HILL GOING FOR GOLD AS MCE BRITISH SUPERBIKES RETURN TO BRANDS HATCH As London prepares for its biggest sporting summer in a generation, defending MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship champion Tommy Hill is already aiming to give British fans something to celebrate this weekend (20/21/22 July) at Brands Hatch in Kent. The defending title-holder returns to his home circuit to race on the Grand Prix configuration for the first time since sealing the title last October by just 0.006 seconds and the Swan Yamaha rider is bidding to uphold British honour and maintain his lead in the overall standings. He holds a 28 point advantage from Australia’s Josh Brookes, who is determined to return to the top step of the podium this weekend for the Tyco Suzuki team. Brookes hasn’t won a race since Thruxton in April, despite a consistent run of podium finishes. Lingfield racer Hill said: “The last time I raced on the Grand Prix circuit I won the title so I have some really good memories. 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.” 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 but Sittingbourne’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne is aiming to be first out of the blocks on Sunday as he bids for a double win to close the deficit to rival Hill in the standings. Advance adult tickets (available until midday on Wednesday) for main raceday cost from £25 online in advance with children aged 12 and under admitted free. For more information and to book visit www.brandshatch.co.uk or call 0843 453 9000.