WSBK: Geriatrics Battle for Race 1 at Misano

Max Biaggi turned a year older yesterday, making the Italian rider 39 years-old, but he isn’t the only rider on the World Superbike grid that’s whose a bit weathered with age. Battling for Race 1 at Misano this weekend, the old duffs came out of the woodwork, and showed that you can teach an old dog new tricks after all. Get out your walked, and check out all the race spoilers after the jump.

Contending with the Aprilia of Biaggi, Troy Corser and Carlos Checa showed up in good form for the over 30 crowd. With Corser sitting on the pole, all eyes were on the Australian to see if he could bring the first race win to the German team. Taking a strong early lead, Corser seemed set to achieve just that goal, but with Biaggi, Checa, Fabrizio, and Guintoli in tow, it certainly wouldn’t be easy. The five-man pack broke away from the field as Haga, Haslam, and Camier battled for sixth.

As the race wore on, Fabrizio and Guintoli found themselves squaring off with each other for fourth, leaving Corser to lead Biaggi and Checa on their own battle for first. The BMW S1000RR looked in top form, but later in the race Corser’s tires began to fade, and Biaggi found a way past.

As Corser pushed to recapture first, Checa followed through taking second place soon after. The Ducati and BMW Superbikes were no match for the power that the RSV4 was able to put down on Misano’s straights, and The Emperor was too skilled to let the riders catch him under braking and in the turns.

As such, Biaggi took a close victory in Race 1 at Misano, San Marino. Happy Birthday Max. Race 2 looks to have some great action as we wait and see if BMW can capture its first top-step podium finish.

Results from Race 1 of World Superbike at Misano, San Marino: