· Life of Nicky Hayden to be celebrated during the event
· Family fun activities add to world class racing action
Bike fans are set to bathe in sunshine at Donington Park this weekend, with the circuit gearing up for its biggest motorsport event of the year, the only UK round of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship.
Spectators at the circuit are set for a three day thriller of world class action, with incredible racing on track from some of the world’s finest motorcycle racers, and a full package of entertainment around the venue included. To top it off, weather forecasters are predicting that a mini-heatwave will hit the East Midlands just in time for the biggest race event of the year!
While the on track action is to be celebrated, there are also plans in place to remember the great Nicky Hayden, who was due to compete at Donington this weekend, but sadly passed away this week after a cycling accident in Italy last week.
British riders continue to lead the way in the championship, with reigning double champion Jonathan Rea at the top of the standings following a blistering start to the season. But his main rival, Welshman Chaz Davies turned up the heat last time out in Italy, securing a double victory. There is no love lost between these two, with the pair almost coming to blows in the Netherlands last month, and the rivalry has been simmering ever since. There is every chance this fight could boil over this weekend!
But the hot tip for victory this weekend is Rea’s team mate Tom Sykes. The Kawasaki man is unbeaten at Donington Park since 2013, and a win in the first WorldSBK contest of the weekend on Saturday would set a new record for the most consecutive victories at a circuit in the championship’s history.
Local fans should have plenty to cheer this weekend, with Donington ambassador Leon Haslam making a wildcard appearance with the Puccetti Kawasaki team, while Derby’s Alex Lowes will be looking to continue his strong start to the year on home ground. Haslam has set a scorching pace so far in British Superbikes, and won twice here in April, while Lowes has a burning desire to show well at Donington, after missing the UK round through injury in 2016.
British fans can also cheer on the ever-committed Leon Camier, who puts on a stunning show as he grapples his MV Agusta towards the front of the grid, while another wildcard appearance will come from Jake Dixon.
Rider quote, Alex Lowes:
“I cannot wait to race at Donington Park. It’s the only time I get to race in front of the awesome British fans during the year and I love it. I wish we had more home races but it makes it more special and important just having the one. I really believe that Donington can be a great track for my Yamaha R1, I really want to fight for the podium, I think we can and that is my target.” Rider quote, Leon Haslam: “Donington is my local circuit, my favourite circuit and I know it like the back of my hand. I’m very grateful to Puccetti Racing and my sponsor JG Speedfit for giving me the opportunity to race against the World boys. We had a flawless British Superbike weekend at Donington and hopefully we can get close to the factory boys this weekend and give the British fans something to cheer about.” Tickets available on the gate!
Tickets for the World Superbike Championship at Donington Park this weekend will be available for purchase upon arrival at the circuit, priced at £10 on Friday, £35 on Saturday, and £45 on Sunday or £75 for a weekend, while campsite spaces are also still on offer. Plus, anyone who attends this weekend stands a chance of winning a trip for two prize to the Portuguese round of WorldSBK in September, when they register at the Paddock Show before 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Further on track action
Hundreds of riders and teams will be racing across the weekend. As well as two sizzling races from the WorldSBK Championship, there will be further scorching action from World Supersport, World Supersport 300, Superstock 1000 and National Superstock 600 and 1000, with action starting at 9am on each day.
Entertainment all round
As well as the thrilling on track action at speeds of up to 200mph, there’s a full package of entertainment to look forward to all over the venue, with free access to the paddock and the popular Paddock Show with every entrance ticket, giving visitors unrivalled access to sporting heroes! Fans will also be able to enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday evenings at the lively infield campsite, as well as family fun zones on the circuit infield. For a full run down of entertainment to look forward to, click
here.
Donington Park Managing Director Christopher Tate commented: “We simply cannot wait for World Superbikes this weekend. This is the event we all look forward to and we have worked very hard behind the scenes to make sure Donington is in a perfect condition ahead of the expected arrival of tens of thousands of fans. “It’s going to be a thrilling weekend of action from the world’s best superbike racers, with a strong line-up of support races. We are encouraging everyone to make a weekend of it by staying with us across all three days – there are limited spaces on the campsite still available. Donington Park is the place to be this weekend, with plenty of additional entertainment to look forward to. “Everyone at Donington Park would also like to take this opportunity to send our thoughts to the family and friends of Nicky Hayden, who so sadly passed away this week. We are working with the organisers, Dorna, to make sure an appropriate celebration of his life is in place this weekend, so that fans can pay their respects during the event.” For more information on World Superbikes at Donington Park this, visit www.donington-park.co.uk.