2009 Miller Superbike World Championship round – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**2009 Miller Superbike World Championship round**

The 2009 Miller Superbike World Championship round was the sixth round of the 2009 Superbike World Championship season, held at the Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, United States. The event featured two Superbike races and one Supersport race, attracting top riders from around the world competing on the 4.907 km (3.050 mi) circuit.

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## 2009 Miller Superbike World Championship round

The 2009 Miller Superbike World Championship round took place on June 21–22, 2009, at the Miller Motorsports Park, a premier racing facility located near Tooele, Utah. This round was the sixth of the 14 rounds in the 2009 Superbike World Championship calendar and marked the third time the championship visited the United States that season. The event included two Superbike races and one Supersport race, with riders battling for crucial championship points on a challenging and technical circuit.

### Background

The Miller Motorsports Park, opened in 2006, is known for its modern layout and high-quality facilities. The 4.907 km (3.050 mi) Grand Prix circuit features a combination of fast straights, sweeping corners, and tight technical sections, making it a demanding track for both riders and teams. The 2009 round was significant as it was part of the championship’s effort to expand its presence in the United States, complementing other American rounds at Laguna Seca and Miller.

Heading into the Miller round, the 2009 Superbike World Championship was highly competitive. Ben Spies, an American rider competing for the Yamaha World Superbike Team, was emerging as a strong contender, challenging established riders such as Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio. The Miller round was seen as a key opportunity for Spies to capitalize on his home advantage.

### Circuit Details

– **Location:** Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, Utah, United States
– **Course length:** 4.907 km (3.050 mi)
– **Layout:** The Grand Prix circuit includes 14 turns, featuring a mix of high-speed corners and technical sections that test rider skill and bike setup.
– **Weather:** The event was held under generally dry and warm conditions, typical of Utah in June, which influenced tire choices and race strategies.

### Superbike World Championship

The Superbike World Championship (WSBK) is a premier international motorcycle racing series featuring modified production motorcycles. The 2009 season was the 22nd season of the championship, with riders competing over multiple rounds worldwide for the riders’ and manufacturers’ titles.

#### Qualifying

Qualifying sessions at Miller were crucial due to the circuit’s technical nature and the importance of track position. Ben Spies secured pole position with a lap time of 1:47.081, demonstrating his strong pace on home soil. His performance was a highlight, as it gave him the advantage of starting at the front of the grid for both Superbike races.

Other notable qualifiers included Noriyuki Haga, Michel Fabrizio, and Jonathan Rea, all of whom were in contention for podium finishes. The qualifying results set the stage for intense battles in the races.

#### Race 1

Race 1 took place on June 21, 2009, under clear skies and warm temperatures. Ben Spies capitalized on his pole position, taking an early lead and setting a fast pace. He was closely pursued by Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio, who engaged in a fierce battle for second place.

Spies maintained his composure and managed to pull away from the pack, ultimately winning the race with a commanding performance. His victory was celebrated by the home crowd and marked a significant step in his championship campaign.

Noriyuki Haga finished second, demonstrating his consistency and experience, while Michel Fabrizio secured third place after a hard-fought race. The top five was rounded out by Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam, both of whom showed strong pace.

– **Fastest lap:** Ben Spies recorded the fastest lap of the race with a time of 1:48.045.

#### Race 2

Race 2 was held on June 22, 2009, with similar weather conditions. The start saw a close contest among the front runners, with Spies once again taking an early lead. However, the race was marked by increased pressure from Noriyuki Haga, who pushed hard to challenge Spies.

The two riders exchanged fast laps, thrilling spectators with their competitive pace. Despite Haga’s efforts, Spies maintained his advantage and crossed the finish line first, securing a double victory for the weekend.

Michel Fabrizio repeated his third-place finish, consolidating his position in the championship standings. Other notable finishers included Jonathan Rea and Max Biaggi, who made a strong comeback after earlier difficulties in the season.

– **Fastest lap:** Noriyuki Haga set the fastest lap of Race 2 with a time of 1:48.148.

### Supersport World Championship

The Supersport World Championship, a support series to the Superbike World Championship, also held a race at Miller. The Supersport class features 600cc production-based motorcycles and serves as a proving ground for emerging talent.

#### Qualifying

In Supersport qualifying, Cal Crutchlow secured pole position with a lap time of 1:51.281. Crutchlow was a dominant figure in the 2009 Supersport season and was expected to perform strongly at Miller.

#### Race

The Supersport race was contested on June 21, 2009. Cal Crutchlow converted his pole position into a race victory, demonstrating his superior pace and racecraft. The race featured close battles among the top riders, with Kenan Sofuoğlu and Eugene Laverty also challenging for podium positions.

Crutchlow’s win at Miller contributed significantly to his championship campaign, reinforcing his status as a leading contender.

### Championship Impact

The Miller round had a notable impact on the 2009 Superbike World Championship standings. Ben Spies’ double victory propelled him into a strong position in the riders’ championship, intensifying the battle for the title. His success on home soil was a highlight of the season and helped raise the profile of the championship in the United States.

Noriyuki Haga’s consistent podium finishes kept him in contention, while Michel Fabrizio’s performances solidified his role as a key challenger. The results at Miller underscored the competitive nature of the 2009 season, with multiple riders capable of winning races.

In the manufacturers’ championship, Yamaha benefited from Spies’ victories, gaining valuable points against rivals Ducati and Honda.

### Race Results Summary

#### Superbike Race 1

#### Superbike Race 2

#### Supersport Race

### Notable Incidents

The 2009 Miller round was relatively incident-free compared to other rounds in the season. However, there were a few minor crashes during practice and qualifying sessions, none of which resulted in serious injuries. The safety standards at Miller Motorsports Park were praised by riders and teams alike.

### Legacy

The 2009 Miller Superbike World Championship round is remembered for Ben Spies’ dominant performance on home soil, which helped establish him as a top contender in the series. His success contributed to increased American interest in the Superbike World Championship and highlighted the competitiveness of the 2009 season.

The event also showcased the quality of Miller Motorsports Park as a world-class racing venue capable of hosting international motorcycle racing events. The round’s smooth organization and enthusiastic fan support helped cement Miller’s place on the WSBK calendar for subsequent seasons.

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## References

*Note: This article is based on historical race data and official championship records from the 2009 Superbike World Championship season.*

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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
The 2009 Miller Superbike World Championship round was the sixth round of the 2009 season, held at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah. Ben Spies dominated the event with two Superbike race wins, significantly impacting the championship standings.