British Superbikes roar into Silverstone The Bennetts British Superbike Championship heads to Silverstone on 20-21 August for round nine of one of the most exciting and fiercely contested domestic bike series in the world. Boasting one of the strongest rider line-ups in two wheeled motorsport, the double-race weekend promises breathtaking action with riders battling it out peg to peg around Silverstone’s 2.249 mile International Circuit. In addition to two Superbike races fans attending the two day event will be treated to a feast of top British motorcycle racing that includes rounds of the British Supersport, National Superstock and British 125GP Championships, two rounds of the National Superstock Cup, and action from the Virgin Mobile Cup. After eight rounds of the championship HM Plant Honda is the team making all the running, with British rider Michael Rutter leading the fight for the title. Following closely in Rutter’s tracks is team mate Ryuichi Kiyonari who is the man in form, having powered his way to more race wins than any other rider in the series. The Silverstone crowd will also be looking forward to seeing reigning Champion John Reynolds back at the Home of British Motor Racing. The Rizla Suzuki rider set the fastest time at a recent test session and will be keen to put on a strong show for the fans after missing much of the season through injury. Reynolds broke his leg in five places in a pre-season testing accident, but was back racing just 39 days later with his leg in a protective cast and wearing a specially made boot. The 39-year-old made a miraculous recovery from four breaks to his tibia and a single break to the fibula. Reynolds and his medical team later agreed that, rather than riding through the injury, John should rest and heal properly. However, after a six week break Reynolds returned to racing and will ride out at Silverstone 12th in the Championship and determined to make up for lost time. Silverstone promises to be one of the best races of the year and always provides the riders with a challenge. Reynolds in particular is looking forward to one of the biggest rounds of the season: “[Silverstone is] a technically demanding circuit that takes real skill and courage to master. Fast straights combined with a turning and twisting infield section surrounded by grandstands of cheering fans make this one of my favourite tracks in the world.” Silverstone will also be a big weekend for Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha rider Sean Emmett. Like Reynolds, the rider’s season has been seriously disrupted by injury. After breaking his elbow during the opening round of the season Emmett later underwent surgery and will return at Silverstone to ride with three screws in his elbow. The team currently lies fifth in the manufacturers’ championship something Emmett and his team mates Tommy Hill and Richard Wren, will be keen to improve on. Airwaves Ducati riders Gregorio Lavilla and Leon Haslam, lying third and fourth respectively, will also keep fans on the edge of their seats as they attempt to narrow the points gap between themselves and the HM Plant Honda riders. Aussies Glen Richards and Dean Thomas will lead the charge for Hawk Kawasaki, while James Haydon will continue on board the second Rizla Suzuki. Haydon recently replaced Scott Smart nephew of the legendary Barry Sheen who left Rizla Suzuki earlier in the season to jump back on a Kawasaki with Vivaldi Racing. Fans’ favourite Steve Plater will also make a welcome return to Silverstone, also aboard a Kawasaki with the Sendo Superbike Team. After a six week break the season looks set to be re-ignited, with adrenaline pumping on the grid and an electric atmosphere in the stands. With the riders gunning for glory, British Superbikes at Silverstone will provide an unforgettable weekend of family entertainment. Silverstone’s open paddock policy, along with free access to the centre of the circuit and Sunday’s pit lane walkabout, provide fans with unrivalled access to the riders, bikes and team personnel. There’s also plenty to keep the family entertained away from the track. Silverstone’s ‘E-Zone’ (Entertainment Zone) will provide something for fans of all ages, including a display from the Red Devils, Xtreme Bikes, an awesome demonstration of stunt riding, Rock Climbing wall, Bungee Run, Rodeo Bull, Bouncy Castle, Face Painter, Kids Quads, simulators and helicopter pleasure flights. There’s also a giant screen enabling spectators to keep up-to-speed with all the action, wherever it happens on the track. To book tickets for round nine of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Silverstone on 20-21 August, or for further information, visit www.silverstone-circuit.co.uk, or contact the ticket hotline on 08704 588 290. Tickets will also be available at the main gate on each day. ~http://www.silverstone-circuit.co.uk~