Brands Hatch is set for its biggest event of the summer this weekend when the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship descends on Kent for a four-day spectacular on the legendary Grand Prix circuit.
This includes free entry to Monster Energy Fans’ Thursday, a special preview of the weekend ahead, and a huge charity concert on Saturday night, which is free to all event ticketholders.
MCE BSB is Britain’s biggest motor racing championship, featuring world-class riders including former World Superbike star Leon Haslam, ex-Moto GP racer John Hopkins and multiple champion Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne.
The Kent circuit is Shakey’s home round and the Sittingbourne-based four-time champion heads to his favourite circuit leading the standings by 15 points and determined to add to his winning tally.
Ducati rider Byrne said: “The next track up is one of my favourites, the Brands Hatch GP circuit. I love the place to ride and I certainly love my bike at the minute. We have to keep our heads down though, to concentrate and to work as hard as ever. The season is getting close to a crucial point now so podium points and wins are top of my agenda. I can’t wait until next week to get back out and ride my bike!”
Haslam is second in the points and returns to the Grand Prix circuit fresh from finishing on the podium in the Suzuka Eight Hour Endurance race in Japan yesterday (Sunday), and is hungry to return to the podium. After a frustrating round last time out at Snetterton, he’s aiming for a return to winning ways in MCE BSB this weekend.
The 2016 season has already produced six different winners and a further six podium finishers in the opening 12 rounds, and this weekend’s two races are sure to produce even more drama. There’s also a packed programme of 12 support races including the British Supersport and National Superstock championships.
The weekend kicks off with Monster Energy Fans’ Thursday, when the circuit will be open from midday, and fans are invited to meet the riders and enjoy an exclusive Q&A with all the MCE BSB riders on the stage from 2pm – 5pm. The day will also give spectators the chance to walk the track and get exclusive behind the scenes access ahead of the weekend.
The feast of off-track entertainment also includes a huge fundraising concert on Saturday evening for Care after Combat, a UK charity supporting armed forces veterans and their families. The charity will be curating the concert, which will be compered by charity Chairman Jim Davidson OBE. Confirmed acts include John Coglan’s Quo, Just Floyd, Who are You, The Sounds of Rod and Tony Lorenzo. Admission to the concert is free to all event ticket-holders.
The weekend’s big summer event will also include a lively campsite, free pit walk and autograph session on main raceday Sunday, a trade and manufacturer village, funfair, go-karting and a children’s playground.
Images courtesy of www.psp-images.co.uk