SBK Salt Lake City 2008

[ChrisS]

The Superbike World Championship returns in the US after four years. Supersport will not race in the US and AMA SUperbike will race alongside World SBK but on different track configurations.

Troy Bayliss leads the championship by 78 points, more than 3 race wins. Carlos Checa is 2nd in the championship but he is still looking for his 1st Superbike win. Noriyuki Haga is 3rd and on great form as he tries to come back from a bad season start.

Several riders have raced in the US before either in SBK or MotoGP but none has raced at Miller before so it will also be a good opportunity for rookies like Kiyonari to show what they got.

The only one who raced there before is Jason Pridmore, the 2002 AMA Formula Extreme Champion and 2003 FIM Endurance World Champion. He joins Alto Evolution Honda for the rest of the season and he is the first American rider on the Superbike permanent entry list for a while now.

[ChrisS]

just for comparison. In last year's AMA round Ben Spies got pole with a time of 1:49.405

1. Troy Bayliss AUS Ducati Xerox 1098 F08 1min 50.710 secs
2. Carlos Checa SPA Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 1min 50.719 secs
3. Troy Corser AUS Yamaha Motor Italia YZF-R1 1min 50.738 secs
4. Regis Laconi ITA PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse ZX-10R 1min 50.842 secs
5. Fonsi Nieto SPA Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1min 50.862 secs
6. Yukio Kagayama JPN Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1min 50.975 secs
7. Shuhei Aoyama JPN Alto Evolution Honda CBR1000RR 1min 51.256 secs
8. Jakub Smrz CZE Guandalini Racing by Grifo's 1098 RS08 1min 51.532 secs
9. Michel Fabrizio ITA Ducati Xerox 1098 F08 1min 51.607 secs
10. Ayrton Badovini ITA Team Pedercini ZX-10R 1min 51.643 secs
11. Noriyuki Haga JPN Yamaha Motor Italia YZF-R1 1min 51.741 secs
12. Karl Muggeridge AUS D.F. Racing CBR1000RR 1min 51.752 secs
13. Lorenzo Lanzi ITA RG Racing 1098 RS08 1min 52.047 secs
14. Ryuichi Kiyonari JPN Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 1min 52.185 secs
15. Kenan Sofuoglu TUR Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 1min 52.223 secs
16. Jason Pridmore USA Alto Evolution Honda CBR1000RR 1min 52.557 secs
17. Max Biaggi ITA Sterilgarda Go Eleven 1098 RS08 1min 52.619 secs
18. Ruben Xaus SPA Sterilgarda Go Eleven 1098 RS08 1min 52.678 secs
19. Russell Holland AUS DF Racing CBR1000RR 1min 52.679 secs
20. Max Neukirchner GER Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1min 52.682 secs
21. Sebastien Gimbert FRA Yamaha France Ipone GMT 94 YZF-R1 1min 53.451 secs
22. Vittorio Iannuzzo ITA Team Pedercini ZX-10R 1min 53.498 secs
23. David Checa ESP Yamaha France Ipone GMT 94 YZF-R1 1min 53.537 secs
24. Shinichi Nakatomi JPN YZF Yamaha YZF-R1 1min 53.610 secs
25. Gregorio Lavilla SPA Ventaxia VK Honda CBR1000RR 1min 53.613 secs
26. Makoto Tamada JPN PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse ZX-10R 1min 53.957 secs
27. Loic Napoleone FRA Grillini PBR Team YZF-R1 1min 54.334 secs
28. Roberto Rolfo ITA Hannspree Honda Althea CBR1000RR 1min 54.872 secs
29. Scott Jensen USA On The Throttle.tv Suzuki GSX-R1000 K8 1min 55.853 secs

[ChrisS]

1. Troy Bayliss AUS Ducati Xerox 1098 F08 1min 49.394 secs
2. Troy Corser AUS Yamaha Motor Italia YZF-R1 1min 49.636 secs
3. Carlos Checa SPA Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 1min 49.732 secs
4. Jakub Smrz CZE Guandalini Racing by Grifo's 1098 RS08 1min 49.758 secs
5. Michel Fabrizio ITA Ducati Xerox 1098 F08 1min 49.872 secs
6. Fonsi Nieto SPA Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1min 49.895 secs
7. Yukio Kagayama JPN Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1min 50.135 secs
8. Ruben Xaus SPA Sterilgarda Go Eleven 1098 RS08 1min 50.230 secs
9. Ayrton Badovini ITA Team Pedercini ZX-10R 1min 50.269 secs
10. Noriyuki Haga JPN Yamaha Motor Italia YZF-R1 1min 50.349 secs
11. Shuhei Aoyama JPN Alto Evolution Honda CBR1000RR 1min 50.413 secs
12. Makoto Tamada JPN PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse ZX-10R 1min 50.439 secs
13. Karl Muggeridge AUS D.F. Racing CBR1000RR 1min 50.481 secs
14. Regis Laconi ITA PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse ZX-10R 1min 50.618 secs
15. Max Neukirchner GER Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1min 50.929 secs
16. Max Biaggi ITA Sterilgarda Go Eleven 1098 RS08 1min 51.077 secs
17. Kenan Sofuoglu TUR Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 1min 51.229 secs
18. Sebastien Gimbert FRA Yamaha France Ipone GMT 94 YZF-R1 1min 51.318 secs
19. Lorenzo Lanzi ITA RG Racing 1098 RS08 1min 51.353 secs
20. Shinichi Nakatomi JPN YZF Yamaha YZF-R1 1min 51.386 secs
21. Russell Holland AUS DF Racing CBR1000RR 1min 51.399 secs
22. Gregorio Lavilla SPA Ventaxia VK Honda CBR1000RR 1min 51.418 secs
23. Ryuichi Kiyonari JPN Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 1min 51.637 secs
24. Jason Pridmore USA Alto Evolution Honda CBR1000RR 1min 52.025 secs
25. Vittorio Iannuzzo ITA Team Pedercini ZX-10R 1min 52.300 secs
26. David Checa ESP Yamaha France Ipone GMT 94 YZF-R1 1min 52.490 secs
27. Loic Napoleone FRA Grillini PBR Team YZF-R1 1min 53.224 secs
28. Roberto Rolfo ITA Hannspree Honda Althea CBR1000RR 1min 53.804 secs
29. Scott Jensen USA On The Throttle.tv Suzuki GSX-R1000 K8 1min 55.939 secs

[Corny]

Melandri might not be the only one to be replaced by Ducati before the end of the year. I think Biaggi might get in a danger zone as well

[Daz100]

Looking forward to these races, should be an exciting event, Hoping Kyo can build on his podium from monza a few weeks back, but whatever the outcomes, we know we are in for 2 thrilling races.

Someone will put up a screen shot of the grid I'm sure but in the meantime. Checa, Neukirchner, Bayliss and Fabrizio on the front row. I'm not sure how serious Nori's injury is but he is starting 10th so hopefully he didn't break a collarbone in qual as initial reports suggested.
I was hoping Sky sports would show us the AMA race as there is no Supersport race but it doesn't look like it. They are showing WSBK R1 on Sky sport 3 from 5.30-7.00am Monday and Race 2 Sky Sport 2 from 9.00-10 am.



Sky has changed the schedule and will probably mess about with it again before Mon.

[Roby44]

Here in Australia Race 1 live at 3.30am on Fox Sports 3

Then at 6.30am for Race 2

NASCAR is on in between!!!

Then off to work!!

We're getting NRL Rabbitohs/Dragons replay in between :mad:

[ChrisS]

double win for Checa, double DNF for Bayliss, 75 point lead down to 28

US was the turnaround point for the 2002 season, will history repeat itself?

[ChrisS]

1. Carlos Checa SPA Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 37mins 04.991secs 20 laps
2. Troy Corser AUS Yamaha Motor Italia YZF-R1 +2.809secs
3. Michel Fabrizio ITA Ducati Xerox 1098 F08 +6.546secs
4. Max Neukirchner GER Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 +7.764secs
5. Fonsi Nieto SPA Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 +16.475secs
6. Jakub Smrz CZE Guandalini Racing by Grifo's 1098 RS08 +17.126secs
7. Karl Muggeridge AUS D.F. Racing CBR1000RR +17.284secs
8. Yukio Kagayama JPN Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 +17.416secs
9. Max Biaggi ITA Sterilgarda Go Eleven 1098 RS08 +18.117secs
10. Ryuichi Kiyonari JPN Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR +20.467secs
11. Lorenzo Lanzi ITA RG Racing 1098 RS08 +21.742secs
12. Kenan Sofuoglu TUR Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR +27.533secs
13. Gregorio Lavilla SPA Ventaxia VK Honda CBR1000RR +32.609secs
14. Ruben Xaus SPA Sterilgarda Go Eleven 1098 RS08 +33.165secs
15. Russell Holland AUS DF Racing CBR1000RR +34.182secs

16. Shinichi Nakatomi JPN YZF Yamaha YZF-R1 +34.500secs
17. Ayrton Badovini ITA Team Pedercini ZX-10R +36.155secs
18. Sebastien Gimbert FRA Yamaha France Ipone GMT 94 YZF-R1 +41.685secs
19. Makoto Tamada JPN PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse ZX-10R +43.579secs
20. Roberto Rolfo ITA Hannspree Honda Althea CBR1000RR +54.195secs
21. Jason Pridmore USA Alto Evolution Honda CBR1000RR +1min 00.388secs
22. Vittorio Iannuzzo ITA Team Pedercini ZX-10R +1min 02.104secs
23. Scott Jensen USA On The Throttle.tv Suzuki GSX-R1000 K8 +1min 09.953secs
24. Loic Napoleone FRA Grillini PBR Team YZF-R1 +1min 12.258secs

Not Classified
25. Shuhei Aoyama JPN Alto Evolution Honda CBR1000RR 14 laps completed
26. David Checa ESP Yamaha France Ipone GMT 94 YZF-R1 6 laps completed
27. Noriyuki Haga JPN Yamaha Motor Italia YZF-R1 5 laps completed
28. Troy Bayliss AUS Ducati Xerox 1098 F08 4 laps completed
29. Regis Laconi ITA PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse ZX-10R 4 laps completed

[ChrisS]

1. Carlos Checa SPA Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 21 laps
2. Max Neukirchner GER Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 +3.547secs
3. Michel Fabrizio ITA Ducati Xerox 1098 F08 +6.613secs
4. Max Biaggi ITA Sterilgarda Go Eleven 1098 RS08 +7.878secs
5. Yukio Kagayama JPN Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 +10.568secs
6. Noriyuki Haga JPN Yamaha Motor Italia YZF-R1 +11.539secs
7. Ryuichi Kiyonari JPN Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR +18.381secs
8. Fonsi Nieto SPA Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 +20.646secs
9. Regis Laconi ITA PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse ZX-10R +21.264secs
10. Lorenzo Lanzi ITA RG Racing 1098 RS08 +24.863secs
11. Karl Muggeridge AUS D.F. Racing CBR1000RR +25.672secs
12. Ayrton Badovini ITA Team Pedercini ZX-10R +31.711secs
13. Makoto Tamada JPN PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse ZX-10R +35.628secs
14. Kenan Sofuoglu TUR Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR +42.816secs
15. Gregorio Lavilla SPA Ventaxia VK Honda CBR1000RR +45.034secs

16. Roberto Rolfo ITA Hannspree Honda Althea CBR1000RR +50.220secs
17. Sebastien Gimbert FRA Yamaha France Ipone GMT 94 YZF-R1 +50.653secs
18. Jason Pridmore USA Alto Evolution Honda CBR1000RR +51.188secs
19. Vittorio Iannuzzo ITA Team Pedercini ZX-10R +1min 04.533secs
20. Scott Jensen USA On The Throttle.tv Suzuki GSX-R1000 K8 +1min 12.049secs
21. Loic Napoleone FRA Grillini PBR Team YZF-R1 +1min 19.221secs
22. Troy Bayliss AUS Ducati Xerox 1098 F08 +2 laps

Not Classified
23. Troy Corser AUS Yamaha Motor Italia YZF-R1 17 laps completed
24. Shuhei Aoyama JPN Alto Evolution Honda CBR1000RR 14 laps completed
25. Shinichi Nakatomi JPN YZF Yamaha YZF-R1 13 laps completed
26. Ruben Xaus SPA Sterilgarda Go Eleven 1098 RS08 6 laps completed
27. Russell Holland AUS DF Racing CBR1000RR 1 lap completed

[Roby44]

We're getting NRL Rabbitohs/Dragons replay in between :mad:


Poor you! I thought getting NASCAR was bad!! But Football!! :eek:

[leopard]

Melandri might not be the only one to be replaced by Ducati before the end of the year. I think Biaggi might get in a danger zone as well

How dare you said Biaggi in dangerous zone, there were only two Ducatis in top-10 finished in both races, one of which was Biaggi. The bike was talking by the win of Checa, throughout his career I can't remember when was Checa better than him, but probably 2006 and 2007.

[Corny]

I didn't meant it so serious my mate, but to say it different: I expected a bit more from Biaggi :)

[leopard]

Alright, 2006-7 Biaggi and Checa didn't ride at the same championship. :)

[osg]

Ducati will want to fix whatever has gone wrong with Bayliss and his Bike......... it's gonna cost them both the title at this rate.

[Roby44]

I didn't meant it so serious my mate, but to say it different: I expected a bit more from Biaggi :)

I think lots of people expected more from Max. He just doesn't seem the same after that accident at Phillip Island does he?? :(

What news of Ruben Xaus, I wondered if he was winded or maybe hurt his back. I can understand why Nori wanted to ride but how much more damage did he do with that crash in race one. Any updates? What to you think of Miller Park.

[fatman]

Both the SBK races were great to watch.

I thought Bayliss was going to get hit by the charge of bikes coming around the bend after his crash. He did well to dance out of the way.

[ChrisS]

What to you think of Miller Park.

I liked the track, the layout has nice flow, and the mountains in the back make for a nice scener

[NinjaMaster]

I actually found the racing to be pretty boring, particularly the first race. I guess getting up at 3:30am to watch means I want a classic battle to make it worthwhile but it was really very spread out.
Bayliss would be disappointed to now suffer 3 DNF's in a row but he'd be hoping that's the end of his bad luck and with Checa guaranteed to crash during the year, I don't think his confidence would be too dented.
I'm really happy to see Neukirchner's continued good form, really proving he is their no. 1 rider. Along with Fabrizio's impressive ride (if only he could get off the line!), it's great to see the new brigade starting to come through.
Corser had a great ride that was unfortunately undone by a crash from a strong position in race 2 which could have really put him back in the title picture following Bayliss' demise.
Haga's bravery to ride with such significant injury was really quite amazing. I'm so glad his first race crash didn't do him further damage and his second race showing could prove pivotal come seasons end.
Poor ol' Biaggi can't take a trick at the moment. He got a good start in the first race, only for Haga to put a hard move on him and then run wide. At least the second race was kinder to him and I've been impressed with him fighting through the pain barrier that perhaps he wouldn't have done a few years ago.
The track wasn't too bad but because it's so big, there appeared to be no crowd or atmosphere. The surrounding scenery is breath taking but I think the surroundings of the actual circuit itself looks fairly barren and ugly.

I actually found the racing to be pretty boring, particularly the first race.

Are you sure you weren't just dreaming you were up watching the races. ;)

The track wasn't too bad but because it's so big, there appeared to be no crowd or atmosphere. The surrounding scenery is breath taking but I think the surroundings of the actual circuit itself looks fairly barren and ugly.

That's about what I thought too regards Miller Park. Somewhat of a contrast after watching the motogp crowd and surroundings at Mugello.

[Roby44]

What news of Ruben Xaus, I wondered if he was winded or maybe hurt his back. I can understand why Nori wanted to ride but how much more damage did he do with that crash in race one. Any updates? What to you think of Miller Park.


Haga gets screwed

Following a painful crash last weekend at the Salt Lake City circuit, Noriyuki Haga went on to astound doctors and race fans by climbing back on his R1 and taking a ten point chunk out of Troy Bayliss’ championship lead.

Yamaha Motor Italia rider Haga fell heavily on the Saturday morning practice session, coming off after a collision with another rider at the Black Rock hairpin. After an examination by the circuit doctor it was revealed he had broken his collarbone in no less than three places and was advised that it was unlikely he would be able to manage any more than one or two laps in the next free practice session.

In a clear demonstration not only of Haga’s commitment to the championship and determination to win, but also the outstanding support of the Yamaha Motor Italia Team, Haga went on to not only ride Superpole but also race on the Sunday and take points away with him from round 06.

Haga flew to California on the Monday for an operation by Doctor Arthur J. Ting. The operation was successful, Doctor Ting used a plate and eight screws to secure the break, ensuring that with a week of rest Haga will be a little sore but fighting fit to take on the WSB pack in round seven at the Nurburgring in Germany.

Haga now sits fifth in the championship standings, 72 points behind leader Troy Bayliss with a further eight rounds to race. Troy Corser sits just one point behind Haga in 6th place with 121 points so far this season. Having found his form at the Salt Lake City circuit, both Corser and Haga are placed to challenge for the championship.

[Roby44]

That's about what I thought too regards Miller Park. Somewhat of a contrast after watching the motogp crowd and surroundings at Mugello.

It was a big difference wasn't it?? The crowds at Mugello and then almost no one at Miller Park track.

It looked very barren and dusty, but maybe the crowds will come eventually....

[ChrisS]

It was a big difference wasn't it?? The crowds at Mugello and then almost no one at Miller Park track.

It looked very barren and dusty, but maybe the crowds will come eventually....

I think there were 55K+ fans there, its not MotoGP attendance numbers but they are good for SBK

[NinjaMaster]

I think there were 55K+ fans there, its not MotoGP attendance numbers but they are good for SBK
That is a pretty good attendance. I read that the complex is so big that the crowd look very sparse. Perhaps they would be better off limiting the spectator areas a bit to try make the crowd look more substantial.

[fireblade1000]

Is anyone else having trouble watching this round on wsbk tv site? Watched all round ok up until salt lake.