Haslam Makes History

When Leon Haslam crossed the finish line at Phillip Island, he didn’t know he was making history. But Leon Haslam’s finish at the end of race one at the opening weekend of the World Superbike championships, put him in the books for two reasons; it was the closest finish in WSBK history, and he became the 63rd rider to win a WSB race.

At the end of the race, Michele Fabrizio and his Xerox Ducati team celebrated, but after the finish was reviewed, Haslam was awarded the win by a margin of .004 seconds. It was the first win for the Suzuki Alstare rider, and placed him among the elite of WSBK racers.

In the 23 year history of the WSBK, only 63 riders, including Haslam, have won a race. Carl Fogarty has the most wins with 59,  followed by Troy Bayliss with 53, Noriyuki Haga with 41 and Troy Corser with 33. Carlos Checa, who won the second race on the opening weekend, has three wins.

Phillip Island is one of the fastest tracks that riders will experience during the WSB season, and is prone to close finishes. The race that Haslam won by .004 seconds had an average speed of 107 mph.