The eyes of the two-wheel fraternity focus on Phillip Island this week as a bumper seven days kicks off with official testing before the season opener of the 2014 Superbike World Championship (WSBK).

The 4.445-kilometre circuit bordering the exposed Bass Strait is renowned for producing spectacular racing, and there are few moments that will be more fondly recalled than Troy Bayliss’ dominant double win in what would be his swan-song season in 2008.

A sizable crowd flocked to the Island, taking full advantage of their last chance to see Bayliss pilot a WSBK on home soil.

Their hopes of a heroic performance from Bayliss almost ended early when the 38-year-old suffered a dramatic high-side crash in qualifying, resulting in an elbow injury that would require a series of stitches.

The setback did little to slow Bayliss, however, who put in a masterful performance in Superpole to grab the top spot on the grid, further lowering his lap record in the process.

Race day was all about keeping a clean set of heels for Bayliss. The opening stanza was cut short almost immediately with a bizarre start line crash, forcing the riders to re-grid.

Bayliss held his nerve as the race resumed, assuming the early lead and guiding the 1098R to a race one win as a host of riders faltered in their attempts to match his blistering pace.

A lap of honour in the intermission between races would only serve to increase the pressure on Bayliss to deliver a second win, a challenge he rose to despite an early jostle for the lead.

While Bayliss made the better start, he would be displaced by Fonsi Nieto and then fellow Aussie Troy Corser who led momentarily. The number 21 wasted little time in regaining the lead, with the home fans’ hopes of a second Aussie one-two of the day dashed when Corser crashed out.

A series of ride-through penalties would affect a number of frontrunners, and a high-speed crash for the fast-advancing Max Biaggi left Bayliss free to romp home, greeting the chequered flag with an acknowledging nod to his team and the tens of thousands of trackside fans.

“It’s something you dream of, to have a double win, and I knew this year it would be difficult to achieve, but I have a great team behind me who all worked really hard,” Bayliss said at the time.

“Overnight They had to build a new bike for me from scratch after my crash yesterday. I had a few ups and downs this weekend. After race one I was struggling with the last six laps, but in the end I managed to take the win. In the second race the tyres were a little slower, but I felt better on the bike which was more consistent and a pleasure to ride.

“After race one I was so tired but after the second one I felt great. I had to concentrate hard today as in the second race, even though I was ahead I was aware I had to keep it together and put in some consistently good laps.

“It’s been incredible, great weather and some good racing. I know there will be fighting to come later this season so two wins like that was just fantastic.”

Bayliss’ Phillip Island double, only his second after 2002, took his tally to three of a possible four wins from the races contested to date, and would help him lift a third WSBK crown on the back of a total of 11 wins, and 19 total podiums.

Bowing out a winner Bayliss’ perfect weekend at Phillip Island will forever be etched as a defining moment in the career of the sport’s most successful rider and a clear fan favourite.