GRR

Video: Remember this sensational battle for the win in WSBK?

21st August 2023
Simon Ostler

By 2014, Tom Sykes had established himself as the man to beat in World Superbikes in the saddle of his Kawasaki. As reigning champion, he was among the favourites to triumph again for a second consecutive year, and it was rides like this at Donington Park that cemented his status as one of the very best motorcycle racers of the 2010s.

This was a showcase of Syke’s relentless battling qualities. He refused to give up, even when languishing down in tenth position earlier in the race. He fought his way back through the field, before coming across his Kawasaki team-mate Loris Baz in the lead of the race with just three laps to go.

What followed were two enthralling laps as both riders fought hard for the right to stand on the top step. Sykes made the first move with a dive down the inside of the final corner as the pair barrelled over the line with front wheels in the air.

You can see just how hard each is pushing. They’re both way beyond the limit of grip and Sykes steams into Turn One and just barely keeps the front end in check. Two corners later the lead changes again as Baz absolutely sends one down into the Old Hairpin. And so the action continues right to the very last moments. We’ll let you watch the video to find out who crosses the line in first place.

There’s barely a moment to breathe, as both Sykes and Baz look hell bent on ensuring they’re going to be the one to come out on top. It’s relentless, it’s exciting and it’s unforgettable drama, the likes of which we love to see.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Australian Racing truck racing is the most extreme sport

  • Elevenses

  • Video

  • Motorcycles

  • Tom Sykes

  • Loris Baz

  • Donington Park

  • WSBK

elevenses-wsbk-battle-for-the-win-donington-park.jpg

Historic

Video: Remember this sensational battle for the win in WSBK?

21st August 2023

donington_historic_tom_10051601.jpg

Historic

Gallery: Donington Historic Snapper's Selection – Tom Shaxson

09th May 2016

best_superbike_lap_ever_goodwood_08082023_list.jpg

Historic

Video: This is the best superbike lap in history

07th August 2023

btcc-masters.jpg

Historic

Video: Race of BTCC champions at Donington Park

20th May

btcc-doningtonn-2022-main.jpg

Modern

Eight talking points from BTCC at Donington Park

27th April 2022

donington-park-1998-btcc-video-goodwood-27032020.jpg

Historic

Video: BTCC insanity at Donington Park in 1998

27th March 2020

btcc-donington-park-202006.jpg

Modern

Five things we learned from the BTCC's return

02nd August 2020

elms-2001-donington-lyndon-mcneil-mi-main-goodwood-23092021.jpg

Historic

Video: Sportscar racing in 2001 sounded amazing

22nd September 2021