The next instalment of our Paddock Pass Podcast racing history review takes a look back at what is arguably the greatest motorcycle race ever held: the 2002 World Superbike finale at Imola. That weekend, Colin Edwards and Troy Bayliss went head-to-head for the World Superbike championship, and Edwards emerged triumphant.

To discuss the special race, the crew, consisting of Steve English, Jensen Beeler, and WorldSBK guru Gordon Ritchie take a look back at the season which led up to that astonishing finale. They talk about Edwards' and Bayliss' championships the two previous seasons, Honda's building of the RC51 or SP2 to take on the Ducati, and how the much freer rules in 2002 affected the balance of power between the twins and the fours.

The podcast has some superb insight. Gordon Ritchie was present and reporting on the series for the whole season, and shares some of his memories of the time. 2003 WorldSBK champion Neil Hodgson gives his view of that championship, and of the importance of having factory-level support from a tire manufacturer in an era of open tire competition. And Edwards' crew chief at the time, Adrian Gorst, gives an inside look into how the Texan turned his season around at Laguna Seca, to come back from a 53 point deficit and win the title.

This is a very special show, for a very special season. Well worth a listen.

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