Island to host Super showdown

TROY will be the name on everyone's lips at Phillip Island this weekend when round three of the international four-stroke motorcycle racing title, the Superbike World Championship, is fought out at the picturesque Phillip Island circuit.

Former world Superbike champion and factory Aprilia rider Troy Corser leads fellow New South Welshman Troy Bayliss (Ducati) by a mere two points after two rounds of the 2001 title chase.

Corser, a renowned Superpole specialist and the Phillip Island lap record holder, is favourite to dominate Sunday's two races at the blisteringly quick 4.4km seaside track, which has played host to some of the most tightly contested Superbike races ever seen.

American Ben Bostrom hopes to continue his impressive performance from the previous round at Kyalami in South Africa. The Ducati rider claimed pole position, won race two in convincing fashion and is third in the championship points behind Corser and Bayliss.

Honda's hopes will be carried at Phillip Island by reigning Superbike world champion Colin Edwards, who has showed only a glimmer of his 2000 form in winning the opening race of round two, before mechanical failure forced him out of the second race in South Africa. The Australian-born Texan is fourth in the championship.

Kawasaki factory pilot Gregorio Lavilla claimed a podium finish at the opening round in Valencia, Spain, and holds down fifth in the title, just three points behind Edwards. He will be looking for support from Kawasaki teammate, veteran Akira Yanagawa, who struggled to gain a top five finish at Kyalami and will be keen to improve on his eighth place in the championship standings.

Likewise for Frankie Chili, who along with Suzuki teammate and former Supersport world champion Stephane Chambon has suffered severe handling problems with his all-new GSX-R750 Superbike. The Italian SWC regular holds down an uncharacteristic sixth in the championship and knows the Phillip Island circuit well.

Bayliss and Corser's efforts will be supported by a trio of other Australian SWC contenders, including privateer Ducati pilots Steve Martin, Marty Craggill and Broc Parkes, plus a number of other locals out to impress in their one-off SWC appearance.

Australia will also be well represented in the Supersport World Championship, which runs alongside the world Superbike title, while the Sidecar World Championship also makes a welcome return to Phillip Island this weekend.