MCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP MAKES HISTORIC DEBUT AT ASSEN THIS WEEKEND FOR SHOWDOWN OPENER The MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship will race on mainland Europe for the first time this weekend (21-23 September), as the legendary TT Circuit Assen hosts the opening round of the three-event ‘Showdown’ that will decide the outcome of this year’s championship. The Dutch circuit is revered by fans and riders across the world and is nicknamed ‘the cathedral of motorcycle racing’. It already hosts rounds of MotoGP and World Superbikes but has never before welcomed the British Championship. Arjan Bos, the circuit chairman, said: “For the first time in the rich history of the TT Circuit Assen, this weekend sees a round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship staged here. We are very proud that the MCE BSB organisers have chosen Assen to spread their wings into continental Europe and we are proud to have included this important event in our 2012 calendar.” Defending champion Tommy Hill will start the Showdown at Assen with a ten point advantage over nearest rival Josh Brookes, who took a superb double win at Donington earlier this month. The other four riders in contention for the championship are Shane Byrne, Michael Laverty, Alex Lowes and Tommy Bridewell. The other riders in MCE BSB will now compete for the 2012 Riders’ Cup. Hill, who rides for the Swan Yamaha team, said: “It’s really exciting to be going to Assen for the first round of the Showdown and it will be a great experience for all of us. I am going into this round not thinking about the 10 point lead as the standings can easily change. We are all riding hard and want those wins, but we also need to be consistent as none of us can afford not to finish races.” Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki’s Byrne makes his comeback at Assen after being sidelined for two rounds with a dislocated shoulder. The double champion is aiming to equal the record of three MCE BSB titles this year and is confident the injury won’t affect his performance. Byrne said: “The shoulder is getting better all the time. We will have to wait and see how strong it is once we get out on track, but I am doing everything to be in the best possible position. I have to; I have no choice as I want to be champion again! I love Assen; I am sure this is going to be one of the best events of the season and I can’t wait to get out there and get this Showdown started!” Thousands of British fans will make the journey to Holland thanks to MCE BSB’s partner Stena Line, who have provided an exclusive 10% discount to fans crossing by ferry. For more information about the Assen event, including ticket details and travel information, visit the dedicated website www.bsbassen.com. MCE British Superbike Standings after Round 9 – Donington Park 1 Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 535 2 Josh Brookes (Tyco Suzuki) 525 3 Shane Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) 523 4 Michael Laverty (Samsung Honda) 514 5 Alex Lowes (Team WFR Honda) 502 6 Tommy Bridewell (Supersonic BMW) 500 More, from a press release issued by Swan Yamaha: SWAN YAMAHA SET FOR SHOWDOWN AND DUTCH DEBUT AT LEGENDARY ASSEN Swan Yamaha are aiming to make MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship history this weekend (21/22/23 September) as the team head to mainland Europe for the series debut at the legendary Assen circuit. Defending champion Tommy Hill leads the standings by ten points ahead of the opening round of the Showdown and is determined to maintain his advantage as he bids to build on his seven race wins so far this season. Team-mate Noriyuki Haga is still building his strength following his collarbone injury sustained at Cadwell Park. He fought through the pain barrier last time out at Donington Park in bid to make the cut for the top six, but after missing out is determined to feature strongly at the final three rounds of the season. Hill said: “It is exciting to head to Assen this weekend for the first round of the Showdown and it will be a great experience for both us riders and the fans. The wins mean more now than ever and I hope that we can get to Assen and as a team raise our game again and that is what the Showdown is all about now. I am going into this round not thinking about the 10 point lead and treating it like we are starting from scratch as the standings can easily change. You can see from the previous rounds that we are all riding hard and want those wins, but at the same time we need to be consistent. At this point of the season you can’t afford to have any excuses.” Haga said: “Assen is one of my favourite tracks and it is also a very difficult track too; I think it is good to go and race there. I still have pain with my collarbone and there is not much time between the races now but I will do my best for the races. I am disappointed about my results at Cadwell Park and Donington Park because of my injury but I am always trying to do the best I can. I am always trying to get podium finishes.” For more information visit www.swanyamaha.co.uk