WorldSBK Superbike
Production-based superbikes, close racing and fierce brand rivalries on real tracks.
2026 live
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WorldSBK is the FIM Superbike World Championship, a series built around motorcycles you can recognize from the showroom floor. Manufacturers build road-going sportbikes, get them approved through homologation, then race tuned versions on circuits around the world. That link between street and track is the heart of the series. Fans love the bar-to-bar racing, the mix of brands, and the sound of big twins and screaming fours fighting through the same corner.
The championship started in 1988, and American Fred Merkel won the first two titles on a Honda. Through the 1990s it became a Ducati-versus-Japan story, with Doug Polen and Carl Fogarty turning the Ducati V-twin into a legend. Troy Bayliss, Colin Edwards and many others followed. Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, BMW and Aprilia have all chased wins too, so brand loyalty and rivalries run deep in the paddock and the grandstands.
How it works
- A typical weekend starts with practice sessions, then Superpole qualifying to set the starting grid.
- Race weekends usually include two full-length races plus a shorter Superpole Race that sets part of the grid for the final race.
- Riders earn points for finishing positions in every race, and the rider with the most points at season's end is champion.
- Bikes start from production models, so teams tune within the rules rather than building purpose-made prototypes.
2026 schedule
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Showing the most recent and next events. Full calendar: official site.
Fan tips
- Bring ear protection. Superbikes are loud, especially in the pack at the start.
- Walk the circuit if you can. Different corners show braking, lean angle and overtaking in very different ways.
- Arrive early for support races. They often feature rising riders and some of the best racing of the day.
- Check the live data on this page for schedules and standings, and follow your favorite brand's riders through the season.
Legends of WorldSBK
Books, biographies and collectibles about the series' greats.
FAQ
How is WorldSBK different from MotoGP?
MotoGP uses purpose-built prototype machines. WorldSBK uses bikes based on production models that customers can buy. That gives WorldSBK a closer connection to street bikes and usually a wider mix of manufacturers.
Are the bikes really production machines?
They start as production motorcycles, but racing versions are heavily modified within the rules. Teams change suspension, electronics, brakes and engine parts, so they are much faster than anything on the street. The core design still comes from the road bike.
What is Superpole?
Superpole is the qualifying session that decides the starting grid. Riders push for one fast lap to earn the best grid spots. Starting near the front matters because it helps avoid the chaos of the first corner.
How can I follow the series live?
Live timing, schedules and standings are shown elsewhere on this page. Broadcast and streaming options change over time, so check the official series website for current viewing options in your region.