From a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

THINK! BSB Championship, Round 11
National Superstock Cup, Rounds 9/10
Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire
Aug 28-30

PREVIEW

RICHARDS RETURNS AND HICKMAN LOOKS FOR HOME GLORY AT CADWELL

Hawk Kawasaki BSB star Glen Richards makes his full return to the THINK! British Superbike Championship this weekend, in the eleventh round of the series, at Cadwell Park. Despite riding his Hawk ZX-10R during practice and qualifying at Croft a fortnight ago, the popular Aussie has not raced since he broke his left arm at Thruxton in June. Now fully recovered, Richards is itching to mix it with his fellow BSB competitors.

“I’m really looking forward to racing again this weekend,” he said. “The arm’s heaps better since Croft and I’ve been doing loads of training to get as fit as I can. We tested again at Cadwell last week and although the conditions weren’t perfect, because the track was a bit dusty and oily, we weren’t that far off the pace. I think I’ll get better as the weekend goes on and hopefully by race day we won’t be too far away. To be honest, I can’t wait.”

Richards will have his work cut out to run with fellow Hawk Kawasaki star Scott Smart, who already has three wins to his credit as well as a commanding third place in the points table.

“Things have been going really well lately and Croft was another strong round for us and my championship position,” said Smarty. “We went pretty well at Cadwell last year on the ZX-7 so we’re hoping to be even more competitive this year on the ZX-10R because its extra horsepower should help us overcome the disadvantage we had down the straights. I’m confident we can run at the front this weekend because our bike handles really well and that’s what’s needed around Cadwell. For me, the main aim is to beat Kagayama and Rutter to strengthen my position in the championship.”

John McGuinness’ superb second place at last week’s Ulster GP, aboard the Hawk ZX-10R, has fired-up the Cumbrian to strive for two top sixes or better at Cadwell.

“I’m looking forward to the weekend,” said John. “But I’m a little nervous because the last time I rode there was 2001 and that was on a 600. Having said that, if the weather’s ok I’m sure I’ll get stuck-in straight away. My aim is to get closer to the front and have a real race. I want to be in a position where I’m racing in the top six and dicing with the leading guys. Top six finishes will be brilliant for me and that’s what I’m aiming to do. After the Ulster GP I’m all pumped-up – I just want to get out there.”

For Hawk Kawasaki National Superstock Cup rider Peter Hickman, Cadwell Park is more than just a double round towards his championship – it’s his home track.

“I can’t wait to race this weekend because Cadwell’s my home track and I really enjoy riding there,” explained the 17 year-old. “It’s always special riding at your home circuit and it’s even more so this weekend because we’ve got a double round and the chance to take a double victory. I’ve just got to use my head again like I did at Croft and if I do that I think we’ll have a great weekend.”

Free practice starts Saturday 28.

BSB CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 10 ROUNDS

1) John Reynolds, Suzuki, 362. 2) Michael Rutter, 312. 3) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki, 276. 4) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki, 249. 5) Sean Emmett, Ducati, 240. 6) Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 150. 7) Dean Thomas, Ducati, 132. 8) James Haydon, Yamaha, 132. 9) Tommy Hill, Yamaha, 105. 10) Gary Mason, Yamaha, 95. 11) James Ellison, Yamaha, 87. 12) Craig Coxhell, Honda, 84. 13) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki, 78. 14) John Kirkham, Suzuki, 65. 15) John McGuinness, Hawk Kawasaki, 64


NATIONAL SUPERSTOCK CUP AFTER 8 ROUNDS

1) Simon Wright, 71. 2) Peter Hickman, Hawk Kawasaki, 69. 3) Paul Shoesmith, 67. 4) John Fisher, 66. 5) Graham Seward, 56. 6) Rory Rock, 51. 7) Dan Stewart, 48. 8) Alan Moreton, 44. 9) Simon Pomeroy, 41. 9=) James McBride, 41