The Superstock 1000 FIM Cup is not just big on engine capacity; it's almost incomparable for delivering sensational finales.
As we anticipate the start of the 2008 campaign for the Superstock classes at Valencia, it's worth remembering that the FIM Cup has been decided on the very last lap of the last race of the year for the past five seasons.
Vittorio Iannuzzo was the last champ to win before the ultimate race weekend, way back in 2002. In 2003 Michel Fabrizio beat Lorenzo Lanzi by only three points, Lorenzo Alfonsi triumphed by nine points over his team-mate Gianluca Vizziello in 2004, and who can forget the last gasp pass by Didier Vankeymeulen on champion-elect Kenan Sofuoglu at Magny Cours in 2005? The big Belgian rider won that year by an eventual six points, when it seemed Sofuoglu had done enough - right until the final chicane, at least.
In 2006 Luca Scassa waved goodbye to his championship chances when he no-scored in the final round, and therefore Alessandro Polita took the glory by a relatively expansive 20-points, from Claudio Corti.
Last year no fewer than four riders finished within 25 points of each other at the top of the championship table. Niccolo Canepa was the eventual champ, from Claudio Corti (161 points to 157), with Matteo Baiocco and Xavier Simeon both potential champions at the start of the final day, but eventually third and fourth respectively.
Given the strength in depth of the championship in 2008 and the variety of machines on display, we could and could well be in for another last lap sort-out again.
worldsbk.com
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