A record 247 riders from all over the world compete in the MCE British Superbikes ADT Fire & Security round this weekend. Ten countries, from as far away as Japan, Australia, South Africa and the USA are represented. Top bike racing stars taking on the best from Scotland and from all corners of the UK.
Heading up the Scots who are all set to do battle are Tarran Mackenzie, son of three times Superbikes Champion Niall Mackenzie and brother to current Moto GP 125 star Taylor. Taylor will be present too at Knockhill having just put in a stunning ride at the Moto GP at Silverstone last weekend finishing 12th overall.
Tarran (15), who now lives in Ashby De La Zouch, is returning after his eventful last outing at Knockhill in May. The diminutive school boy had a 90mph tumble at the first corner, then brushed himself down and followed up his crash with a podium ignoring a broken finger in the process. What made the podium all the sweeter was that father Niall and his brother Taylor were presenting the awards trophies.
"Adopted" Scot, Dennis Hobbs, originally from the North East, has the shortest journey to the Circuit as he now lives in Kelty. The Superbike EVO racer, who is a regular bike instructor at Knockhill and married to Knockhill Events Manager Gemma, only has a 10 minute journey to the track, compared to his world wide rivals.
Scottish interest in this year's event is intense, with all four corners of Scotland represented by eager competitors. Events Director Stuart Gray said: "We are delighted that so many Scottish riders have entered this weekend. It gives a real local focus for the thousands of fans and will ensure the Saltires will be flying for every race. It is a World class field but, who knows, it could be a Scot on the top step of the podium for a race or two."
The 3 day event starts this Friday with testing, qualifying, including an F1 style elimination session for the Superbike riders. 4 races are scheduled for Saturday 18th, and the main race day is on Fathers Day, Sunday 19th.
The 3 day event will also see added entertainment courtesy of world stunt champion Kevin Carmichael, who will be performing routines all weekend. On Saturday and Sunday fans get the opportunity to meet the world BSB stars with a pit lane walk during lunchtime.
The event starts at 10am on Friday, 9am on Saturday and 8.45am on Sunday, with the Sunday gates opening at 7am.
MCE SUPERBIKES
- Dennis Hobbs - Kelty
EASTERN AIRWAYS BRITISH SIDECARS
- Gordon Shand and Lee Barratt - Kilwinning
- Steve Kershaw and Robin Wilson - Lauder
- Scott Lawrie and James Neave - Kirkliston
- Jim Hamilton and Bryn Ferry - Leslie
HARLEY DAVIDSON XR1200 TROPHY
- Bruce Birnie - Montrose
- Adam Blacklock - Lanark
- Lewis Farrow - Perth
- Alex Gault - Carluke
- Torquil Paterson - Scone
METZELER SUPERSTOCK 1000cc
- Donald Macfadyen - Inverness
METZELER SUPERSTOCK 600
- Deane Brown - Motherwell
- John Dean - Hawick
- Niall Campbell - Cambuslang
- Jodie Chalk - Glenrothes
- James East - Royston
- Tim Hastings - Bonnybridge
- Scott Kelly - Annan
- Daniel Kinloch - Newton Mearns
- Matthew Paulo - East Kilbride
FUCHS -SILKOLENE SUPERSPORT
- Adam Blacklock - Lanark
- David Paton - Loanhead
SUNOCO 125GPs
- Jason Douglas - Larkhall
- Sammi Tasker - Clackmannan
- Callum Bey - Huntly
- Ryan Watson - Angus
- Tarran Mackenzie - Ashby De La Zouch
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
- Allan - Jon Venter - South Africa
- Billy McConnell & Paul Young - Australia
- Ryuichi Kiyonari - Japan
- John Hopkins & Jake Zemke - USA
- Patric Muff - Switzerland
- Loris Baz - France
- Matteo Mossa - Italy
- Farid Badrui - Malaysia
- Steve Heneghan - Ireland
- Sandra Stammova - Slovakia