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.
Earlier this week I was offered the chance to borrow Jack Lilley's Triumph Daytona 675 demonstrator for an 'hour' this afternoon at 3.30pm. And needless to say I took them up on the offer. I ordered one of these way back in September after reading the now famous 'Bike' supplement and being won over by the opportunity to either own possibly the first really competitive, sorted British sports bike since the old days, or to perhaps make some money auctioning the bike prior to delivery.