4 HEAD TO THE BSB SHOWDOWN
RIDE’S guide to the last three rounds of British Superbikes this autumn, the climax of the most important — and exciting — domestic superbike race series in the world
Oulton Park, Donington Park and Brands Hatch are the circuits every racing fan should have in their sat navs — these are the Showdown rounds of the 2021 British Superbike Championship, when the title will be decided between the top six riders, across the final three rounds (three races per round; nine in total).
Unless you’ve been living under a stone for 25 years, you’ll know British Superbikes is the leading domestic race series in the world — the best attended, supported and the best spectacle.
The Showdown is designed to prevent runaway winners wrapping the title up by mid-season. “It’s a great format for everyone except possibly some riders and teams,” says BSB expert Chris Newble, from Bennetts insurance, long-standing BSB title sponsor. “It’s true there’ve been a couple of years when the leading rider going into the Showdown hasn’t won the title. But to even things up a bit, the podiums they’ve scored up to Showdown gives them a points advantage. So there’s still a reason to race hard early in the season.”
Although the actual riders in the Showdown aren’t finalised yet, it’s clear there are some favourites. MCCAMS Yamaha’s Jason O’halloran leads the way, followed by Visiontrack Ducati’s Christian Iddon. O’halloran’s team-mate Tarran Mackenzie is third, with series regulars like Ducati’s Tommy Bridewell, Tt-ace Peter Hickman and Danny Buchan on BMWS, and Honda’s Glenn Irwin, all fighting for Showdown position. It’s a great mix of bikes and riding styles. But one man who might not make the cut is 2020 champion Josh Brookes, Iddon’s team-mate, who’s struggling to adapt to a change of tyre spec in 2021.
“It goes to show the depth of talent and technical level in BSB,” says Newble. “When last year’s champ struggles while his team-mate prospers, it means anyone can win, on any bike.”
Oulton Park September 24-26 £45 weekend advance £35 for race day on the gate
Like a cross between Cadwell’s treelined hills and Donington’s wide curves, Oulton has surprising ups and down. Best place to watch The bottom of the circuit up from the chicane — you can see all the track from Hall Bends and up towards Knickerbrook.
Donington Park October 1-3 £45 weekend advance £35 for race day on the gate
Home of the British GP for years, Donington is packed with great racing memories and history.
Best place to watch The obvious place is the spectacular Craner Curves. But just as good is the Melbourne Loop, where you can see the bikes up close.
Brands Hatch October 15-17 £45 weekend advance £35 for race day on the gate
The final round at Brands is always a thriller and always produces something special. And Brands, is iconic.
Best place to watch Lots of good places but the parking area above Cooper Straight has views of the action from Druids, Graham Hill Bend and Surtees.