Thursday May 24, 2018 at 4:27pm
The Motul FIM Superbike World Championship will thrill thousands at Donington Park this weekend (25-27 May) for the series' only visit to the UK.
Some of the world's top superbike racers will be in action, with British riders leading the way once more, while a huge range of entertainment and activities around the venue will provide a real festival feel.
It could be a historic weekend too, as reigning triple champion and BBC Sports Personality runner-up Jonathan Rea could break Carl Fogarty's long-standing record for the most wins in the series. Rea equalled Fogarty's tally of 59 victories with a double triumph last time out at Imola, and a win at Donington would see the Northern Irishman add another World Superbike record to his name.
Best of British
Rea has a hungry contingent of British riders nipping at his heels, all determined to put in a strong showing at their home race, not the least of whom is current British Superbike Championship leader Leon Haslam, who is making a wildcard appearance with the Puccetti Kawasaki team at his local circuit.
Haslam, from Smalley, scooped a podium on his wildcard appearance last year, and knows the circuit just about as well as any other rider. He returned to World Superbike action at the previous round at Imola, and is eager to get going: "I can't wait to get to Donington, there's nothing better than riding on your home track in front of the world," he enthuses.
"Imola was a tough weekend but a valuable weekend, we learned a lot about the areas we are losing in which shouldn't be as big an issue at Donington, so fingers crossed we can have a similar result to last year when we finished second. It would be nice to go one better but I think the main aim is to get back on that podium, which would be fantastic for Manuel Puccetti and his team."
Another local man, Derby's Alex Lowes, scored a podium at the UK round last year, and after a competitive start to his season, is charged to do the same again this year. He comments: "I'm really looking forward to Donington Park as it's the only time I get to race in front of my home fans, and on top of that it's a track I really, really enjoy. It has a bit of everything; the flowing first half and then the tighter, trickier second part really lends itself to some good close racing and I genuinely can't wait to get there and get the weekend started."
Rea's teammate Tom Sykes, a Donington specialist, is likely to be right at the sharp end, having won nine of the last 10 World Superbike races at the circuit. Welshman Chaz Davies has been Rea's closest challenger throughout the season so far, though has never had the best of luck at his home round and will be keen to put that behind him this time around.
Wildcard warriors taking on the world
As well as Haslam, there are several more Brits to cheer on as wildcard or single event entries at Donington. Bennetts BSB front-runner Bradley Ray is a late addition to the entry, the double BSB race winner at Donington earlier this year could well spring a surprise in World Superbikes. He's joined by fellow British Superbike racers Mason Law and Gino Rea.
The Brits are up against the best of the world, including mercurial Italian Marco Melandri, who took a double win at the season opener in Australia, Spaniard Xavi Fores, and Dutchman Michael van der Mark. Meanwhile, another Brit, former British Superbike champion Leon Camier will be looking to get his season back on track after recovering from an injury sustained at the Aragon round in April.
A full support card including World Supersport, World Supersport 300, Superstock 1000, and an selection of leading British Championships mean there is almost endless on-track action from Friday morning until Sunday afternoon.
Fun and entertainment all round the venue
Off track, there's a huge range of activities and entertainment to keep the whole family entertained, including the free of charge Paddock Show featuring rider appearances, chat shows and plenty of banter. Fans will be able to rub shoulders with the stars of the show thanks to the open paddock policy, which includes the much improved Fan Zone, while other goings-on include live music, the world famous Demon Drome Wall of Death, an Extreme Wheelie machine, simulators, display areas and inflatables.
Fans will also be able to make a weekend of it by booking onto the vibrant infield campsite, which offers views of the action almost from the comfort of your own tent, and features evening entertainment and kids activities.
Tickets for the UK round of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship are available in advance starting at £28, with three-day weekend tickets priced at £50. Children aged 12 and under go free all weekend, with discounted rates available for teenagers aged 13-15. Advance tickets are available online until 3pm on Wednesday 23 May. Tickets will also be available on the gate throughout the event at full price. For more information click here.