Knockhill Racing Circuit is bracing itself for a racing invasion of a record 247 riders from all over the world as it plays host to the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship ADT Fire & Security round this weekend.
At least eleven countries, from as far away as Japan, Australia, South Africa and the USA are represented as the top racing stars take on the best from Scotland as well as all other corners of the UK.
TT stars John McGuinness, who secured his 16th and 17th victories on the Isle of Man last week and first time winner Gary Johnson will be in action, as will be two additional American Superbike riders in the shape of double Daytona winner Jake Zemke (WFR Honda) and fellow Californian Mark Miller who takes up the spare berth at Splitlath Aprilia.
Heading up the Scots who are all set to do battle is Tarran Mackenzie, son of three times British Superbike Champion Niall and brother to current 125 Grand Prix star Taylor. Taylor will be present too at Knockhill having just put in a stunning ride at the MotoGP at Silverstone last weekend finishing the 125cc GP in 12th place.
15-year-old Tarran, who now lives at Ashby de la Zouch, is returning after his eventful last outing at Knockhill in May. The diminutive schoolboy had a 90mph tumble at the first corner before dusting himself down and following that up with a podium, ignoring a broken finger in the process. What made the podium all the sweeter was that father Niall and his brother Taylor were presenting the awards.
Adopted 'Scot' Dennis Hobbs, originally from Teesside, has the shortest journey to the circuit as he now lives in Kelty. The mirror.co.uk BSB-EVO racer, who is a regular bike instructor at Knockhill and married to Knockhill Events Manager Gemma, only has a 10 minute journey to the track, compared to his world wide rivals.
Scottish interest in this year's event is intense, with all four corners of Scotland represented by eager competitors as Events Director Stuart Gray said: "We are delighted that so many Scottish riders have entered this weekend. It gives a real local focus for the thousands of fans and will ensure the Saltires will be flying for every race. It is a world class field but, who knows, it could be a Scot on the top step of the podium for a race or two."
The three-day event starts this Friday (17th) with free practice and qualifying, including the F1 style qualification session for the Superbikes on Saturday (18th). Four races are scheduled for Saturday and the main race day is on Father's Day, Sunday 19th.
The event will also see added entertainment courtesy of World stunt champion Kevin Carmichael, who will be performing routines all weekend. On Saturday and Sunday fans get the opportunity to meet the BSB stars with a pit lane walk during lunchtime.
The event starts at 10am on Friday, 9am on Saturday and 8.45am on Sunday, with the Sunday gates opening at 7am. Discount advanced tickets are available on knockhill.com and tickets are also available at the gate on each event day.
For more information on riders in your local area, please contact Stuart Gray or Tracey Joesbury on 01383 723337 and we will set up interview/photo opportunities.
Scottish Riders:
MCE INSURANCE BRITISH SUPERBIKES
Dennis Hobbs - Kelty
METZELER SUPERSTOCK 1000
Donald Macfadyen - Inverness
METZELER SUPERSTOCK 600
Deane Brown - MotherwellJohn Dean - HawickNiall Campbell - CambuslangJodie Chalk - GlenrothesJames East - RoystonTim Hastings - BonnybridgeScott Kelly - Annan Daniel Kinloch - Newton MearnsMatthew Paulo - East Kilbride
FUCHS-SILKOLENE BRITISH SUPERSPORT
Adam Blacklock - LanarkDavid Paton - Loanhead
SUNOCO 125GP
Jason Douglas - LarkhallSammi Tasker - ClackmannanCallum Bey - HuntlyRyan Watson - AngusTarran Mackenzie - Ashby De La Zouch
HARLEY-DAVIDSON XR1200 TROPHY
Bruce Birnie - MontroseAdam Blacklock - LanarkLewis Farrow - PerthAlex Gault - CarlukeTorquil Paterson - Scone
EASTERN AIRWAYS BRITISH SIDECARS
Gordon Shand and Lee Barratt - KilwinningSteve Kershaw and Robin Wilson - LauderScott Lawrie and James Neave - KirklistonJim Hamilton and Bryn Ferry - Leslie
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
Australia - Josh Brookes, Glen Richards, Billy McConnell, Paul Young, David Johnson, Jason O'Halloran & Ben Burke
USA - John Hopkins, Mark Miller & Jake Zemke
South Africa - Hudson Kennaugh, Allan-Jon Venter & Jordan Weaving
Japan - Ryuichi Kiyonari
France - Loris Baz
Italy - Matteo Mossa
Switzerland - Patric Muff
Malaysia - Farid Badrul
Ireland - Steve Heneghan & Emmet O'Grady
Slovakia - Sandra Stammova
Finland - Pauli Pekkanen
BSB event timetable britishsuperbike.com/media/171908/knockhill_v1.pdf
Event details:
Friday - Admission £5 - Start Time 10amSaturday - Admission £15 - Start Time 9amSunday - £30 - Start Time 8.45am
Advance discount tickets available including a special three day pass for only £32.
