WorldSBK has just released a documentary on one of the most impressive comebacks in the history of motorcycle racing – and it took place on Italy’s classic Imola circuit.
Back in 2002, the betting odds for the WorldSBK championship were stacked in favor of two racers:
- Colin Edwards, or the “Texas Tornado” – the title holder for 2000’s WorldSBK Championship, and a talent to be reckoned with (via Wikipedia).
- Troy Bayliss, an Aussie and Ducati racer with the 2001 WorldSBK Championship title tucked into his proverbial belt and a clear lead going into Imola (also via Wikipedia).
2000’s title belonged to Edwards, 2001’s to Bayliss… and then 2002’s WorldSBK efforts came around.
The two champs were put together on the winning circuit to see who would land the next year’s title; as both gents wrestled down to a one-point differential conclusion, an insane comeback created one of the most epic showdowns in WorldSBK, ever.
If you don’t know the complete story, you’ll get a front-row seat to all the drama – from paddock posits to circuitry chaos and more – by watching WorldSBK’s “The Showdown” (2023) documentary.
“With a capacity 97,700 crowd watching on, countless passes for victory, the strategy of tactics and of course, the sensational, hair-raising final lap, the story and rivalry comes alive just like it did on the day itself,” imparts coverage from WorldSBK and Dorna’s press releases.
“The most successful rider of all-time in WorldSBK, six-time World Champion Jonathan Rea, casts his mind back to that incredible day, whilst double WorldSBK Champion and current commentator within the paddock James Toseland reflects on it all too.”
“There’s also valuable insight from journalists Gordon Ritchie and Carlo Baldi.”
Expect to see this documentary with access via the WorldSBK VideoPass, a 34,99€ subscription that not only provides a prime gander at “The Showdown – Imola 2002” (2023), but also provides access to “all content prior to, and not including, the first race of 2024.”