The World Endurance Championship is a unique and grueling test of motorcycle and rider power and endurance – a worldwide phenomenon that’s a massive hit with race fans, riders and teams alike. The Championship is one of only three world road racing championships officially sanctioned by the FIM. World Endurance races are known for their spectacular starts, which see the riders sprint across the track to their waiting motorcycles. Race weekends are hugely popular festivals with music and all kinds of entertainment for spectators. The 2006 World Endurance Championship will be decided at the final race of the season, the Bol d’Or. Championship leading French team Suzuki Castrol have a 28 point advantage over Yamaha Austria, but with 35 points available to the winner of the race the competition is far from over. Third place will also be hotly contested between British team Yamaha Phase One Endurance, Bolliger Team Kawasaki Switzerland and Fagersjo-el.se Suzuki from Sweden. There are six nations and four manufacturers represented in the top seven championship places. Race Schedule: The Oschersleben race weekend starts on Thursday the 14th September, with a program that runs from 11:00am to 10:40pm and sees the first timed qualifying sessions and night practice for the world endurance teams as well as support action for the Coupe Kawasaki, Classic and TZ Club and Pro Twins support races. There’s more world endurance qualifying and support race action on Friday 15th, as well as the traditional world endurance weekend entertainments both on and off the track. The 24 Hour race starts at 3:00pm on Saturday 16th September, after more support races and track displays, and runs until 3:00pm on Sunday 17th.