From 2012: The day Fred Merkel looked the same as he did in 1988.

In 2012, the Superbike World Championship celebrated 25 years of delivering spectacular, world-class, production-based motorcycle racing. The milestone was marked with a special focus on the legendary Monza circuit, which hosted the fourth round of that year's SBK edition. As part of the celebrations, some of the most iconic bikes and legendary riders from the past quarter-century gathered at Monza, creating an unforgettable weekend filled with stunning SBK memories. Fans from around the world converged on the historic track, eager to witness the fusion of past and present as the event honored the sport's rich history and enduring legacy. The atmosphere was electric as both the veterans of the sport and the new generation of riders paid tribute to 25 years of thrilling races, showcasing the evolution of superbike racing in a truly memorable event.