Donington Park hosts the only UK round of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship on 11-13 July, with an international line-up of motorcycling megastars set to descend on the legendary East Midlands venue.
This is the circuit’s biggest international motorsport event of the year, with four world championship categories included in the event schedule, as well as a pair of leading national series adding further entertainment.
WorldSBK – where legends are made!
World Superbikes is renowned for being the series that made icons including Carl Fogarty and James Toseland household names in the UK, and the current crop is every bit as exciting as those two warriors, especially when on machinery capable of speeds in excess of 200mph!
The title race is currently being fought tooth and nail by Turkish fan favourite Toprak Razgatlioglu and Italian hotshot Nicolò Bulega. Ducati’s Bulega head to the event with a slender nine point lead (equivalent to a seventh place finish) over the BMW contender, but it’s two-time champion Razgatlioglu who has the momentum, having won all three races last time out at Misano in Italy.
For racing fans, the event is something of a farewell for Razgatlioglu, who after twice winning the World Superbike Championship, has been snapped up by Yamaha to race in MotoGP from next year onwards. So this is a final chance to see ‘El Turco’ in WorldSBK action at one of his favourite circuits, for now at least…
Amongst the diverse range of nationalities competing in the top World Superbike class, there’s five Brits gunning for glory in front of their home crowd. Sam Lowes rides a privateer Ducati and is the leading UK rider at present, though his twin brother Alex (Bimota) is an East Midlands resident and perhaps knows the layout better than most others. Scott Redding (also on a Ducati), six-time champion Jonathan Rea (Yamaha) and Ryan Vickers (Ducati) are all counting on the expected big crowd for that extra morale boost throughout the weekend.
Three World Superbike races will provide endless drama all weekend, with practice and qualifying across Friday and Saturday, before the first ‘big’ race on Saturday afternoon and a further two headline races on the Sunday.
Support race thrills
With three days of track activity, there are plenty more categories in action, including the FIM Supersport World Championship, the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship and the Yamaha R3 BLU CRU World Cup.
Furthermore, top British categories will also be in action: the ROKiT OFF BMW F 900 R Cup and the AJN Steelstock Kawasaki Superteen Championship.
In all, 15 races across Saturday and Sunday will throw up all sorts of drama at a venue renowned for some of the best views at any motorsport venue.
Paddock Show – meet the stars of the event every day!
Few international events boast the level of access World Superbikes at Donington Park provides, with free access to the paddock for all ticketholders. This includes admission to the legendary Paddock Show, right at the heart of the event through each day, where all the racing stars will appear.
This is also the scene for the celebratory podium ceremonies, game shows, interview sessions, charity auctions and concerts.
In addition, fans can high-five the winning riders after each race at Victory Lane, as they make their way to the podium. Imagine doing the same with your favourite footballer after every match…!
More off track fun
The campsite stage will fire up on Friday and Saturday evenings, with leading tribute bands (The Runaway Killers and Fakeboy Slim) and DJ sets to provide entertainment deep into the night.
Furthermore, there’s display areas including dedicated sections for the Ducati Owners Club and the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, and even the chance to get inked at the Old Sarum Tattoo Ranch!
Trade stands and giant TV screens will all add to the festival feel.
Tickets still on sale – free parking all weekend!
Tickets for the event are still on sale, and buying in advance guarantees cheaper rates than purchasing on the day. Main Sunday race day tickets are available for just £46 if booked before 4pm on Wednesday 9 July, while further savings are on offer for teenagers aged 13-15. Children under-13 go free all event, making this an ideal experience for the whole family! Individual day options and full weekend tickets can also be purchased.
Very limited campsite, grandstand and hospitality upgrades are also still available.
For more information and to book, click here.