2008 Assen World Superbikes

Bayliss and Ducati Score Double Win

Apr 29, 2008

Troy Bayliss is intent on retiring from Superbike racing as World Champion. Two wins in Holland have done his chances no harm.

Assen is one of the most popular stops on the World Superbike calendar. There has been a circuit at Assen since 1925 and it has provided fantastic racing over the years. A new circuit was opened in 1955 but, despite being shortened and widened, the current layout retains much of its character.

Troy Bayliss asserted his authority in Saturday’s Superpole, claiming first position. The Australian is currently competing in his final World Superbike Championship before his retirement at the end of the season.

Race One

Bayliss led from the start, followed by Yukio Kagayama, who had sprinted through from the second row of the grid. Meanwhile, Noriyuki Haga and Ruben Xaus were involved in a squabble which was resolved on lap two when both fell off. Haga was forced to retire while Xaus completed the race but outside of the points.

Troy Corser was soon passed by Max Neukirchner and Carlos Checa as they moved into second and third position respectively. On the fifth lap Kagayama managed to snatch the lead from Bayliss. The Japanese rider stayed there for eight laps before a couple of errors dropped him to fifth. Neukirchner and Checa renewed their personal battle which had ended so contentiously in Spain. Checa eventually came out on top to finish second, but Bayliss was a comfortable winner.

Race Two

Once again Bayliss made a textbook getaway to lead from Xaus. Haga, in third, was pressuring Xaus hard and passed the Spaniard on lap two. Xaus then had to deal with pressure from Troy Corser behind him. As the two battled with each other Neukirchner sneaked past into third.

Ryuichi Kiyonari had his promising race end when he pulled into retire eight laps in. At the front a duel between Bayliss and Haga was developing which would last to the flag. The old adversaries were rarely separated by more than a few bike lengths, with Bayliss cleverly defending his line.

Xaus caught up with Neukirchner again and managed to pass, followed by Checa. Checa then proceeded to pass Xaus for the final podium position. Despite having a better exit from the final chicane Haga couldn’t quite beat Bayliss to the line and the Australian scored his second win of the weekend. The result leaves Bayliss with a commanding lead in the championship. The strength in depth of this year's championship was reflected in race one where five different manufacturers finished in the top eight.

Race One Results

Race Two Results

Championship Standings

The copyright of the article 2008 Assen World Superbikes in Motorcycle Racing is owned by Kevin Guthrie. Permission to republish 2008 Assen World Superbikes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.