffield man's World Superbike career is in fact closely linked to the Italian team's staff, as they won the 2004 title together with the factory Ducati Fila outfit.
This year will also see a return to Superbike for Ayrton "Speedy" Badovini, who raced in the category in 2008 and 2009 with Kawasaki Pedercini and PSG-1. The 24-year-old from Biella will be one of five Italian riders in the 2011 championship.
The Italian BMW outfit has put together an ambitious project, one that is supported by the parent company in Germany and characterized by a constant interflow of data with the factory team, as well as constant technical updates of the bike every time new components are approved and adopted by the factory squad.
A first opportunity to verify the progress made by the BMW team will be the Infront Motor Sports tests at Phillip Island on Feb. 21-22, but above all the opening round of the season at the same circuit the following weekend.

MotoGP Director of Technology for the 2011 MotoGP season

Corrado Cecchinelli

Corrado Cecchinelli, the former director of Ducati, will be the MotoGP Director of Technology for the 2011 MotoGP season. Cecchinelli will oversea all technological aspects relating to the MotoGP World Championship, as well as the Moto2 series and 125cc series.
Cecchinelli will also play a big part in developing the new rules and regulations for the Moto3 class, which will begin in 2012. Cecchinelli will also oversea the development of guidelines for the 1000cc engines to be used in the MotoGP next year.
“We are looking at the definition of the details for the potential entries for Moto3, and that involves technical regulations," Cecchinelli said in an interview with MotoGP.com. "In particular, we are receiving applications from different ECU manufacturers, which will continue until February 28th. When that date arrives we will try and finalise the matter as soon as possible.
“With regards to the MotoGP class for 2012 both the fundamental technical and philosophical details are defined, so at the moment we are paying more attention to the new category. The details that remain to be defined for the MotoGP class are unlikely to delay the work of the new arrivals to the category, something that could happen in the case of Moto3.”
Cecchinelli has been around motorcycles his entire life and graduated from Turin Polytechnic as a mechanical engineer. Cecchinelli was the Technical Director for the Ducati MotoGP team from 2003 to 2005, before he was made Vice Director General for Ducati Corse.

Ladies Track Day Special

We organizing a track day at Sepang International Circuit specially made for Ladies ... the time and date will be update soonest estimate mid March, however we need minimum of 10 lady participants. Special fees for only RM120 for 2 hours plus FREE tutor (theory & on track guide). For this to happen need all the support from the ladies as this will be the pilot project and will extend this program further if this is successful. Please send me your details to superbiketoday@gmail.com or sms 012 2052420.. thank you

Pramac Racing MotoGP Team Holds Official Introduction On A Cruise Ship

Feb 10, 2011, ©Copyright 2011, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

From a press release issued by Pramac Racing:

Pramac Racing's Loris Capirossi (left) and Randy De Puniet (right).

MSC FANTASIA WELCOMES PRAMAC RACING TEAM 2011 OFFICIAL PRESENTATION

Amazing location for the official presentation of the Pramac Racing Team 2011.
On board MSC Fantasia, the flagship of MSC Cruises fleet, at the port of Genoa, Paolo Campinoti and his new riders, Loris Capirossi and Randy de Puniet, unveiled the new Ducati GP11 satellite that will take part in the MotoGP World Championship 2011. The riders of the Pramac Racing Team arrived at the port of Genoa aboard two Ducati (Hypermotard and Monster) branded Pramac, with which they performed at the side of the vessel MSC Fantasia before boarding.

The press conference was also attended by Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Corse, and Federico Maccotta, Lombardy Area Manager of MSC Cruises.

MSC Fantasia, which together with her sister ship MSC Splendida, is the largest ship ever commissioned by a European ship owner. The ship - a masterpiece of Italian style with the perfect mix of high technology, elegance and exclusive services - has a very nice in every detail and is equipped with swimming pools, bars, restaurants, areas for relaxation and fun, a large health club and for those who want luxury and privacy without sacrificing the benefits that offer large cruise ship, the exclusive VIP area MSC Yacht Club.

The tenth season in MotoGP for Pramac has officially started!

Paolo Campinoti - Pramac Racing Team Principal:
"MotoGP for Pramac means adrenaline, passion and fun. For ten years we are part of this world and we aim to stay here for many years. We're still a young and want to grow year after year to improve both in terms of results and in terms of services for our partners. For the season that is about to begin, we focused on top class riders like Loris Capirossi and Randy de Puniet. We are sure that thanks to their talent we will have many opportunities to celebrate at the best our first ten years in MotoGP. We know that fighting with the official teams will be very tough: our minimum goal for this season is to become the first satellite team in the standings. Next year, with the return to 1000cc, will be a new adventure for everyone and we will see what will happen. If this change will bring us to attend events such as the new Moto2 last year, then it will be fun for everyone. Our philosophy of Green Energy Team continues and even become stronger. Next year we will have a completely new hospitality structure with big news: it will, in fact, be powered by solar panels and a wind turbine. Of course all made by Pramac."

Claudio Domenicali - CEO Ducati Corse
"Our relationship with the Pramac Pramac Racing has been very good since the early years. We are very comfortable with Paolo Campinoti and its structure, and we hope to continue this project for many years. The Pramac Racing is indeed a satellite team, but given the relationship we have enjoyed over the years we try to give more and more support to them. Surely we consider the Pramac Racing Team part of our family, some of our best engineers are working within their structure and so it will be in the future. The return to 1000cc will be a great adventure for us and as always we will give it all to ensure that our Ducati, including those in the Pramac Racing Team, will be among the best bikes."

Loris Capirossi - Pramac Racing rider
"I spent five seasons with Ducati, to return three years later to it’s for me like coming back to my family. For me to run with the Pramac Racing Team means the certainty of being able to get good results. I have not reflected a moment when I was asked to return to Ducati. In a few days we will be back on track in better shape for the second session of testing at Sepang. We surely need to improve in some aspects but we were happy after the first winter test. For example, I found some difficulty in braking and the riding during corners, but the simple fact that we have improved our lap times constantly it means that we are on the right direction. Then with Randy on the team will be much easier. Between us there is great harmony. It's the perfect companion to this adventure in Ducati. My story in MotoGP is not over yet. I think I can give so much more to this category, regardless of the new rules. "

Randy De Puniet - Pramac Racing rider
"I am happy with this new adventure in Ducati. I am back 'Italian' again, as in the past I have already ridden an Italian bike. I really enjoyed riding with my Ducati, even if sometimes it is still a bit hard to control, especially when cornering. Last year, despite the bad leg injury, I have achieved good results. Now the most important thing for me is knowing that the leg has not given me any problems and in these first tests I was able to push hard. The goal is certainly to be repeated this season. With my work and my engineers we are confident that this goal is easily attainable. Already in a few days we will face a new test in Sepang and I am sure that we can already improve our results."

Federico Maccotta, MSC Crociere Area Manager (Lombardy)
"The official presentation of the Pramac Racing Team with his new riders and the new Ducati jewel it seemed like a good opportunity to remind all of us the value of teamwork as an ideal method to achieve its objectives. MSC Fantasia, which is recognized by all as one of the most beautiful ships in the world, with its 1,400 crew members who work every day as a team to meet the needs of the 4,000 guests on board is therefore the ideal location for such an event. See the Ducati GP11 Sat and its riders on board of one of our ships is certainly an exciting. From MSC Cruises a big 'good luck' to Loris, Randy and all the Pramac Racing Team."

The History of World Superbike

The History of World Superbike

Jeff Dann
02/09/2011

Click the images below for bigger versions:

1988-2011 WSBK History
For the hardcore motorcycle-racing enthusiast, February spells a different kind of romance than just Valentine's Day - it signals the start of the FIM World Superbike Championship.
World Superbike (aka World SBK, WSBK, or just SBK) has evolved exponentially since its inception in 1988 when the nascent series broke ground as a production-based motorcycle-racing program.
The appeal of WSBK was the fact that teams were running production motorcycles (highly modified, but none the less production-based). Superbike racing fans could see the same motorcycles that were on their local dealership's floor mixing it up at speed on racetrack.
After humble beginnings the World Superbike Championship came under the guidance of the Italian Flammini Group (FGSports) in the early 90s. American sensation, Doug Polen, brought the series unprecedented exposure when the Texan dominated his rookie year in 1991, winning the title, and successfully defending the crown in 1992.
This helped ignite a powerful Ducati presence in the series, creating an engaging competition between the Italian powerhouse and the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers (Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha) that lasts to this day.
The Flammini Group grew the series, securing prominent venues and developing a strong television package, bringing the racing to an immense viewership. By the mid-90s WSBK was on par with MotoGP in terms of fan loyalty and coverage. An important element embraced by World SBK was an atmosphere of access to its stars. Unlike MotoGP, fans were able to get close to their favorite riders.
In the 22 years since its inception, the World Superbike championship has had a major impact on the development and engineering of modern sport motorcycles. As manufacturers chased the increasingly significant WSBK crown-fast becoming a vital marketing tool-it drove rapid evolution in sport bike technology, with the consumer reaping the rewards.
By the end of the 90s every many superbike manufacturer was deeply involved with World SBK. Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Ducati, Benelli, and Aprilia (and for a while Petronas) all had a major presence. A WSBK title sold a lot of motorcycles. In response, the manufacturers poured more backing into their race teams and the Superbike series continued to grow.
In 2004 the series adopted a controlled tire rule to ensure all of the teams were on equal equipment. Pirelli won the bid to be the exclusive supplier to the series. The controversial decision has since proven itself a wise move, creating closer racing and helping Pirelli to push development of their product, which is passed along to the products they sell to the public.
In 2008 the Flammini Group merged with Infront Motorsports and was rebranded Infront Sports & Media. The 2009 season saw a record seven manufacturers; Ducati, Aprilia, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, and BMW (as well as Triumph in Supersport) compete in the premiere class with 32 series' regulars lining up on grids all over the world.
As a result, the World Superbike title chase has become one of the most hotly contested global championships.
Regulations put into place in 2008 allowed two-cylinder machines (Ducati) to have an engine capacity of 1200cc while in-line 4-cylinder motorcycles are limited to 1000cc. The minimum weight limit for Superbikes remains 162kg for four-cylinder machines and 168kg for two-cylinder 1200cc machines.
This rule change was made to allow all manufacturers to continue competing in the championship while maintaining a fair but competitive challenge. It also ensured that manufacturers developing V-Twins (namely Ducati) would still be inclined toward continued participation.
For 2011 WSBK visits thirteen world-class venues, with the two-race format delivering a total of 26 World Championship points-paying races. The World Superbike Championship series-with its electrifying Saturday Superpole qualifying-kicks off February 27th in Phillip Island, Australia.
The Down Under locale has become the annual start point of the series and is typically a showcase for new team/rider combinations and new machinery, all looking to claim the World Superbike Title.

World Superbike History | Past Champions
2010
Max Biaggi
Aprilia
2009
Ben Spies
Yamaha
2008
Troy Bayliss
Ducati
2007
James Toseland
Honda
2006
Troy Bayliss
Ducati
2005
Troy Corser
Suzuki
2004
James Toseland
Ducati
2003
Neil Hodgson
Ducati
2002
Colin Edwards
Honda
2001
Troy Bayliss
Ducati
2000
Colin Edwards
Honda
1999
Carl Fogarty
Ducati
1998
Carl Fogarty
Ducati
1997
John Kocinski
Honda
1996
Troy Corser
Ducati
1995
Carl Fogarty
Ducati
1994
Carl Fogarty
Ducati
1993
Scott Russell
Kawasaki
1992
Doug Polen
Ducati
1991
Doug Polen
Ducati
1990
Raymond Roche
Ducati
1989
Fred Merkel
Honda
1988
Fred Merkel
Honda