British Superbike Championship organisers 'optimistic' fans will be able to attend races as provisional August start date announced

An updated 2020 calendar was announced on Wednesday featuring six triple-header rounds at Donington Park, Snetterton, Silverstone, Oulton Park and Brands Hatch, totalling 18 championship rounds.

The opening round is pencilled in at Donington Park (National) from August 7-9, while the final round is scheduled for Brands Hatch from October 16-18. The new format means there will be no title-deciding Showdown.

The regular support classes will also run across the revised calendar, which remains subject to change in accordance with government guidelines and the latest situation regarding the Covid-19 outbreak.

Stuart Higgs, Bennetts British Superbike Championship Series Director, said: “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.”

The condensed calendar means some venues miss out, including Cadwell Park and Thruxton, with the annual trip to Assen also scrapped.

PROVISIONAL CALENDAR

August 7-9 – Donington National

August 21-23 – Snetterton 300

September 4-6 – Silverstone National

September 18-20 – Oulton Park

October 2-4 – Donington Park GP

October 16-18 – Brands Hatch GP

* A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. To subscribe, click here.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor