Tommy Hill took the 2011 British Superbike championship by the thinnest of margins today at Brands Hatch. Hill crossed the line ahead of American John Hopkins by .006 seconds to claim the championship crown.
Hopkins had the lead coming into the final race, but after a crash in race two, Hopkins lead was slashed to just two points. With the title on the line both riders hit the track knowing that whoever crossed the line first would take home the title.
Shane Byrne won his second race of the weekend and clinched the third place spot in the overall standings, but all eyes were on Hopkins and Hill during the race.
Hill and Hopkins swapped places five times on the final lap. Hopkins gave it one final push on the home stretch but Hill was able to hold off the American .006 seconds and claimed the championship.
MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship final, Brands Hatch:
Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda)Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) +4.434sJohn Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) +4.440sJames Ellison (Sorrymate.com Honda) +4.679sMichael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) +4.782sJosh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +5.785sMichael Rutter (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +12.253sGraeme Gowland (WFR Honda) +15.963sPeter Hickman (Tyco Honda) +16.130sJames Westmoreland (WFR Honda) +24.203s
Final MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship standings:Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 647John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) 645Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) 625Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) 601Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 598Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 526
