World Superbikes and MotoGP : a global sport tourism phenomenon

World championship level motorcycle road racing became an international sport tourism event when MotoGP began in 1949. In contrast, the world superbike championship only began in 1988. MotoGP has been perceived as the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing with the world superbike championship perceived as second best for riders who cannot compete at the MotoGP level. Despite this, spectators throughout the world still flock to watch these exciting contests between charioteers on two wheels. For both MotoGP and world superbike championship races, spectator attendance figures generally show increases over time due to the close handlebar to handlebar racing and the sometimes spectacular crashes that result from the intense competition. Countries that have circuits used by these two world championships benefit financially from sport tourists due to the attendance of spectators, participants and race teams as well as volunteer officials. Motorcycle road racing is demonstrating more environmental awareness with the introduction of Moto2 class in MotoGP and the electric motorcycle championship, the TTXGP in 2010.