British Superbike Championship - round 7 & 8 preview - Oulton Park
| The British SuperBike regulars are back to
the domestic championship this weekend after showing just how strong they are at the Donington round of the
World SuperBike Championship last weekend. Hodgson's performances in both World Superbike races had the British crowd on their feet and the 26-year-old is consequently in a confident frame of mind for rounds 7&8 of the series at Oulton Park this weekend. Hodgson won the last round of the championship at Thruxton a month ago and is currently second in the series, only six points behind leader John Reynolds. "It's taken a while for the World Superbike victory to sink in," said Hodgson, whose results last weekend actually put him eighth in the World Superbike points table after competing in only one of four rounds so far. "It was a great team effort at Donington and one we'll remember for a long time, but our priority is the British Superbike Championship and the two races at Oulton Park this weekend. I missed out on a podium place here last year, so I'll be looking to continue the form I have shown so far this season and hopefully get two good results for the team." Making his Superbike debut at Oulton will be 19 year old Sheffield rider, James Toseland who is keen to get back into the saddle after watching the legendary Joey Dunlop ride his machine at the recent North West 200. "I can't wait to ride the bike again after spectating at the last couple of meetings. Thruxton was disappointing for us because of the tyre problems but I think it will be a lot different at Oulton. I'm really looking forward to racing this weekend," said the former World Supersport racer from Kiveton Park who lies in ninth place in the standings aboard the new Honda VTR SP1. Australia's Kirk McCarthy currently leads the British SuperSport Championship. Chris Vermeulen is currently 3rd in SuperSport and 4th in SuperStock but should improve that position this weekend as they now have the new Fireblade well and truly sorted. |