The spectacular MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship returns to Brands Hatch this weekend for one of the biggest events of the season.

Defending champion Tommy Hill and fierce rival Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne target victory at their home circuit to keep their fellow title challengers at bay.

Hill will be racing on the full 2.3-mile Grand Prix circuit for the first time since he dramatically secured his maiden MCE BSB crown there last October. The Swan Yamaha rider is enjoying an impressive run of form this season, and scored a triple victory at the previous round of the championship at Oulton Park.

Beckenham born racer Hill said: “The last time I raced on the Grand Prix circuit I won the title so I have some really good memories. Three wins at the last round was good but we still need to stay ahead of the game and we saw last year that one point can make the difference between winning the championship so I will be pushing for wins for Swan Yamaha.”

Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki rider Byrne has an impressive record at Brands Hatch. The former double champion, who hails from nearby Sittingbourne, currently lies third in the overall standings, just one point adrift of flamboyant Australian Josh Brookes on the Tyco Suzuki.

Seven riders have already won races this season and a further four riders have scored podium finishes. Hotly tipped to be in contention this weekend is Noriyuki Haga who returns to the track where he has previously won five World Superbike races. The ‘Samurai of Slide’ is a firm favourite with the Brands Hatch crowd for his dramatic riding style as he targets a maiden MCE BSB race win for Swan Yamaha.

WSB legend Haga said: “Brands Hatch is one of my favourite tracks and I have good experience there from when I raced in World Superbikes. I know Tommy and the other riders will be fast, so we need to work hard because we want to try and fight for podiums again at Brands Hatch.”

Supporting the two MCE BSB races will be racing from the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship, the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 and 600 Championships, the Monster Energy Motostar Championship, the one make Triumph Triple Challenge and the Eastern Airways British Sidecar Championship. Fans can meet the riders during a free of charge pit walk on Sunday’s raceday and big screens around the circuit mean you won’t miss any of the action.

Advance adult tickets for main raceday cost from £25 online in advance with children aged 12 and under admitted free. All event parking is free of charge. For more information and to book visit www.brandshatch.co.uk or call 0843 453 9000.