1996 marked the beginning of a new era for British motorcycle racing, as the British Superbike Championship roared into life with a season that would go right down to the wire.

The championship brought together some of Britain's finest riders, but it was Cadbury's Boost Yamaha teammates Niall Mackenzie and James Whitham who stole the show.

For Whitham, the season marked a remarkable return to racing following his battle with cancer, and he wasted little time proving he was still a force to be reckoned with. But Mackenzie was equally determined, and the two teammates fought tooth and nail for the title throughout the year.

With the championship still up for grabs heading into the final race at Donington Park, the stage was set for a thrilling conclusion. Whitham took the race victory, but Mackenzie did just enough to claim the inaugural title.

Packed with spectacular racing, intense rivalries and plenty of drama, the 1996 British Superbike Championship Official Review captures the very beginning of this iconic motorsport championship.