THE FHO Racing team is gearing up for a return to Bennetts British Superbike action this weekend as the series returns after the summer break.
Superbike riders Peter Hickman and Ryan Vickers along with FHO Racing by Kobelco Superstock pilots Alex Olsen and Jack Nixon are raring to go as the championship heads to the Brands Hatch GP circuit after five weeks away.
Last time out, the team had a tough weekend at Knockhill in Scotland, but after a bit of down time and a wildcard at last weekend’s FIM Superbike World Championship event at Donington Park, the squad is ready to come back fighting as it pours all of its efforts into BSB with no further distractions.
Along with the three Superbike races, the team is also set for two Pirelli National Superstock Championship battles during a busy weekend, with all riders keen to shine.
Peter Hickman, Superbike:
“I’m really excited about Brands Hatch and getting back to the BSB style of things after a weekend at WSB. The GP circuit is a fantastic track, I think every rider loves it and of course, it’ll be interesting to see what the weather is going to do – hopefully it cools a bit as I’m not so good in the heat.
“We had a tough Knockhill so we need to improve. We need to get the bike right for both myself and Ryan but we know we can do it and we’re looking forward to it.
“Returning from the summer break is a bit like a new start in many ways and we’re just putting everything before to the back of our minds now and cracking on with it. It’s like a fresh start with a fresh face and I think we’re all raring to go.”
Ryan Vickers, Superbike:
“I’m looking forward to the weekend, it’s going to be nice getting back on the bike after five weeks off. Knockhill wasn’t a great round for us but to be fair we did make a bit of a step forward which is a positive.
“We’ve had a bit of a holiday and a reset and now I’m feeling great, I’ve been training hard and I’m looking forward to getting back into it this weekend.
“I like the circuit, even though it’s never been a particularly strong one for me on the Superbike but I’m looking forward to learning off Pete a bit here. He’s always had strong results at Brands Hatch so I’m hoping to learn, have a solid weekend and improve as much as possible.”
Alex Olsen, Superstock:
“I’m really looking forward to getting to Brands this weekend – it’s the home round for me, it’s literally 20 minutes away so if we do have a bad weekend at least it’s not far to drive home!
“But of course I’m really excited. I’ve always had good results here, last year I won one here and I’d like a bit more of that this weekend. We need to get the championship back on track and get back to winning.
“I think we just need a bit of good luck. Without some of the DNFs we’ve had we’d be a lot higher up and I’m confident we can be back on the top step soon. Hopefully that can be this weekend. I can’t wait.”
Jack Nixon, Superstock:
“Brands Hatch is both mine and Alex’s home round so it’s always a good one. We get lots of supporters and sponsors coming from home so that’s always great.
“This will be the first time I’ve ridden around here on a 1000cc machine but I’ve great memories from here. Last time I rode here I won the Junior Superstock championship and since then, I know some of the track has been resurfaced so I’m looking forward to seeing how much that’s changed.
“I’ve been training really hard over the summer break so feeling a bit impatient now, it’s been too long but I’m looking forward to it, I’m hoping to start the second half of the season strong.”
Faye Ho, Team Principal:
“It feels so long since the whole team was together and I am very excited to resume battle this weekend at Brands Hatch.
“It’s been a very busy first half of the season, with the road racing and more recently making our World Superbike debut, but now it really is back to school and back to business as we concentrate solely on the BSB season for the remainder of the year.
“Brands Hatch GP is a circuit loved by riders and fans alike, all our boys are huge fans of the track so what better a place to get our season back on course? I know everyone in the team has been working hard to get our bikes ready and everyone wants the same thing.
“I’m confident we can enjoy a strong weekend in Kent and hopefully we can pick up a couple pieces of silverware along the way.”
