John Hopkins wants to be the first American to win the British Superbike Championship. Hopkins, who had surgery earlier this week, fought through the pain to top to top both free practice sessions today at Silverstone.Hopkins took an incredible double victory at Donington Park and currently leads the title fighters by three points.
Hopkins is racing with a broken finger, but the American rider wasn't distracted by the pain today as he beat out Tommy Hill in both sessions by more than a half second.
Hopkins was able to see the Silverstone track a few months ago when he rode as a wildcard in the World Superbike series in July.
"That helped considerably as I was able to keep the laps to a minimum and do what I had to do to be comfortable," Hopkins said. " It has been tough. The pain is extreme because you don't get the same adrenalin jolt in practice that you do in qualifying and races. But, we will loosed up by Sunday and be on it and up there somehow."
Tommy Hill, who is currently second in the standings, finished one spot behind Hopkins in both practice sessions this morning.
"We have some ideas and things to work on overnight ahead of qualifying," Hopkins said. "Overall this has been a good start to the weekend, the bike is feeling good and we knew that John would be fast from the start, in fact I am a bit surprised that he was not a bit quicker. We've been quick throughout on race tyres and I'm well pleased as I'd not ridden this bike here before."
Hill and Michael Laverty were the only two riders to finish within a second of Hopkins' pace.
British Superbike Standings
- John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) 568
- Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 565
- Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) 543
- Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) 532
- Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 530
- Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 518
