By As throughout past season, international road racing will enjoy a major presence in the 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship & support Championships.
Runner-up last year, Glenn Irwin now back amongst the Paul Bird Motorsport Ducati fold, is optimistic that he can finally clinch the BSB crown, he covets so much.
Respected roads rival, nine times TT winner Peter Hickman, remains aboard M1000RR BMW tackle alongside new FHO Racing team-mate Josh Brookes.
Former North West 200 lap record holder Brookes, in particular looked in decent fettle across pre-season tests at Donington Park and Silverstone.
DAO Racing’s Dean Harrison, also heads into the new season confident of prodigious showings.
Joining Harrison, Hickman, Irwin on the BSB entry list is 2022 National Superstock 1000 Champion Davey Todd.
Back in the Milenco by Padgetts colours, he’s keen to continue to prove his all-round racing credentials, mixing the roads with premium level purpose-built circuits competition.
Looking towards the Quattro Plant British Supersport Championship, roads scene aces aiming to create an impression include PreZ Racing’s Paul Jordan, Adam McLean and K2 Trooper Triumph by PHR Performance team member Pierre Yves Bian.
Likely lead roads force within the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship will be North West 200 wins record holder, TAS Racing returnee Alastair Seeley.
Added stock 1000 competitors boasting magical, specialised real roads craft, that are racing this weekend include:
TT legends Michael Dunlop (Hawk Racing) and John McGuinness MBE (Honda Racing UK), Craig Neve (Bathams Racing), David Johnson (C&L Fairburn Properties/Jackson Racing).
Conor Cummins (Milenco by Padgetts), James Hillier (Lami OMG Racing), Jamie Coward (KTS Racing Powered by Steadplan).
Nathan Harrison (Honda Racing UK), Michael Evans, Jonathan Perry, Sam West and last year’s Senior Manx Grand Prix winner Stephen Smith.
BSB, support class action for 2023 kick starts on Friday (7th April) with the opening practice sessions per class, at the Silverstone National circuit.
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: Derek Wilson
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
