The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship roars into Donington Park on 10-12 July, with a cast of leading British riders looking for home advantage against some of the best motorcycle racers on the planet.
Twin brothers Alex and Sam Lowes, recent British Superbike champions Tommy Bridewell and Tarran Mackenzie, plus injury returnee Jake Dixon, are the home heroes to cheer on, with each looking to halt the charge of Ducati’s runaway series leader Nicolò Bulega at the top of the standings.
The Italian heads to Donington Park with a target on his back. He may have won every race so far this year, but he’s yet to triumph at the East Midlands circuit in World Superbikes. If he’s going to be beaten this year, then it’ll surely be at Donington Park.
The locals against the world
No fewer than three of the event’s premier class riders live within touching distance of Donington Park, with Alex Lowes (Loughborough) and Tarran Mackenzie (Ashby-de-la-Zouch) very much counting the area as home turf.
Derby’s Sam Lowes who, like Bulega, rides a Ducati, reckons that a defeat for the series leader could be on the cards. “It’s a unique track, the riding style needed is very different. I was close to him last year, let’s see,” he points out. “It’s hard to win every race, he’s doing a good job but we can beat him. It’s definitely the target to try and beat him.”
Lowes has taken six podiums already this year, and he admits a home podium would be a special feeling.
“As the years go on and there’s less years left, it makes it even more exciting to come to my home race,” he enthuses.
“Obviously living just down the road, it’s a proper home race for me and not only that, it’s an amazing track. It's a circuit that I enjoy riding on and it's always a nice confidence builder and good vibes to see the crowd supporting you. It's amazing.”
An international on-track schedule
Three headline WorldSBK races are the main attraction on the schedule, with the first set for Saturday afternoon (11 July), before two more on the main Sunday raceday (12 July), including the fast and furious Tissot Superpole Race.
There’s plenty more international action to look forward to from the FIM Supersport World Championship, FIM Yamaha R3 Blu Cru World Cup and the trailblazing FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, with sessions on all three days.
Fans to meet the stars at the Paddock Show
While the action on track should be red hot, there’s plenty to see around the venue, and each ticket allows access to the ultra-popular Paddock Show, where all the riders make appearances across the weekend. The big stage also doubles up as the podium for all the weekend races, while the Victory Lane segment leading up to it allows fans to literally high five the riders as they make their way from the track to the post-race ceremonies.
“I’m definitely looking forward to meeting the fans, and hopefully seeing them at Victory Lane and the Paddock Show” Lowes adds. “I can’t wait for it, hopefully the weather will be kind to us and there’ll be a lot of people there with us.”
As well as the Paddock Show, there’s plenty more to see around the venue, including live music on Friday and Saturday evenings plus big displays from the Ducati Owners Club and Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club.
Book before Monday for a chance to win grid access!
WorldSBK is one of the most fan-friendly forms of motorsport in the world, and spectators who purchase tickets in advance can get even closer to the superbike stars.
All tickets purchased before 23:59 on Sunday 5 July will be entered into a prize draw to win a pair of grid access tickets for Saturday’s first headline race. Not only that, there’s several additional prizes up for grabs including support race grid passes, pit walk wristbands, grandstand seats, a half-season MSV pass and Donington Park merchandise.
If that wasn’t enough of an incentive to book early, all advance tickets offer big savings compared to on the day gate prices! Advance ticket sales end at 4pm on Wednesday 8 July, after which, tickets can be purchased at gate prices up arrival at the event.
Kids go free, and further savings for teenagers
Children under-13 go free at all MSV events across the UK, and World Superbikes at Donington Park is no different. In addition, there’s further savings for teenagers aged 13-15, making the event an ideal way for all the family to witness top tier motorsport.
For those looking to make a real weekend of it, final grandstand and campsite tickets are still available, as well as limited hospitality spaces.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.