Knockhill to run reversed in 2014

MCE British Superbike organisers MSV have confirmed that the Knockhill round of the championship, to be held in late June, will, as previously suggested, be run for the first time in reverse direction around the short Scottish track.

Knockhill, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, had initially suggested the switch some time ago, and has spent over £100,000 in renovating the safety facilities at the track in order to allow both directions.

MCE BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs explained: “Since the circuit restarted events in the counter clockwise direction we’ve been curious to learn how they’ve been received and in talking with Niall Mackenzie, Stuart Easton and Dennis Hobbs, amongst others, who have had firsthand experience they were very enthusiastic and positive as to how it was to ride, in fact there are a number of factors which have shown this configuration to be better for competitors and spectators and viewers, with some of the well-known features of the circuit much enhanced.”

“For BSB to make the transition the circuit needed to have a number of inspections by the respective regulatory bodies, MCRCB for British Championship level motorcycle racing and the MSA for car racing. MCRCB made two detailed inspections. I participated representing MSVR as the promoter and organiser and invited multiple British Champions Niall Mackenzie and Stuart Easton for their invaluable input. We made a number of determinations specifically taking into account the higher performance level of BSB and some of the characteristics and procedures of BSB events. The co-operation and commitment of the circuit management was excellent and the scope of works is now underway.”

Knockhill Chief Executive Derek Butcher concluded: “We invested in giving Scotland, and Britain, another circuit over the winter of 2011/12 and since then, the “new” circuit has provided such a different challenge, and for many, they prefer competing on it! Once a rider has done 40 – 50 laps to get into a rhythm, we are convinced that all the BSB riders and those in the support classes, and not least the thousands of spectators, will love the new challenges of this new layout. It will be fascinating to hear the feedback from the riders in May after they have had a few sessions to get familiar with Britain’s newest track”.

Once work is completed, the MCRCB will be in a position to grant a track licence for this configuration and an official test is scheduled for Thursday/Friday 8/9th May.