Mark Douglas
Staff Writer 
Neil Hodgson is on his way back to British Superbike for the 2010 Championship. Next year will be his 20th professional racing season, and the Easter weekend at Brands will mark the anniversary of his first-ever road race.

AllAboutBikes new Scottish writer, Mark Douglas, managed to catch up with him on his return to the UK this week.

This is what Neil had to say:  

AAB: “Hi Neil, how are you doing? Hope you are well and had a safe journey back from the States.”

NH: “Had a great trip back, always love coming back to the U, to see my Mum and Dad and friends. I have only been back five days after having seen my surgeon in the the US.”

AAB: “Yes, I read about your injuries, how is your recovery going?”

NH: “Well, because of the type of injuries I have, the surgeon has said it will be slow, probably three months before I really start to gain strength in my shoulder. So I think in another months time I will be able to train a lot harder and start to get things back to where they were. I am finding it very frustrating, like most racers do, so I have just got to keep pushing.”

AAB: “You were fit anyway and that will help in your recovery?”

NH: “Definitely, I have always enjoyed keeping fit and have always been in good shape and that will definitely have helped my recovery. A lot of the riders hate the fitness side but I have always enjoyed it.

AAB: “And now you are back to BSB with a new goal?”

NH: “Yeah, I am really excited about it.”

AAB: “I know a lot of BSB fans here and they are all really up for your return to BSB and think it will really stir things up!”

NH: “Well that is great to know!”

AAB: “So this leads me to the transition from AMA to BSB...how is that going to work because they are very different for all sorts of reasons?”

NH: “Without a doubt things are going to be different. The biggest thing will be the weather. I always struggled in America with the heat and humidity...I hate it. So I am really looking forward to the cooler conditions. I'm not really looking forward to the rain; nobody likes riding in the rain. I have always been good in the rain because I am a smooth rider, but in the rain you always feel as if you are on the edge of crashing and it is always hard to find the limit.”

AAB: “Well, I don't know if your parents have told you about the rain here in the UK this year but it has been absolutely diabolical.”

NH: “Absolutely amazing weather, I said to my Dad: 'Is this normal for the UK? Or have I just forgotten how bad it is in the UK?'”

AAB: “So apart from the weather, the big change will be the tracks?"

NH: “Yes, the tracks in England are generally a lot better than in the US. There are two or three great tracks in America, however, the majority are very bumpy and they use a lot of concrete and they get worn out, they don't resurface them that often. This affects the way you ride, your line, set-up and traction are difficult to sort out. When you go to Utah, the Miller track is a great track but because you are in the desert, the dust is horrific and this makes riding on the limit that much harder, mind you it's the same for everybody.”

AAB: “ I know your goal was to go out to America and be the first man to win all three of the major Super-Bike series: BSB, WSB and AMA? A lot of people back here don't realize just how competitive the AMA series is, so how has the whole experience been for you?”

NH: “ I really did want to get some results in America and I thought it would be a bit easier but I was surprised how fast these guys were, especially Mat Mladin and Ben Spies; they are great riders!! Things didn't really go my way and I don't think I had much luck! I don't regret coming out to AMA, it has been a great to experience new things, new life experiences and obviously winning is a priority but I am in my 20th year of racing and I always enjoy setting new challenges for myself and I don't regret a thing.”

AAB: “Could you give me a quick comparison between AMA and BSB racing?”

NH: “ Simply, AMA is faster, the top riders are definitely quicker than in BSB, but the biggest problem is the organization. In BSB they will get eight or nine races off during the day with no problems but in AMA they will only have two races and still manage to mess them up. But on racing terms, AMA is definitely faster.”

AAB: “ This seems to be a major issue in AMA and I see that Johnny Rock Page has been voicing his opinions, didn't you have a run-in with him at New Jersey, what was that all about?”

NH: “ He's a character, but I never had a run-in with him, a lot of other people have had, but not me. I mean he is a self-made millionaire and he is living his dream and that is great but there are a lot of teams out there spending millions of dollars racing for the championship and the last thing you need is someone out there having a bit of fun changing the outcome of a race. I don't want to stop anyone from doing what they want but there is a multi-million dollar business out there and it would just be better and safer if he paid some attention to the blue flags.”

AAB: “Your return to BSB has been met with differing press opinion. The fans are cock-ahoop, however, as you know the press in England are very negative and they seem to think you are coming back for the money.”

NH: “ No doubt about it the press in the UK are the most bitchy in the world and as for the money, BSB is the most poorly rewarded series in the history of motorcycle racing. Anyone who says that doesn't know anything about superbikes, I never read the British press, the only site I ever read is Super Bike Planet which is American. I never get involved with the forums, you know what it is like, it's human nature; some people are going to like you, others aren't. It can mess you up reading comments about yourself so I tend not to do it and just get on with the riding.”

AAB: “ There is a great feeling of expectation when you return for the first race and Brands Hatch, and some people believe you will increase the crowd substantially.”

NH: “ I had a great following when I won WSB, however, I have been away for some time and I don't expect that much of a following when I get back, I am hoping some of my old fans will show some loyalty but my friends and family will be there for me.”

AAB: “ OK, let's talk about your new team: Motor Point/Henderson Yamaha, they look strong for next year.””

NH: “ Yeah, Rob Mac (Rob McElnea, Team Manager) always runs good teams. He has won a fair few championships but not too much luck recently, and I do believe that the Yamaha is a great bike and they have a lot of experience with it so with some winter testing and me getting my shoulder strong then we will have lots of time to get the bike right for the new season.””

AAB: “ So the big question is are you coming back to BSB to win it and if so is that going to be purely dependant on your shoulder?”

NH: “ That's the way it feels at the moment, all the pieces of the jigsaw are in place. I need to work on my shoulder, I've got a lot of time until the start of the season and my mind is in place and the bike will be sorted. The smoothness of the Yamaha will help my shoulder throughout the season and I will definitely be a contender for the championship.”

AAB: “ You are off to Spain in December. What do you hope to get out of that?”

NH: “ Yeah, I won't be one-hundred percent so I am just going for a ride and I will get my first shot on the bike and I am super excited about that. The bike looks awesome and it will be good to see what it feels like. Being an ex-Ducati rider I think my style will suit the R1!”

AAB: “ What you did with Ducati was unbelievable, what do you think about Casey Stoner?

NH: “It's amazing what he does; he is like a hero to me now and I love watching him. The bike looks so hard to ride but he still manages and he is only a tiny little guy"

AAB: “ I see that Yukio Kagayama is coming for next season, obviously he will be a threat. Who else will you be watching out for?”

NH: “ There are a lot of very competitive riders in the series and Yukio will definitely be one to watch, he is a great rider. Probably, Stuart Easton is the biggest threat; he is very smooth and fast and does not crash much so I feel he is the big danger.”

AAB: “Great stuff Neil, got a few more questions for you, firstly and more importantly, the most important question of all, “Brolly Dollies.” US or UK?”

NH: “ That's easy, US, without a doubt!! By a long way, they are stunning, they have great sun tans and they are not shy of a bit of enhancement if you know what I am talking about.”

AAB: “ Do you have anything you would like to say to your American fans?”

NH: “ Just to say it is a great place, I love it. I had a fantastic experience in AMA the American fans were superb. I will go back.”

AAB: “ Neil, thanks very much, good luck with the shoulder and with next season.”

NH: “Thanks Mark, say Hi to all the guys at AllAboutBikes.”

Footnote:

These do not sound like the words of someone in the final years of his career, considering what some negative press would say was an “indifferent” time for Neil in AMA and the serious injuries sustained this season, you might have expected Neil to hang up his helmet. But NO.

Neil Hodgson is back in BSB and will definitely be competing for the Championship in 2010. All those youngsters can sit back and learn a lesson from a truly seasoned world racing  professional.

Everyone at AllAboutBikes would like to wish Neil the best of luck.

British Superbike Press Release

The 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli will, as in the season just ended, be decided over 26 races at 12 events.

The action begins with the Easter Monday, 5 April, round on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit and continues across the country’s leading circuits, including a return to Brands Hatch for a triple race round, on the Grand Prix circuit, over the weekend of 6/7/8 August.

The finale, again featuring three races, will be at Oulton Park over the weekend of 8/9/10 October.

The calendar is:

• 3/4/5 April                  Brands Hatch Indy circuit
• 16/17/18 April            Thruxton
• 1/2/3 May                  Oulton Park
• 21/22/23 May             Croft
• 25/26/27 June            Mallory Park
• 9/10/11 July               Snetterton
• 23/24/25 July             Knockhill
• 6/7/8 August              Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit (triple race)
• 28/29/30 August        Cadwell Park
• 10/11/12 September   Donington Park
• 23/24/25 September   Silverstone
• 8/9/10 October          Oulton Park (triple race)

Kagayama to race British Superbike in 2010

Camier ends title winning campaign with fifth daily double

British Superbike Press Release

Leon Camier enjoyed the victories in the final two races of his MCE Insurance British Superbike championship in association with Pirelli winning campaign at Oulton Park.

That stretched to 19 the record number of victories in the season by the Airwaves Yamaha rider and he enthused: “That was an awesome way to finish the season. It really has been a dream season for me – I could not have asked for anything more.

“I’ve had a strong team around me, and I owe so much to those guys for what they’ve done to help make his all possible for me,” added Camier.

The only disappointment at the Cheshire circuit for Camier was that he had gone into the final showdown hoping to match the winning triple that he had scored at Brands Hatch back in August.

That was denied him by the determined Hydrex Honda riding Stuart Easton who snatched a dramatic last lap victory at Hizzy’s chicane in Saturday afternoon’s race.

The Flying threatened an action replay in the first of Sunday afternoon’s races, again on the last lap, but Camier held him off to take the victory by a split second, reflecting: “I wanted that one.

“It feels awesome as the conditions at the start were not good. Everyone was all over the place, as you could not see where the circuit was wet,” he added.

James Ellison, on the second Airwaves bike ran third ahead of Hydrex Honda’s Tommy Hill and Sylvain Guintoli on the Worx Crescent Suzuki. John Laverty took sixth for Buildbase Kawasaki while Tommy Bridewell, riding the Team NB Suzuki, took the honours in the Mirror.co.uk Cup victory ahead of the champion Gary Mason.

The final race of the campaign was red-flagged as Simon Andrews crashed his MSS Colchester Kawasaki heavily at Cascades, suffering concussion, and when the action resumed Camier took charge.

Hill charged after him with Easton running third ahead of Ellison and Josh Brookes on the HM Plant Honda but on the fifth lap, Easton clipped the kerb at Brittens and tipped off and soon afterwards Ellison was slowing with a machine problem.

Camier maintained his pace, taking the victory by 3.734secs, ahead of Hill with Brookes finishing his season with a third place. Ian Lowry came through in fourth ahead of Guintoli with Julien da Costa sixth.

Bridewell completed a daily double in the Mirror.co.uk Cup as he again headed off Mason with Tom Tunstall taking third place in class.

Steve Plater, with his fourth victory of the season, clinched the Fuchs Silkolene British Supersport title for HM Plant Honda.

Race one – 12 laps

1. Stuart Easton (Hydrex Honda) 19m 21.434secs
2. Leon Camier (Airwaves Yamaha) +0.208s
3. Tommy Hill (Hydrex Honda) +0.222s
4. James Ellison (Airwaves Yamaha) +0.331s
5. Sylvain Guintoli (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +13.129s
6. Simon Andrews (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +13.129s
7. Julien Da Costa (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +13.599s
8. Ian Lowry (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +13.837s
9. Chris Walker (Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha) +14.771s
10. John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +14.815s

Race two – 16 laps

1. Leon Camier (Airwaves Yamaha) 26m 17.122s
2. Stuart Easton (Hydrex Honda) +0.080s
3. James Ellison (Airwaves Yamaha) +0.743s
4. Tommy Hill (Hydrex Honda) +1.953s
5. Sylvain Guintoli (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +4.042s
6. John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +7.721s
7. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +8.092s
8. Michael Rutter (Bathams Ducati) +12.441s
9. Simon Andrews (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +15.175s
10. Glen Richards (HM Plant Honda) +15.328s

Race three – 12 laps

1. Leon Camier (Airwaves Yamaha) 19m 17.097secs
2. Tommy Hill (Hydrex Honda) +3.734s
3. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +10.904s
4. Ian Lowry (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +15.398s
5. Sylvain Guintoli (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +15.707s
6. Julien Da Costa (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +20.009s
7. Chris Walker (Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha) +20.967s
8. Glen Richards (HM Plant Honda) +24.402s
9. Tommy Bridewell (Team NB Suzuki) +25.830s
10. Gary Mason (Quay Garage Honda) +26.012s

Final championship standings:

1. Leon Camier (Airwaves Yamaha) 549.5
2. James Ellison (Airwaves Yamaha) 413
3. Stuart Easton (Hydrex Honda) 374
4. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) 188
5. Ian Lowry (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 170

Camier holds of Easton in Race Two

British Superbike Press Release

Airwaves Yamaha's Leon Camier stood on the top step of the podium for the first time this weekend after holding off the challenges of yesterday's race winner Stuart Easton and team-mate James Ellison to take his eighteenth victory of the season.

 Camier said: "That was an awesome result for me and the Airwaves Yamaha team and to be honest I wasn't really expecting it as in the past I have never been that good in conditions like that but it was just great. It was difficult at first to see where the wet patches were but I got into a bit of a groove and I wanted to beat Stuart this time. I now want to get back out there for the next one and make it a double."

Easton had taken the whole shot off the line on the Hydrex Honda from team-mate Tommy Hill, James Ellison and Camier. Ellison was eager to get to the front on his number two machine after suffering an engine problem this morning in warm up and took second into Cascades for the first time before taking the lead at Lodge by storming down the inside of Easton.

Ellison held the lead but team-mate Camier was working his way up the leading pack; passing Hill into Lodge on the third lap to move from fourth to third. The new champion then got the better of Easton as the pair ran side-by-side into Lodge, with the Hydrex Honda rider forced to concede the place despite his best efforts to defend.

Camier then took the lead on the run down to Shell Oils corner on the tenth lap to take the lead on the tenth lap, but he was forced to slow the pace as the Audi R8 safety car was deployed on the next lap to check for oil after Julien Da Costa and Ian Lowry both suffered technical problems.

A lap later the Audi R8 safety car was back in the pitlane and Camier was forced to hold off Easton who made several attempts to pass, but a determined Camier held the line. On the 13th lap Easton was ready for a lunge down the inside on the brakes but Camier cut back sharply to hold the place. He made a last lap attempt by trying the outside line into Hizzy's chicane but he couldn't make it stick and at Lodge Camier defended hard to hold the advantage to cross the line 0.080s adrift with Ellison third.

Hill held fourth on the second Hydrex Honda from a hard-charging Sylvain Guintoli, with John Laverty making a move to take sixth place from Josh Brookes on the 13th lap at Lodge and was able to keep the Buildbase Kawasaki ahead.

Michael Rutter gave the Bathams Ducati team a top ten finish in eighth after passing Simon Andrews on the MSS Colchester Kawasaki after the safety car period with Glen Richards rounding out the top ten on the second of the HM Plant Hondas.

Race two result: 

1. Leon Camier (Airwaves Yamaha)
2. Stuart Easton (Hydrex Honda) +0.080s
3. James Ellison (Airwaves Yamaha) +0.743s
4. Tommy Hill (Hydrex Honda) +1.953s
5. Sylvain Guintoli (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +4.042s
6. John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +7.721s
7. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +8.092s
8. Michael Rutter (Bathams Ducati) +12.441s
9. Simon Andrews (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +15.175s
10. Glen Richards (HM Plant Honda) +15.328s

Easton victorious ahead of Camier in four way thriller

British Superbike Press Release

Stuart Easton snatched last lap victory in a four way thriller in the opening race of the final round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli at Oulton Park.

It triggered a double celebration for the Flying Scot who earlier in the day had headed off the challenge of the newly crowned champion Leon Camier in the duel for pole start, and then in a hard-fought race, the Hydrex Honda again enjoyed the better of his Airwaves Yamaha rival.

Easton is now well placed to challenge for the runner-up spot in the standings, going into Sunday afternoon’s two races just 39 points down on James Ellison, with 50 points to play for.

The Saturday afternoon race was one of the best of the season, with the action, for real, being decided over a dozen laps of the Cheshire circuit after the initial start was red-flagged.  Karl Harris crashed heavily at Island, suffering concussion and a sore back, but prior to that Graeme Gowland had spectacularly tipped off with his bike somersaulting into the lake.

Racing resumed with Easton making a swift get-away but Ellison, riding Airwaves Yamaha was hounding him, and taking the lead at Hizzy’s – there was little in it, while behind them Tommy Hill, Simon Andrews and Camier were locked in a shoot-out for third.

Ellison held the advantage into the fifth lap before Easton went through with Camier snatching second from his team-mate, leaving Ellison to deal with the determined Hill.

Easton was riding hard to hold off Camier, but the champion found a way through at Lodge on the tenth lap prompting a dramatic, and effective fight-back. Easton traded places twice on the penultimate lap but it seemed Camier had done enough.

The Hydrex Honda rider had other ideas, and with a move that his mentor, the late former champion Steve Hislop would have been proud of, Easton nosed inside at Hizzy’s chicane, grabbing the lead, and his second victory, taking the flag by 0.208secs.

“That was a proper victory, beating Leon fair and square, but it was hard work, very difficult,” said Easton, adding “the bike is getting better and better and it would be good to take Sunday’s two race wins.”

Camier had no complaints: “That was unbelievable, a great race. Stuart deserved his win.” 

Hill took third for the Hydrex team, ahead of Ellison with Sylvain Guintoli taking fifth from Andrews on the final lap. Julien da Cost ran just ahead of Ian Lowry, Chris Walker and tenth placed John Laverty while Gary Mason headed the Mirror.co.uk Cup finishers, just clear of Peter Hickman, Tommy Bridewell, Tom Tunstall and Martin Jessopp.

Race one – 12 laps

1. Stuart Easton (Hydrex Honda) 19m 21.434secs
2. Leon Camier (Airwaves Yamaha) +0.208s
3. Tommy Hill (Hydrex Honda) +0.222s
4. James Ellison (Airwaves Yamaha) +0.331s
5. Sylvain Guintoli (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +13.129s
6. Simon Andrews (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +13.129s
7. Julien Da Costa (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +13.599s
8. Ian Lowry (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +13.837s
9. Chris Walker (Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha) +14.771s
10. John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +14.815s

Easton enjoys maiden pole success in final round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli at Oulton Park

British Superbike Press Release

Stuart Easton put his Hydrex Honda on to pole start for the weekend’s triple race finale to the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli at Oulton Park.

The Flying Scot headed off the challenge of the Airwaves Yamaha in the hands of newly crowned champion Leon Camier by a split second in a high speed climax to the Swan Combi 50 Roll for Pole, at the Cheshire circuit.

Easton put in a scorching time of 1m 36.042secs to claim his first pole start in the series, responding superbly to Camier who had moments earlier looked set to top the leaderboard with a time of 1m 36.055secs.

Karl Harris, fastest in free practice, continued his run of form to be third fastest with the Sorrymate.com SMT Honda, just ahead of Tommy Hill aboard the second Hydrex Honda.

James Ellison, needing strong results to ensure that he takes the runner-up spot under pressure from Easton, heads the second row with a lap in 1m 36.704secs, with Josh Brookes, Michael Rutter and Ian Lowry alongside him.

The first of the three races starts at 15.15 this afternoon (Saturday) and will be shown live on British Eurosport.

Top ten qualifying times – final round:

1. S Easton Hydrex Honda 1m 36.042s
2. L Camier Airwaves Yamaha 1m 36.055s
3. K Harris Sorrymate.com Honda 1m 36.196s
4. T Hill Hydrex Honda 1m 36.227s
5. J Ellison Airwaves Yamaha 1m36.704s
6. J Brookes HM Plant Honda 1m 36.782s
7. M Rutter Bathams Ducati 1m 36.800s
8. I Lowry Relentless Suzuki 1m 37.146s
9. S Guintoli Worx Crescent Suzuki 1m 37.336s
10. J Laverty Buildbase Kawasaki 1m 37.627s

Harris fastest as Camier crashes in final round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli at Oulton Park

British Superbike Press Release

 Karl Harris topped the free practice leaderboard ahead of the weekend’s triple race finale to the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli at Oulton Park.

Riding the Sorrymate.com SMT Honda the Yorkshireman was the dominant force, running fastest across both sessions, with a best lap in 1m 36.277secs, an average speed of 100.65mph.

“I just enjoy riding the circuit and always go well, but really I don’t why – it’s just one of those things, though fitting the engines that Leon Haslam uses in World Superbikes has made a big difference ” explained Harris with a smile.

He took a pair of seconds, to newly crowned champion Leon Camier in the early season round at the Cheshire circuit. “A first win in Superbikes? That would be nice, but I don’t make predictions.”

His speed came in a session which saw Camier tip off at high-speed at the Brittens section of circuit, with his Airwaves Yamaha taking a battering as it bounced end over end.

“The bike stood up on me and there was nothing I could do about it,” he explained. “I’m a bit sore, the rear wheel caught me, but I’ll be OK to race,” said Camier who ended the day fifth fastest with a best lap on 1m 36.884secs.

“This has not helped, and I’ve given the team a lot of work with the bike, but my motivation to win is as strong as ever,” “added the rider who is chasing a second winning triple, having enjoyed a hat-trick at Brands Hatch, to take to 20 his record victory tally for the campaign.

In between Harris and Camier at the top of the leaderboard are the two Hydrex Honda riders, Tommy Hill and Stuart Easton, together with Ian Lowry aboard the Relentless Suzuki.

Easton needs strong results, ahead of James Ellison, on the second Airwaves bike, if he is snatch second place in the overall standings and the Flying Scot warmed up for the challenge by running a little over half a second faster.

Ellison, however has the edge in the standings, taking a 51 points lead into the action, and currently he is enjoying his best form of the campaign: “The past three race meetings have gone better and better for me. We've made small changes here and there, and now the bike is really working for me,” explained Ellison.

Alastair Seeley, the National Superstock champion, making his full Superbike debut with Relentless Suzuki, ran twelfth fastest, 1m 37.820secs, just ahead of Michael Rutter riding the Bathams Ducati and the newly crowned Mirror.co.uk Cup Champion Gary Mason aboard the Quay Garage Honda.

Tom Tunstall, riding the Hardinge Doodson Honda, ran within half a second of Mason with fellow Cup riders Peter Hickman, Martin Jessopp, Tommy Bridewell and James Buckingham, a former winner of the Privateers Cup, making a racing return after more than a year on the second Quay Garage bike.

Top ten free practice times:

• 1. K Harris Sorrymate.com SMT Honda 1m 36.277s
• 2. T Hill Hydrex Honda 1m 36.384s
• 3. S Easton Hydrex Honda 1m 36.777
• 4. I Lowry Relentless Suzuki 1m 36.874s
• 5. L Camier Airwaves Yamaha 1m 36.884s
• 6. S Andrews MSS Colchester Kawasaki 1m 37.214s
• 7. C Walker Motorpoint Henderson Yamaha 1m 37.423s
• 8. J Ellison Airwaves Yamaha 1m 37.445s
• 9. G Richards HM Plant Honda 1m 37.650s
• 10. J Brookes HM Plant Honda 1m 37.703s

Camier: Silverstone dream race; review

British Superbike Press Release

Leon Camier sealed his maiden MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli crown at Silverstone, with the emotions flowing for the Airwaves Yamaha team Sunday.

Camier was made to fight for the race one win, with the record-breaker knowing he only had to finish ahead of his team-mate to secure the title. Ellison wasn't giving up without a fight and the tussle went all the way to the final lap. Camier was victorious and the celebrations kicked off when he crossed the line with the new champion doing burnouts for the crowd before being joined on track by former champion Niall Mackenzie.

In race two, Camier made a similar mistake at Abbey as he had done in race one, running wide off the track and rejoining in ninth. He fought his way through to second after some spectacular passes on the riders ahead of him to reward the Airwaves Yamaha team with another double podium finish.

British Superbike Press Release