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Rea gets first WSBK win, splits with Spies at Misano.

Written by Scott Keller · June 23, 2009

Ben Spies was the best in the wet and in the dry to win Race 1 at Misano on Sunday.  Spies took the early lead on a very wet track that was in the process of drying.   The race took a bit of an unusual turn as the track dried mid-race and riders came in to exchange their rain bikes for those set up for the dry.

The lead of the race was exchanged several times as Spies and other leader headed to the pits early to get on faster tires.  But as the pit stops cycled through, Spies was again on top and easily rode to victory.   The WSBK rookie seems to be unstoppable if his machine holds together, and he doesn’t find himself off track.  

Unfortunately for him, things didn’t go quite as well as planned in Race 2.

Jonny Rea gets exciting first WBSK win in Race 2
Jonathan Rea won race two, his first career win in the World Superbike Series.  Nori Haga got off to an early lead with a brilliant start.  Rea sat third behind Ben Spies, but quickly took the second spot and gave chase to Haga as Spies fell out with a mechanical issue.

According to WSBK TV commentators, Rea ran a softer front tire than Haga, and it paid off.  On lap 4 of 24, Rea took the lead from Haga, but was far from cruising from an easy win.  Michel Fabrizio dogged Rea for the entire duration, and the pair put on a great show for the fans.  Fabrizio was able to get past Rea for a number of laps, with Nori Haga sitting in third waiting to pounce.   But Fabrizio looked to have the edge and on his way to a win.  But Rea fought back, riding on the absolute edge, and outbraking Fabrizio on the last lap to take an incredible win.

The Times:  Spies and Rea share wins

Haga extended his points lead while Fabrizio cozied up a bit more to Spies who is second in points.  Spies has had a few weekends where he has won one race, and lost big in the other while Haga has had more consisten performances.   Spies may not be able to overcome the deficit with time running out in the season.

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