2018 Bennetts BSB set to kick off at Donington Park

The 2018 Bennetts British Superbike Championship kicks off at Donington Park over Easter weekend and it’s sure to be an action packed opening round as the grid go head to head for the first time this year.

Reigning champion Shane Byrne lines up as a six-time victor, but it won’t be easy for the Be Wiser Ducati star as he once again goes head to head with JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s Leon Haslam and Josh Brookes, who moves to the factory-backed McAMS Yamaha team in the hope of a stronger campaign.

However, it’s not just about those three with at least 12 other riders highlighted as potential race winners and showdown contenders.

Honda Racing have made big steps forward with the CBR1000RR Fireblade over winter, so Dan Linfoot and Jason O’Halloran should be a more consistent force and with a year under the belt with the new Suzuki, the Buildbase duo of Bradley Ray and Richard Cooper could also pose a challenge.

Jake Dixon, who shot to shock success at Knockhill last year and went on to pose a championship threat, is expecting to be strong from the start of the year and fellow young gun Luke Mossey is also hoping to return to the front after an injury-hampered 2017.

Former World Supersport race winner Gino Rea has been quick in testing with the all-new OMG Racing Suzuki team, so he could pose a threat as he makes his BSB debut this year.

Rea is one of a whole host of rookies on the 2018 grid, including McAMS Yamaha’s Tarran Mackenzie, WD40 Kawasaki’s Mason Law and former twice European Superstock 1000 champion Sylvain Barrier.

Donington Park has undergone the first phase of a major improvements programme since being taken over by Jonathan Palmer’s MSV group, with new toilet blocks, better access roads and a new paddock café set to open during the weekend. 

Bennetts BSB 2018 is go!

This year’s Bennetts British Superbike Championship gets underway at a transformed Donington Park over Easter weekend (31 March – 2 April).

There’s an incredibly strong field of 28 riders this year lining up to knock reigning champ Shane Byrne off his perch, including local hero Leon Haslam, and the racing will be as fierce as ever! Nothing beats being trackside to see all the drama unfold – and visitors will see first-hand MSV’s range of winter improvement works.

Discounted advance tickets are available now with free entry for under-13s. Race day admission is £28 online with the full weekend just £37! Check out www.doningtonpark.co.uk for tickets.