The World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) was established in 1988 by the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) to feature race-ready versions of production motorcycles. It was created with the "race on Sunday, buy on Monday" philosophy, aiming to bridge the gap between commercial motorcycles and competitive racing. The series has grown to include races at international venues, with two support classes, WorldSSP and WorldSSP300.
Here's a more detailed look:
- The inaugural season in 1988 saw a diverse range of riders and manufacturers, setting the stage for a competitive series. The early years saw the dominance of Fred Merkel and the Honda RC30, followed by the rise of Ducati and their V-twin engines.
- The championship expanded its reach with races across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, attracting a broader audience and more manufacturers. The 1990s were marked by the dominance of Carl Fogarty and Ducati, with Fogarty winning four titles.
- WorldSBK continues to embrace technological advancements in electronics and aerodynamics while maintaining its focus on production-based motorcycles. The series includes two races per weekend, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. The most successful rider in terms of championships is Jonathan Rea, with six titles. Ducati remains the most successful manufacturer with 15 manufacturer championships.
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