British Superbike Championship and support series to return in August

And that means a return to action for Lincolnshire's riders who race in the championship and support series, although Cadwell Park will not be staging any action.

Organiser MSVR have revealed an exciting new race schedule for 2020 after the COVID-19 outbreak delayed action this year.

The new-look calendar will feature six triple-header events, totaling 18 championship rounds.

Action gets underway at Donington Park (National) on August 7-9, before moving to Snetterton on August 21-23.

The Silverstone National circuit will be the next venue to host racing on September 4-6, with Oulton Park hosting the fourth event of the season on September 18-20.

The penultimate event will take place at Donington Park (Grand Prix) on its original date of October 2-4, with the traditional season finale to decide the champion two weeks later on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit, on the weekend of October 16-18.

Due to the number of championship races being reduced from 27 to 18, the usual Showdown format will not be applied to the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

An official test will take place prior to the opening round at Donington, with full details yet to be confirmed.

All the rounds will be broadcast live on Eurosport with free to air highlights on Quest and ITV4.

The regular supporting championships consisting of the Quattro Group British Supersport/GP2, British Talent Cup, Pirelli National Superstock, HEL Performance Junior Supersport, Ducati TriOptions Cup and Molson Group British Sidecars will also feature across the revised calendar of events.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship series director Stuart Higgs commented: "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."

Mr Higgs added: "We are optimistic that we will be able to welcome fans to BSB this season, enjoying these large outdoor 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 on continuing to prepare the various protocols and operational detail to ensure the safety of everyone in the BSB community."