The World Superbike Championship mixes the world's quickest production bikes with brilliant riders racing on some of the most prestigious race courses in the world, such as Valencia, Monza, Silverstone, Misano, Imola, Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Magny-Cours. The series is run by SBK International, part of the Octagon Sports group.

The World Superbike Championship

This Superbike racing category is very popular with the bike manufacturers. The racing machines are derived from standard production models. The frame cannot be modified and they must maintain the same profile as their roadgoing counterparts. Teams are free only to modify the suspensions, brakes, swingarm, and the diameter and size of the wheels. Consequently, a common motorsport expression is "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday."

The first World Superbike Championship took place in 1988 and was won by American Fred Merkel, riding a Honda. Other famous winners have included Carl Fogarty, Neil Hodgson, James Toseland and Troy Bayliss. The main manufacturers competing are Ducati, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha.