It was an astounding rookie ride
and victory that earned full points
but even fuller marks.
Early forces and race leaders
Lowes and (eventual second-
place rider Iannone) entered to
those names a surprise, despite
their previous racing pedigrees.
The tall Italian would go on to
secure the race win after some in
-
credible early fights and the much-
discussed regulatory tire change.
ROUND 1 / FEBRUARY 23-25, 2024
PHILLIP ISLAND / VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
ROAD RACING I FIM SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
P70
54 TOPRAK RAZGATLIOGLU
(5-3-DNF) WORLDSBK
"In general, I would say that I am 50
percent happy and 50 percent not,"
Toprak said. "The goal was to make
it to the podium, which we did in the
Superpole Race, but in the second
main race, I was ready to fight for the
win because we also had improved
the bike, and I felt good, but then we
had the engine problem. This is racing
and it has been the first race weekend
of the season. At Barcelona, we need
to come back very strong."
MYOWNRACE
No rookie has
made as big of an
impression since
Ben Spies in 2009.
Nicolo Bulega's form
is ominous for the
season ahead.
Lowes leads the
returning Andrea
Iannone, who wore
a replica of the late
Anthony Gobert's helmet
which the Australian
wore in his famous
Phillip Island win in
2000 on the Bimota.
