An ad for the 1981 ABC Wide World of Sports Superbikers event at Carlsbad. The Superbikers brought together the top riders from each genre of motorcycle racing to compete against one another on a track that consisted of pavement, flat track and motocross sections. In the days when motorcycle racing was rare on network TV, the Superbikers was a big deal and the manufacturers poured a lot of money into making special racing bikes just for this nationally televised race. Superbikers ran from 1979 to 1985 and was the inspiration for modern day Supermoto racing. Steve Wise won the 1981 race over Graham Noyce and Eddie Lawson. It marked the second straight year that Wise took victory on a factory Honda. If you can read the smaller print on the ad check out the price for tickets – $9 for adults, $5 for children.
An ad for the 1981 ABC Wide World of Sports Superbikers event at Carlsbad. The Superbikers brought together the top riders from each genre of motorcycle racing to compete against one another on a track that consisted of pavement, flat track and motocross sections.
WEVEN says:
I WAS THERE IN 81, LOTS OF TIME DELAYS BECAUSE OF TV COVERAGE, AND THEY WOULD NOT LET YOU GET NEAR MUCH OF THE TRACK, STILL WAS NEAT TO SEE….
January 31, 2011, 2:11 pmadmin says:
Wayne
I wonder why you couldn’t get close to the track? Probably legal issues having to do with ABC sponsoring the event. Thanks for sharing.
January 31, 2011, 2:21 pmMark says:
I went to the Superbikers race in 1983 when Lawson finally broke the MXer’s hold on the event. I regret that I didn’t take any pictures or get a program.
I remember being absolutely star struck there, as I arrived Hannah drove past in a Ferrari! Very cool event I wish there was more info, pictures, etc availible for these classic races.
There is no way an event like this would be run today with World and National Champions competing! Sponsors would not allow it.
January 1, 2012, 4:23 pm