Round 8 of the British Superbike Championship returned to Brands Hatch in Kent for the second time this season, this time to utilise the fantastic Grand Prix circuit (for most of the weekend, anyway). Friday did see only the Indy circuit used for support-class sessions and BSB testing. (see more)
As was expected, the racing was very exciting with some tough tyre choices being made on Saturday afternoon's Race 1. Rain started to fall minutes before teams and riders made their way to the grid, leaving a short window for a few brave souls to test the track conditions if they so wished. With the race underway, some tyre calls were proven right, whilst others read the conditions rather poorly. The tarmac rapidly dried out leaving those on slicks and intermediates to lead the field. Those on wets had to change tyres to ensure a decent position on Sunday's first Race grid. Josh Brookes made his way to the front within a few laps and then left the field behind to take his first win of 2011.
Sunday was back to normal for the BSB races with the likes of Tommy Hill, Shane Byrne, and John Hopkins competing for the top step. The Supersport races, when not being red-flagged were extremely exciting. Max Hunt was badly injured, but thankfully has since been discharged from hospital. Ben Wilson and Alastair Seeley continued to keep the fans on the edge of their seats with some superb displays of racing.
This round also saw the official announcement of the Superbike rules for the foreseeable future with updated EVO rules replacing both classes, merging them into one more sustainable domestic series.
Photographically, the Grand Prix circuit is second to none, offering snappers a great diversity of backgrounds. (see less)