WSBK Returns to USA
The World’s Best Superbikes Set to Race in the USA in 08
The event takes place at the Miller Motorsports Park circuit near Salt Lake City, Utah, on June 1 2008. There is a multiyear agreement to run the event here with the Larry Miller owned company that built the circuit.
The head of FGsport, the group promoting the series worldwide, Maurizio Flammini, is keen to build on the earlier success of the series at Laguna Seca and hopes to make the event even bigger at its new north American home.
“We consider Miller Motorsports Park a very interesting, fast and safe circuit with top facilities compared to the USA standard,” said Maurizio Flammini.
“I was particularly impressed from the commitment and enthusiasm of Governor Jon Huntsman who I want to thank for his hospitality, and from the professionalism of Larry H. Miller and his Staff.”
Paolo Flammini, CEO of FGsport, considered the return to the USA marks an important step in the resurgence of the series following a recent decline in participation by the Japanese manufacturers.
“North America represents one of the widest motorcycle markets in the world and we strongly believe that the 2008 FIM SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP USA round will add strong value to the participation of the motorcycle manufacturers to the Series,” said Paolo Flammini.
The local AMA Superbikes will provide an additional attraction on the weekend with a double header round.
“We are very excited to once again share the stage with the FIM SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP and look forward to bringing the American fans a Superbike weekend they will cherish forever,” said AMA Road Race Director Keith Kizer.
The local promoters realise the significance of bringing the world to Salt Lake City.
“This will be the biggest international sporting event in this state since the Olympic Winter Games in 2002. We look forward to welcoming the international motorcycle racing community to Utah, as well as thousands of new fans from across the United States and the world, who will be visiting Utah and our facility for the first time.” said track owner Larry H. Miller.
The once dominant Ducati team is now under serious threat in the series from teams representing the major Japanese manufacturers.
This year it is a Yamaha versus Honda battle for the rider’s World Championship, with Suzuki providing serious competition for most of the season.
Current World Champion, Ducati’s Troy Bayliss, will have a new machine for 2008 and the Ducati Corse Superbike team will be keen to return to the top. Particularly considering the in house rivalry generated by the success this year of the MotoGP team.
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