BSB, to race at Brands Hatch: a real opportunity for Tom Sykes

It’s been twelve years since Tom Sykes raced in British Superbike as a wildcard, scoring a double win at Brands Hatch with the Kawasaki of Paul Bird Motorsport with whom he competed in WorldSBK. Fast forward 12 years, and this weekend will see BSB return to the same track for the fifth round of the season. Among those competing is Sykes, back with Paul Bird’s team, albeit with a Ducati.

Brands Hatch brings a great opportunity for the 2013 world champion, who is ready to straighten out a season that has been more complicated than expected until now. Many riders will be keen to shine at one of the most iconic British tracks though, starting with team-mate Josh Brookes who scored his second title aboard the Ducati here in 2020.

Mackenzie and Hickman ready to fight after their WorldSBK experience

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Speaking of the world championship, two riders who will be keen to fight at the front are current champion Tarran Mackenzie and “king” of the TT Peter Hickman who, after their experience at the Donington WorldSBK round, will be battling it out to qualify for the Showdown, just like “veteran” Leon Haslam.

And look out for Jason O'Halloran, strong in recent races, as well as the OMG Racing team, or rather Ryde and championship leader Ray and “usual suspects” Glenn Irwin and Rory Skinner. The latter will head to Silverstone straight after the Brands Hatch round to wildcard in Moto2 wearing American Racing colours, and he’d like to head there on the back of a strong result.

Race schedule

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After the Superpicks Qualifying, taking place on Saturday at 14.15 CET, the first of the three races will get underway at 17:15. Sunday’s brings a double-header, with race 2 at 14.15 and race 3 at 17.30, at the end of which the championship will crown the “King of Brands”, or rather the rider who scores most points over the course of the weekend.

Translated by Heather Watson

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