Gearing up for a new season

Their bikes may have been stranded in Spain at one time, but the new British Superbikes season is finally in sight for G and S Kawasaki.

While the championship should have started in March, a new calendar has been drawn up for the series to get back underway in August.

There will be six meetings.

It all starts at Donington Park (August 7, 8 and 9) before moving to Snetterton (August 21-23), Silverstone (September 4-6), Oulton Park (September) 18-20 and back to Donington Park on its original date of October 2-4, with the traditional season finale to decide the champion two weeks later at Brands Hatch on October 16-18.

It’s hoped fans may be allowed to attend the later rounds, but for the moment all events would be behind closed doors.

G and S Kawasaki will have Kevin Keyes and TJ Toms in Superstock 600 and Milo Ward in the Superstock 1000 class.

Kirton rider Aaron Clarke is also set to be in the latter class when the season resumes.

While the British Superbikes will have three races in each round, it’s hoped both the Superstock classes will have two each round, though the exact details have yet to be confirmed.

It’s also hoped a test weekend will be able to run at Donington Park in the lead up to the season.

That would be particularly important for G and S Kawasaki and team owner Mark Fisher as they have all new bikes which they have yet to get on a track with.

The bikes had been sent to Spain for testing, but before the riders could go out there, COVID-19 lockdown restrictions came in.

The team had to wait for restrictions in Spain to be eased before they could get the bikes back, but they have them now though they remain untested.

A spokesman for G and S Kawasaki said: “All three riders are itching to get out there and to get their season underway.”

Bennetts British Superbike Championship Series Director Stuart Higgs commented: “This has been an incredibly challenging period, but the enthusiasm, commitment and passion from everyone involved in the championship has been outstanding.

“To reach the position of announcing a provisional calendar is a big step forward. Naturally we are very disappointed that several of the traditional circuits have had to be omitted, which has been as a result of very detailed assessments of the operational, logistical and economic consequences pertinent to all circuits arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The firm message though is that we look forward to a full array of circuits returning in 2021.

“We are optimistic that we will be able to welcome fans to BSB this season, enjoying these large outdoor circuit venues with plenty of room to socially distance. We are working with the circuits to agree protocols that meet all relevant guidance and will continue to do so as the guidance evolves over the coming weeks, with further announcements on this to follow. For now though, the focus is continuing to prepare the various protocols and operational detail to ensure the safety of everyone in the BSB community.”