WSBK: Race 1 at Magny-Cours Shows a Points Teeter-Totter for the Championship

Eclipsing the excitement in MotoGP this week, World Superbike has heated up to be a great series to watch in these final two outings. Recently signed to Tech3 Yamaha, Ben Spies looked for W in Race 1 to try and take back the Championship lead from Noriyuki Haga.

Always a bridesmaid, and never a bride, Haga entered Race 1 also looking for a win, to help further his points lead in what could be his first WSBK Championship trophy. Johnny Rea on the other hand, entered Race 1 to try and crash into one of the top riders, and spoil the whole series for everyone else. Continue after the jump to find who was successful in their endeavors.

Race 1 proved to be Ben Spies’ outing, as the American lead for almost the entire race. With Haga stuck behind Rea and Biaggi, the Japanese rider was unable to challenge the Texan for the front spot until later in the race. After Rea retired with mechanical problems, Haga had to contend with the worthy adversary that is Max Biaggi. The Aprilia RSV4 has shown itself to be a top bike in its first year out racing, and the Emperor proved he could still contend with the top riders of the world.

It would take Haga 10 laps before he could pass the Italian rider, but once he was past Biaggi, Haga closed in on Spies. Catching Spies with only half a lap remaining in the race, Haga would see Spies return the favor post-haste, and squeak a win with just two tenths of second to spare.

The win gave Spies a provisional first place in the Championship points, but still had Race 2 in his way before he could call it a day’s worth of work.

Results from Race 1 of World Superbike at Magny-Cours, France: