MCE Ducati head for Cadwell

August, 25 2022
MCE Insurance

This August bank holiday weekend sees the 2022 British Superbike Championship head for round seven at Cadwell Park with MCE Ducati riders Josh Brookes and Tom Sykes hoping for a good showing.


The challenging Lincolnshire track is a favourite with fans and the biggest crowd of the season are expected to witness the battle over three races as the title-deciding Showdown looms next month.


Currently, both Aussie Brookes and Yorkshireman Sykes are outside the top eight cut and with just three races at Cadwell Park and three more at Snetterton two weeks later to decide the Title Fighters, both riders need to draw on their reserves if they are to add a ninth BSB title for Paul Bird’s Lake District-based team.


Double BSB champion Brookes has had a tough run at recent rounds and is currently 13th in the standings aboard the MCE Insurance-backed and factory-supported Ducati Panigale V4R. He has had a best result of fourth this season and knows nothing short of podiums and indeed wins will suffice if he’s to challenge for a third crown.


But in his favour is the fact that he’s won five times around Cadwell Park and been on the podium five times too, so as well as flying high over the spectacular Mountain, the form book indicates that Brookes could well mount a late challenge as he did last season. 


Former World Superbike champion Sykes was encouraged with a good performance at Thruxton last time out and is gradually getting to grips with the bike after 14 years away on the World Championship trail.  


Sykes holds 14th place in the standings and like his teammate, he knows nothing short of wins and podiums will do this weekend but it’s a tall order. However, he has taken three podiums in the past at Cadwell Park so hopefully he can also mount a late charge to try to secure his spot in the Showdown.


Josh Brookes: “This year is following a similar pattern to last year where I had some disappointing results and it’s been the case again this season. But it was at Cadwell where I bounced back so I’m hoping that trend continues this year. I think that the results at Thruxton masked the hard work and progress we’ve made in recent rounds, so whilst it sounds like a book of excuses, I genuinely believe we’ll be much stronger at Cadwell. I’m looking forward to jumping the Mountain for the crowds but of course, my focus is on improving our results.” 


Tom Sykes: “Heading to Cadwell Park and I’m looking forward to the weekend where I’ll need as much time on the bike as possible to help me reacquaint myself with the track. It was always one of my favourite tracks but it’s a different prospect this weekend. We have some stuff we are going to try, and the plan is to get a good set-up for the weekend and hopefully give us a good chance in the three races. The forecast is looking good, and the crowd will be massive so let’s hope for some good results.”


Further details can be found at the on the MCE Ducati website – check out www.pbmuk.net - and for information on the championship. Please visit www.britishsuperbike.com.


Picture attached courtesy of Double Red: Josh Brookes (25)

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