Tooting racer Gino Rea revved up for return of British Superbikes

The championship will consist of six meetings with three rounds held at each.

The first three rounds will kick off at Donington Park in Leicestershire on August 7-9 with the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit in Kent hosting the season finale on October 16-18.

The usual ‘Showdown’ format will not be implemented for 2020 and several tracks will not feature in the revised calendar, including the popular circuits of Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire and Assen in Holland.

The supporting championships will also be present at all the meetings.

BSB race director Stuart Higgs said: “Really pleased to get to a point where we can announce a provisional calendar for 2020. This has been an incredibly challenging period but the enthusiasm, commitment and passion from everyone involved in the championship has been outstanding.

“There are some key (circuit) omissions this year and we’ve got lots of fans who will be wondering why. We’ve had to consider, at all levels, the practical, logistical and financial consequences that Covid-19 has meant for us, the circuits, the teams and where there’s a challenge that we think will be insurmountable, we’ve parked those circuits for this year.
“We’re doing what we’re doing to give the best opportunity to deliver a credible championship and allow us to put in all the operational detail for us to safely run.”

Tooting-born Bike Devil Insurance Ducati rider Gino Rea has been training for months to keep fit and is eager to get started: “I think I can speak for every motorcycle racer in every championship, worldwide…we are glad to be going back to racing.

“It’s been a long time off a bike and with a lot of unknowns. All I could do was stay ready by preparing physically and that’s been the positive of this situation – my fitness levels are the highest they’ve ever been as we’ve had more time to train.

“It’s going to be an interesting series with three races at each of the six meetings and that’s going to make it exciting. The limited number of circuits BSB have chosen are great and they will provide close racing. I can’t wait to get started!”

Erith’s Casey O’Gorman, 12, will be making his BSB debut at Donington Park in the British Talent Cup support series on his Honda 250cc Moto3 machine. He said: “I’m excited to be back racing again and I think they’ve given us the best tracks which I’m glad for. I’m looking forward to Brands Hatch, as that’s my local track.

“We’re only doing five of the six meetings with two races at each but I don’t know yet which one we’re missing out. We don’t know what’s happening with the European Talent Cup yet but we’re hoping to maybe do the last one.”
Find out more about the British Superbike Championship at www.britishsuperbikes.com