BSB’s big Knockhill questions

All to play for as BSB returns to Scotland for the first time since 2019

Who can stop 1 O’Halloran?

The paddock are still reeling from Jason O’Halloran’s treble at Oulton Park, and they need to respond quickly if they’re going to disrupt his rhythm. Based on 2020 and also current form, Christian Iddon is the rider most likely to dethrone O’Halloran and he’ll be desperate to dish out some payback. Tarran Mackenzie is another candidate after a promising start to 2021.

What does 2 history tell us?

Kawasaki are the most successful manufacturer with 14 victories, taking 11 wins from the last 14 races at Knockhill. Ducati have 11 victories but have only won once since Shane Byrne’s success in 2016. Danny Buchan (2019) is the only rider on the current grid who has won at Knockhill. However, much has changed since 2019… BMW, Kawasaki and Honda have all-new bikes, the Pirelli tyres are larger and the super-soft SCX tyre wasn’t available in BSB until this year.

Will there be a 3 Scottish hero?

Scottish fans have two of their own to support with Tarran Mackenzie and Rory Skinner. Mackenzie will be confident of claiming his first BSB win at home after three top sixes at round one. Meanwhile, Skinner heads home after scoring points in each race at his BSB debut. He knows the track and could sneak into the top 10.

CanJoshBrookes 4 bounce back?

Remarkably, the Aussie has never won at the short 1.27-mile circuit and hasn’t finished on the podium at Knockhill since 2015. Brookes has completed tests at Knockhill in 2020 and 2021, in dry and wet conditions, and told MCN that he’s confident that he has the ideal setup for the weekend.

How will the rookies fair? 5

Oulton and Knockhill as your first BSB meetings? That’s tough! Danny Kent, alongside Rory Skinner, may be able to score points this weekend. Kent is a world champion after all, and his ability may override his lack of experience. Japanese duo Ryo Mizuno and Takumi Takahashi are in for another eye-opener and won’t be at 100% after crashes at the Oulton Test and race weekend.