By As throughout past seasons, International road racing will enjoy a major presence in the 2021 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
Fourth in last year’s series, Honda Racing’s Glenn Irwin is confident that he can contend strongly again for the BSB crown, that he covets so much.
Supported this year directly by HRC (Honda Racing Corporation), four times North West 200 winner Irwin has caught the eye across the pre-season test sessions including at the Silverstone National Circuit, where he set an unofficial new lap record of 53.139 seconds.
Respected roads rival Peter Hickman, takes on a fresh new challenges for 2021, competing for the newly formed FHO Racing team alongside piloting BMW’s newest SBK racing incarnation, the M1000RR BMW.
Looking in decent fettle during the aforementioned pre-season tests, the signs are positive that the TT Races lap record holder will enjoy a distinct up-turn in fortunes in comparison to last season, which by his standards was underwhelming.
Joining Hickman, Irwin on the BSB entry list are Roadhouse Macau supported Brian McCormack, 99 times Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough winner Dean Harrison (Silicone Engineering Racing) and series debutant Joe Thompson (NP Motorcycles BMW).
Looking towards the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship, Ashcourt Racing’s Lee Johnston will no question be consistently in contention over all rounds for rostrums or better.
Whilst further pure roads appeal is added by twice Lightweight Manx GP winner Jim Hind and Oulton Park round entrant, Cowton Racing’s Dominic Herbertson.
Likely lead roads force within the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship will be Edwards 1902 backed Ian Hutchinson, who switches back to Yamaha machinery, having returned last year to BMW tackle with TAS Racing.
Added stock 1000 competitors boasting real roads craft in abundance include Sam West, Craig Neve, DC Racing’s Mike Norbury and Dafabet Racing’s Rob Hodson.
All four are capable of grabbing prominent results as are new Ashcourt Racing signing Damon Rees and Mountain Course racing legend, John McGuinness MBE.
The 23 times TT winner as in 2020, sticks with the Ducati TriOptions Cup and has showed during testing that he’s not to be underestimated.
BSB action for 2021 kick starts on Friday (25th June) with the opening practice sessions per class, at Oulton
Park.
I’m sure thousands of pure road racing fans will be keeping a close eye on their heroes and their progress in what is regarded as the top domestic bike racing series on planet Earth.
Photo credit: Michael Wincott
Words by Stevie Rial
