Brands Hatch Loses World Superbikes

Brands Hatch has been dropped from the World Superbike calendar according to the provisional schedule for the 2009 championship.

The UK venue has hosted Superbikes every year since 1993 but owners MotorSport Vision said event promoters FG Sport were making unreasonable fee demands.

‘They wanted over twice what we paid in 2008, which is odd given the economic crisis,’ said MSV’s Jonathan Palmer.

‘The increase is equivalent to an extra £15 on the price of a race day ticket. We think that’s unacceptable to fans.

‘I have made it very clear to FG Sport that we would be delighted to welcome WSB back to Brands Hatch in 2009 but despite considerable negotiation over many weeks the substantially increased offer I made to FG Sport was not acceptable to them.

‘The loss of Brands Hatch will be a shame for British fans but also a big loss for the World Superbike Championship, as Brands Hatch has consistently attracted the biggest crowd of any circuit and will clearly be missed by its promoters and sponsors.

‘MSV is, however, more committed than ever to major motorcycle events at Brands Hatch and we are advancing plans for a major new bike event to take place on the traditional WSB date that will provide fans with outstanding entertainment and value.’

The championship did not have any British competitors this year, but Irish drivers Shane Byrne and Jonathan Rea will be taking part next year. Despite the absence of a Brands Hatch event, they will get to race in front of home fans as there is a round taking place at Donington.