The eighth round of the British Superbike championship travels up north to Fife in Scotland for this years round at Knockhill. The season so far has seen Shane Bryne confidently dominate, but the previous round at Oulton Park saw a new winner for the first time out in the perpetually smiling Yorkshireman and Rizla Suzuki mounted Tom Sykes. With the paddock still feeling the effects of Craig Jones' tragic death, many riders will be honouring the memory of the brilliantly entertaining rider with personal mementos in his respect. Cal Crutchlow will be wearing a replica of Jones' helmet, whereas Dean Ellison of Co-ordit Yamaha will drop a digit from his usual number to match the 18 of the Parkalgar Honda rider.
British Superbikes Round 3 was held at the scenic 2.7 mile Cheshire circuit of Oulton Park last week, under yet another grey, leaden sky. This was despite the rest of the country appearing to be in store for a fine Bank Holiday weekend, which didn’t do much for our spirits as we climbed into our sleeping bags, locked the car doors and hoped for sunshine when we woke on Saturday morning.