Relax, we’re not going to talk about politics, independence votes or referendums; instead we’re merely going to highlight a few Scottish riders looking for some home-round success at Knockhill this weekend – at the MCE British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli event (3,4,5 July).
Stuart Easton is normally the token Scot in the MCE British Superbike class; however, this year he’ll be joined by Taylor Mackenzie onboard the Team WD40 Kawasaki. You’ll probably recognise the name, son of three-time Superbike Champion Niall, and he’s been coming to and competing at Knockhill since he was knee high to a grasshopper.
Easton was on the podium last year and he will be particularly keen to haul his PBM Kawasaki over the finishing line in first position as he cases an elusive Superbike race win at Knockhill. There’s also a truly International feel about the Superbike grid this year; with riders from Australia, Japan, Sweden, Italy, Ireland, Brazil and Ashby-de-la-Zouch – wherever that is Niall Mackenzie?
And of course, we can’t forget Danny Buchan, who switches his allegiance to Scotland for one weekend of the year, courtesy of the Scottish roots in his family. The Be Wiser Kawasaki rider took a double victory at Knockhill last year in the Superstock 1000 class and certainly knows his way around the track. Hopefully he’ll perform well this weekend and we’ll happily take him under our National banner for the weekend.
In the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship (Evo) class both Matthew Paulo (East Kilbride) and Niall Campbell (Glasgow) have raced at Knockhill this year; with both riders enjoying decent results in the Scottish and KMSC Championships. Pay close attention to this one over the weekend, with the top four riders separated by just 26 points, you’ll see Luke Stapleford (1st), Glenn Irwin (2nd), Kyle Ride (3rd) and Jake Dixon (4th) battle at exceptionally close quarters for the race wins.
The Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship class sees two Scots entering the lineup this weekend. Danderhall’s Michael Robertson, a former multiple Scottish Champion moves into the Stock 1000 class this year, and currently lies 8th in the title standings. Robertson joined fellow Stock1000 challenger Paul Wishart from Perth, on a recent BSB/Support Test at Knockhill earlier in June; and both men will be hoping that they can tap into their local knowledge to challenge the leading riders in the class – Josh Elliot, Hudson Kennaugh, Alistair Seeley and Luke Quigley.
There are quite a few Scots in the Pirelli National Superstock 600 class. Tarran Mackenzie currently lies third in the Championship behind Mason Law and Ben Currie, he’s also joined on a regular basis by Max Alexander (Glasgow), Liam Shellcock (Oban) and Jason Vernon (Dumfries). Additionally, this weekend will see a number of other ‘wild cars’ entries from Paul McClung (Haddington), Lewis Rollo (Gifford) and Callum Grigor (Wishaw) riding the A for Audi/Kirkcaldy Kawasaki 600 machine.
The Ducati Tri-Options Cup sees Dennis Hobbs (Kelty) return as the defending Champion, following his title success last year. Hobbs, will be joined in the one make Ducati Panigale 899 series by William Monie (Crieff), Sean and Greg Gilfillan (Crossgates).
Hobbs with the No.1 on his Ducati
The Hyundai Heavy Industries British Sidecar Championship will see Knockhill Mechanic Ralph Pryde partner Cupar based Craig Nicol on their LCR Suzuki sidecar. Whilst Lauder pairing Stephen Kershaw and Rob Wilson will be hoping to pilot their LCR Kawasaki to Knockhill podium success; elsewhere, Lewis Paterson (Scone) ‘wildcards’ in the Santander Consumer Finance KTM British Junior Cup.
Tickets for the BSB event can be booked online – subject to pre-booking discounts. Alternatively, tickets will also be available at the gate all weekend!
