With World Superbike kicking off this weekend in Australia, it’s nice to look back at some of the original stars who laid the foundation for the popularity the series enjoys today. One of those early stars was Italian racer Fabrizio Pirovano. Pirovano was twice runner up in the World Superbike Championship (1988 & ’90) and had an amazing 47-career World Superbike podiums, including 10 wins, during his eight seasons in the series. After leaving World Superbike he went on to win the World Supersport title in 1998. He was 38 years old at the time. Fabrizio retired from full-time competition after the 2001 season. He made a surprise comeback to a Suzuki GSXR Cup final in Italy in 2006 and won the race. He was 46 at the time. Here’s to one of the true originals – Fabrizio Pirovano.

Fabrizio Pirovano corners his factory-backed Yamaha during the Mosport World Superbike race in 1989. Pirovano was one of the original stars of the World Superbike Championship. He compiled 47 podiums and 10 wins in the series. (Larry Lawrence photo)