The Bennetts British Superbike Championship returns for its annual round at Knockhill in Scotland next month (June 16/17/18) and ahead of round four, several of the leading contenders have been on track testing ahead of the event.
Championship leaders BeerMonster Ducati’s Tommy Bridewell and Glenn Irwin completed the opening day on track, bidding to add to their podium tally with the PBM team celebrating on the podium at each round so far.
Leon Haslam continued the development work with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad; utilising the additional track time but ended the opening day with a crash at the Hairpin, whilst Mar-Train Racing Yamaha’s Jack Kennedy had also tumbled there earlier in the afternoon.
LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha continued their battle to retain the title this season with track time for both Kyle Ryde and Ryan Vickers, with the pair aiming to emulate 2022 Champion Bradley Ray’s race-winning performance last season.
McAMS Yamaha’s Jason O'Halloran did the double last season and after becoming the fifth different race winner of the season at Donington Park; he will be determined to close down the 49-point deficit to the top of the standings. His teammate Tim Neave also completed his first laps on the Superbike at the circuit as he continues his rookie campaign in the class. The pair are due to return to the track tomorrow for a second day despite a crash for Neave today.
Honda Racing UK’s Andrew Irwin was also on track with Tom Neave for Honda Racing UK; however during the afternoon session, Andrew Irwin crashed at turn one. The session was stopped and Andrew was taken to the circuit medical centre for assessment of a possible arm fracture. He was then transferred to Dundee hospital where it was confirmed he has suffered a fracture to his right humerus and is continuing to receive treatment.
SYNETIQ BMW’s Danny Buchan, Starline Racing Kawasaki’s Storm Stacey and Tactix by Lloyd and Jones BMW’s Luke Mossey are set to be back on track for a second day of testing tomorrow.