Nearly two years after the Australian threw in the towel on motorcycle racing, Troy Bayliss has found a way to return to motorcycling headlines by his rumored intention to re-enter the World Superbike racing series. After recently testing for Ducati at Mugello (Bayliss is still on the Italian payroll as a test rider), Troy made it clear that he missed racing, and would like to return to the sport. While many sites are pegging a 2011 season for the Australian rider, we could see him as a wild card entry as early as Misano…if Bayliss goes through on his desires to race again.
Part of the motivation for Bayliss’ return is the fact that he is one Championship short of the record set by Carl Fogarty, who also has seven more wins than Bayliss. Seven wins are surely attainable by Bayliss if has a competitive entry, which Ducati has been quick to assure him he would have, if he should return to the series. Ducati has reportedly pledged its full support of Bayliss’ return to World Superbike.
The final decision still rests in Bayliss’ hands though, as he hasn’t completely committed to anything yet. Bayliss originally left World Superbike after winning his third WSBK Championship. He reason for retirement was to spend more time with his family, which certainly is an objective that’s going to run counter to a racing revival.
Still there is talk that Bayliss may test the waters with racing again by appearing as a wild card entry at either the Misano or Imola World Superbike rounds. Such a maneuver would likely show the racing veteran if he can be competitive making a return to WSBK, and if it would be worth the effort to mount a 2011 comeback.
We here at A&R would love to see the Australian make a return to World Superbike, if it means amazing races like the one below. Enjoy Troy Bayliss trading corners with Colin Edwards, in what may be the best race of all time.
Source: MotoMatters, MCN, OmniMoto
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