From a press release issued by Tory Bayliss’ publicist, Steve Reeves:

BAYLISS CHASES ENGLISH SUCCESS AT BRANDS HATCH

Kent, England (Thursday, July 25) – The historic Brands Hatch Circuit plays host to the European round of the Superbike World Championship this weekend (July 27-28) with defending champion Troy Bayliss eager to add to his tally of fourteen race wins for the 2002 season.

After winning the British Superbike championship in 1999, Bayliss has always enjoyed racing in front of the huge English crowds that Brands Hatch attracts and this weekend will be no different for the likable Australian.

“I like winning in front of the English people,” said Bayliss. “I’ve got a lot of fans in England, but for some reason I just want to go there and win. I would love to go there and get the double. It’s the busiest round of the year for us. It has the most spectators and there’s a lot of work to be done both on and off the track. Hopefully the weather will be a lot better than what it was at Silverstone.”

The Infostrada Ducati rider arrives in England still nursing his lower back as a result of the crash during practice for the previous round of the championship at Laguna Seca. As a result his training program has been modified to include additional swimming and less work in the gym in an attempt to allow the injury to heal, while maintaining his fitness.

“I’ll be giving it everything that I’ve got this weekend as after that we’ve got a month off before the next rounds, which will be good as I can spend that time to get myself fully fit,” added Bayliss. “Obviously I did well there at Laguna, but my lower back was quite sore. It’s not going to affect me at Brands, but that month off will allow me to get into my best shape for the final three rounds.”

The undulating 4.22km Brands Hatch circuit will see a number of riders in contention alongside Bayliss. Of the British riders, Neil Hodgson has been the best performed this season on his HM Plant Ducati and will be out to impress his home fans. The main focus for Bayliss will once again be arch rival Colin Edwards. The two shared the wins at Laguna Seca less than two weeks ago and with the championship entering the business end of the season, Bayliss will be looking to increase his points margin over the Texan. Bayliss currently heads the championship points table with a 53-point break over Edwards, while Hodgson holds down third overall.

“It’s going to be a lot faster than last year. My Infostrada Ducati 998F-02 is working extremely well at the moment as are the Michelin tyres. As has been the case all year I’ll be keeping a close eye on Colin (Edwards). Last year we had a few problems in qualifying and that put us behind the eight ball all weekend, but I’m sure we’ll be better prepared this time around.”


BRANDS HATCH, SWC FAST FACTS

Circuit Length: 4.221km

2001 Superpole: Neil Hodgson (GSE Ducati) 1:26.769

Lap record: Ben Bostrom (L&M Ducati) 1:26.884 (2001)

2001 Race Results:
Race 1/10 laps
1. Ben Bostrom (L&M Ducati)
2. Colin Edwards (Castrol Honda)
3. Neil Hodgson (GSE Ducati)
5. Troy Bayliss (Infostrada Ducati)

Race 2/15 laps
1. Neil Hodgson (GSE Ducati)
2. Ben Bostrom (L&M Ducati)
3. Troy Bayliss (Infostrada Ducati)

2002 World Superbike championship points (after 9 of 13 rounds):
1. T Bayliss 405; 2. C Edwards 352; 3. N Hodgson 221; 4. B Bostrom 184; 5. N Haga 182;
6. R Xaus 172; 7. J Toseland 124; 8. C Walker 108; 9. P Chili 90; 10. G Lavilla 84.