World SBK: Miller to Misano
Tyler Hopper
AllAboutBikes Staff-Writer
Round eight of the World Superbike Championship takes place this weekend at the Misano World Circuit on the beautiful coast of Italy. The 4.226 km circuit is located close to the resort town of Misano Adriatico in the province of Rimini. Misano has been a stop on the World Superbike tour since 1991, with the exception of 1992. The circuit appears to be particularly conducive to double winners, with 11 of the 17 events producing wins for the same rider.
This weekend all eyes will be on Ducati and Ben Spies. Ducati is predominantly the winner at Misano, having won 26 times in 34 races. Spies comes off of a double, and his seventh straight pole, win at Miller Motorsports Park, let’s hope he keeps his momentum as he familiarizes himself with the Misano track for the first time. The result of a massive re-design of the Italian circuit in 2007 is a level playing field between all of the riders; no one will hold a significant advantage.
The action will be heated up in Misano this weekend, but will be quickly cooling down. The high for Friday in Misano is 91 degrees Fahrenheit, which will be dropping down to a high of 68 Sunday. Riders will have to be prepared for anything this weekend, track conditions will be hard to judge.
The San Marino Round of the HANNspree FIM Superbike World Championship takes place from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June. The action starts on Friday at 12:45 with World Superbike free practice and qualifying in the afternoon, followed by Superpole on Saturday at 3:00. The two 24-lap (101.424 km) Superbike races are scheduled to run on Sunday at 12:00 and 3.30, with the 22-lap (97.972 km) Supersport race in between at 1:25 local time.
Lap records: Race – Troy Corser (Yamaha) 1’37.580 (2008); Best lap – Troy Corser (Yamaha) 1’35.993 (2008).
