Fogarty and Ducati 996 #1 the 'Kings' of EICMA
As a result of the 59 race wins and four world titles he conquered in the second half of the 1990s, "King" Carl Fogarty is the most successful rider ever in the history of World Superbike. It comes as no surprise therefore that his presence at the 70th edition of EICMA and his appearances at the SBK Paddock Show in Hall 10 were greeted with massive enthusiasm by the numerous numbers of fans present, who had an opportunity to catch up with an authentic legend of motorbike racing. For his part, Fogarty made no secret of his delight at being one of the leading protagonists on the SBK stage.
"It's fantastic and good for the fans, they love this kind of thing," declared the 52-year-old from Blackburn. "It's really nice to be back, sometimes you think ‘I hope they remember you' but they never forget for sure."
Fogarty's splendid Ducati 996 #1 took pride of place in the centre of the SBK Paddock Show, in front of the other protagonists of this year's 25th edition, thus marking a virtual link between the past and the present of a championship that over the years has succeeded in providing non-stop thrills and excitement for all fans of two-wheeled racing, a championship that Fogarty himself admitted, has never lost its true nature and essence.
"Every year World Superbike produces some fantastic racing, many different winners, all riders very close, for me it's the best sport to watch for the excitement it brings. Superbike is never boring."
"I don't think SBK has changed too much during the years, I guess it got more competitive as more brands are involved and there are a lot of good riders. Manufacturers make those bikes for the road as well, so the fans could think of buying those models and riding them around. It's always been strong, apart the years '03-'04-'05 but now it's back again and very competitive."
