THOUSANDS of motorsport fans will descend on Knockhill this weekend as one of Britain's biggest events roars back into West Fife.

The British Superbike Championship, sponsored by Bennetts Insurance, is back for round five of the 2018 season and will treat around 15,000 spectators to three days of thrilling, wheel-to-wheel action.

It is the circuit's joint-most popular event on its calendar, along with the British Touring Car Championship in August, and is widely regarded as the premier domestic superbike racing series in the world.

The Superbikes is the second motorcycle event to be held at Knockhill in the space of four weeks, following the venue's first-ever 'Bikefest' last month, which included a maiden 100-lap endurance race.

Leading the standings going into the weekend is Leon Haslam, who doubled up on race victories recently at Snetterton following an incredible finish to the second championship race, when the JG Speedfit Kawasaki rider, and McAms Yamaha's Josh Brookes, were so close they collided on the drag to the finish line.

It came down to the final lap and Haslam had the edge as, although a hard-charging Brookes made a lunge at the last corner to grab a slight advantage, the pair collided on the drag to the finish and give Jake Dixon, who finished second, the chance to split the duo with just 0.129 seconds between all three riders.

During last Tuesday's test day, Haslam posted the quickest lap time of 47.4 seconds but he won't be the only rider for fans to keep their eye on.

Scottish brothers Taylor and Tarran Mackenzie, the sons of triple Superbike champion, and president of the Knockhill Motor Sports Club, Niall, will take their places on the grid and will be gunning for glory on board their potential race-winning, 210hp bikes on what will be their home Superbikes debut.

In the Supersport 600 support race, 16-year-old Rory Skinner, from Perth, will make his debut following several successful outings on the Kawasaki in Scottish championship races.

He is also competing in the British Talent Cup competition – designed as a stepping stone for riders aged between 12-17 to reach the world stage – and he said: "I'm really looking forward to getting out on the 600 and racing in front of my home fans.

"Being part of the British Talent Cup is a great opportunity but, with only six race weekends, it is important to get some more meetings under my belt, especially as there are over two months to the next round."

The first of three days of action revs into gear tomorrow (Friday), with free practice for all championship classes, before Saturday builds up with support races and the Datatag Extreme qualifying for the main event on Sunday.

As well as the Superbikes, the final race day features a further eight British championship races in the Superstock 1000s, Junior Supersports, Superstock 600s, Monostar and Sidecars.

Tickets for the event are on sale and can be bought by calling 01383 723337, or online at www.knockhill.com.