The BMW S1000RR finally made its World Superbike race debut in Australia at Phillip Island circuit on 1 March, marking a new chapter in the exciting sporting history of the brand.

A large and enthusiastic crowd came to see the action at the fast and flowing circuit that is a pleasant 90-minute ride from Melbourne. The BMW S1000RR created an air of excitement and passion that was clearly visible. On the Public Pit Walks, where fans could stroll down pit lane and look into the garages, it was the BMW Motorrad Motorsport facility that was the most popular. The race fans stood five and six deep, all trying to get a closer look at the latest BMW four-cylinder sports model.

It was also a successful weekend for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The S1000RR performed incredibly well on its race debut and both Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus picked up valuable points. Troy finished eighth in the first race and had the fastest lap, while in race two Ruben finished 11th.

However there was more to the weekend than just racing. Both riders made themselves freely available to the media and the fans, and spent lots of time signing posters in pit lane, doing TV interviews, promoting the team and celebrating the return of BMW Motorrad to this top level competition.

BMW S1000RR Superbike
at Phillip Island Australia

Taking full advantage of being the first country to see the eagerly awaited new Superbike in action, BMW Motorrad Australia joined in the celebrations with a trackside hospitality grandstand. BMW enthusiasts from all over Australia and even as far away as Greece, gathered to share in the excitement of the weekend, along with BMW Motorrad Australia staff and dealers.

Troy and Ruben also came over for an autograph session at the facility. Those who were hoping for a signed poster, cap or t-shirt found that the factory riders were only too happy to oblige. However, it was a request to sign a classic BMW motorcycle that generated the most excitement.

Graham Nichols and his wife Rosemary travelled 2,000 km from Queensland to Phillip Island to be part of the historic weekend. As it was the debut of the BMW S1000RR, what better way to make their journey worthwhile than getting both riders to sign the fuel tank of their 1962 R50S - a true BMW sports bike from an entirely different era.

The R50S is a rare motorcycle, as only 1,634 were produced between 1960 and 1962. The high-revving M252/3 motor produced 35 hp at 7,650 rpm but this power came with a loss of reliability when ridden hard. However, this is not a problem for Graham.

"I am the second owner, having purchased the bike in 1988 and restoring it to its present condition - not just to look at, but to ride," he said. "It is smooth and enjoyable to ride, either solo or with Rosemary on the back. I look after it and it has been very reliable for me."

1962 BMW R50S

Both Troy and Ruben were pleased to be able to not only sign the tank but also talk to Graham about a motorcycle that almost half a century ago was one of BMW's true sports models. For Ruben it had extra significance, as his father is a BMW enthusiast with a collection of classic models.

"It is exciting for me to be riding the S1000RR, but I think it is even more so for my father, who has owned many BMW motorcycles over the years and has some very nice old BMWs at home in Spain," said the 31-year-old from Barcelona, who finished runner-up in the 2003 Superbike World Championship.

For Troy and Ruben it is all about being part of the BMW family; for Graham Nichols it was a weekend that he will remember every time he rides his classic R50S.