THIS weekend's Bennetts British Superbike Championship is set to pay tribute to a Scottish riding legend when it arrives at Knockhill Racing Circuit.

The iconic West Fife venue, located to the north of Dunfermline, will host the fourth round of what is regarded as the world's leading domestic bike racing championship over three days, began yesterday (Friday), and ends on Sunday.

Only 10 points cover the top five riders, and the expected crowds of up to 15,000 are set to be treated to top class action from Britain's best riders, as well as exciting racing in a number of support classes, including the HEL Performance British Junior Supersport Championship, featuring St Columba's High School pupil, Lennon Docherty.

However, it will also be a poignant weekend, as this year's British Superbike Championship visit to Knockhill comes 20 years since Scottish riding star, Steve Hislop, passed away.

Dunfermline Press: Steve Hislop, pictured in 1984 with his mechanic, Wullie Simpson, will be honoured this weekend, with Wullie presneting the Steve Hislop Trophy to the fastest Superbike rider. Photo courtesy of Knockhill Racing Circuit.Steve Hislop, pictured in 1984 with his mechanic, Wullie Simpson, will be honoured this weekend, with Wullie presneting the Steve Hislop Trophy to the fastest Superbike rider. Photo courtesy of Knockhill Racing Circuit. (Image: Knockhill Racing Circuit.)

The Hawick-born star, who died aged 41, was a two-time Superbike champion, and a winner at the Isle of Man TT 11 times, and his memory is to be honoured over the weekend.

A number of his contemporaries, including some current riders who were racing on the Isle of Man last week, are set to attend, whilst his achievements will also be marked with the presentation of the Steve Hislop Trophy, which will be given to the fastest lap setter over the three Superbike races.

Stuart Gray, director of events at Knockhill, commented: "We are delighted that this year's event will be fully back to normal, with giant screens, trade stands, on-site camping, a special souvenir programme, and a post-event track walk on Sunday evening.

"It is such a special bike racing festival for the riders, the teams, the marshals and, above all, the fans! The Bennetts British Superbikes is such a special event for all bike fans as they travel from all four corners of Scotland, some from Ireland and thousands from England too, such is its appeal.

"Some 15,000 fans will be coming to Knockhill for the three days of action with some of the riders exceeding 165mph. It is a truly breathtaking spectacle, and I personally cannot wait!"

He added: "Such is the passion for bike sport that a lot of the fans do attend all three days.

"The bikers are so passionate about the sport, and so knowledgeable. They just love it, the whole spectacle and the scale of it.

"There's 12 Scottish riders. Although there's not a leading Scot in the Superbike class – although we do lay claim to Danny Buchan, because he's got a Scottish grandfather, so that's good enough for us – outwith that, the Scots are in the support classes. There's plenty to cheer on for the locals."

The three-day event kicks off at 11am tomorrow (Friday) with the practice for all the classes, then on Saturday, qualifying for the Superbikes takes place, along with its first race, at 4.45pm.

Sunday is the main event day, with two further Superbike races, as well as six feature races, including the Junior Superstocks, British Talent Cup, National Supersports and British Supersport / GP2's.

Gates open at 7am on Saturday, and 6.30am on Sunday, the the action expected to finish at approximately 6.15pm and 5.45pm on each day respectively.

For tickets, call 01383 723337, or visit www.knockhill.com/events.