In the late 90’s MotoGP was on a downswing and World Superbikes were THE big thing in motorcycle racing. With the 2009 season just a couple days away from kicking off, how about a look back at one of the classic WSBK races from Philip Island. Race 2 from 1997
Imola 2002 Edwards v Bayliss
Two Wheel Tuesday for this week is MASSIVE! With the opening round of the World Superbike series less than two weeks away, I thought something to get you revved up for the season is called for.
There was a lot of talk about a “Duel In The Desert” between Rossi and Bayliss, but I ask you, could it live up to the “Throwdown At Imola”? Remember the WSBK title battle between Edwards and Bayliss? Troy had dominated the first half of the season opening a huge lead in the Championship, but come just past mid season at Laguna Seca, The Texas Tornado caught fire and went on a winning streak and come the last round of the series there were just a couple of points separating the two, the championship would be decided in the final round at Imola.
What we got were maybe two of the greatest races ever as these two went at it with everything they had and left it all on the track! I’ve watched this clip of race two maybe a hundred times (no joke) and I still get excited to watch the pass and repass moves.
Sit back and crank it up as we relive real Days Of Glory!
Imola 2002 Edwards v Bayliss from Eric Trytko on Vimeo.
Two Wheel Tuesday
Don’t book this one as permanent feature, though I think it will be, but going forward I think we will try to feature some older two wheeled action that sticks out at us.
For the first installment we will head to Ireland, circa 1989 where we see a TZ250 do battle with an RC30 Honda and a RGV500. If you were a fan of the original Formula USA series, a real “run what you brung” series where 500GP bikes went up against GSXR 1100’s running on methanol to Turbocharged CBR900RR’s then you’ll love this. The great Chris Carter is the lead announcer. Thanks to Graham over on the COMPoST list for finding these!
1983 British 500GP
So I thought we’d have a little fun for a few minutes and take a look back at some of the glory days of the 500GP series, you know REAL GP bikes, TWO STROKES, not the fuel restricted diesels that DORNA has saddled us with.
Five interviews here before the race, and five very large names in the recent history of Grand Prix motorcycle roadracing.
First up, The King, Kenny Roberts in his last full year of racing, the championship this year went down to the final race.
Next KRSR rival for the championship and a man who would go on to be one of THE WORST color commentator in motorsports Freddie Spencer
Now to a man who was four times a runner up in the championship and would go on to be a member of one of THE BEST announcing teams in motorsports, Randy Mamola
Time for The Brits, first Rocket Ron Haslam
Finally a man who is/was a legend, Barry Sheene