Time Comparison: AMA Superbike vs. World Superbike

With AMA Superbike and World Superbike sharing the same venue, with the same course, for the first time since 2004, the comparison was bound to be made between the two classes this Memorial Day weekend. The last time the two series shared the same circuit was at Laguna Seca, and not at Miller Motorsports Park as you would think. This is because the has AMA typically ran the Full Course here at MMP, while World Superbike ran the shorter the Outer Course.

With both series running the Outer Course this year, our analysis can finally be updated. While there are obvious differences between the regulations governing both series and classes, not to mention a fundamental difference in funding and dare I say it, rider talent, the comparison is still interesting to make between the two Championships. Check out after the jump how the two compared during Saturday’s Qualifying Practice sessions.

The American riders have the home field advantage at Miller Motorsports Park, but the WSBK riders come with team budgets that in some cases at 10x more than those found in the AMA paddock. World Superbike also has the added feature of selecting riders from across the globe, with ratio to potential riders to actual seats being far greater.

Still despite these differences, it’s worthy to note that several AMA Superbike riders would be competitive at World Superbike’s sole-American stop. We’ll let you to ponder the what-ifs in the comments section. AMA riders have been highlighted in grey to make the comparison easier below.

Source: AMA Pro Racing & WorldSBK; Photo: © 2011 Scott Jones Photography – All Rights Reserved