Scots bid for Superbike glory at Knockhill 16 | 06 | 2011
KNOCKHILL IS BRACING itself for a racing invasion of a record 247 riders from all over the world as it plays hosts to the British Superbikes (BSB) Championship this weekend.
Ten countries, from as far away as Japan, Australia, South Africa and the USA will be represented as top bike racing stars take on the best from Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Leading the Scots charge will be Tarran Mackenzie, son of three-times BSB champ Niall Mackenzie, and brother to current Moto GP 125 star Taylor. Taylor will be present too at Knockhill having just put in a stunning ride at the Moto GP at Silverstone last weekend finishing 12th overall.
Tarran (15), who now lives in Ashby De La Zouch, is returning after his eventful last outing at Knockhill in May. The diminutive school boy had a 90mph tumble at the first corner, then brushed himself down and followed up his crash with a podium finish, ignoring a broken finger in the process.
What made the podium all the sweeter was that father Niall and his brother Taylor where presenting the awards trophies.
Adopted Scot, Dennis Hobbs, originally from North-east England, ironically now has the shortest journey to the circuit as he now lives in Kelty.
The Superbike 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 worldwide rivals.
"We are delighted that so many Scottish riders have entered this weekend," Knockhill director Stuart Gray said. "It gives a real local focus for the thousands of fans and will ensure the Saltires will be flying for every race. Hopefully we'll see a Scot on the podium this weekend."
The three-day event starts tomorrow with testing and qualifying, including an F1 style elimination session for the Superbike riders. Four races are scheduled for Saturday, and the main race day is on Fathers Day Sunday.
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 world 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 www.knockhill.com and tickets are also available at the gate on each event day.
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Jim McGill
Caption: Hoping for victory this weekend, Tarran Mackenzie (middle) with dad Niall and brother Taylor