ONE of the biggest dates in Knockhill Racing Circuit's calendar will arrive this weekend when the Bennetts British Superbikes Championship revs into West Fife.

Around 15,000 motorsport fans are set to descend on the track over three days from tomorrow (Friday) as some of the world's best riders and teams contest round five of the 2019 competition.

Among those that will take to the 1.3-mile circuit is Scot Tarran 'Taz' Mackenzie – son of three-time champion Niall – who sits fourth in the standings but crashed out at 100mph during the last round at Brands Hatch.

That incident during qualifying meant that he missed the entire round but he will go in search of a first Knockhill Superbike podium during Sunday's race day, which will also feature ex-MotoGP rider Scott Redding as part of a star-studded grid.

Stuart Gray, Knockhill events director, said: "It's Scotland's biggest motorcycle event of the year and the plans are pretty much in place.

"15,000 people are expected over three days, and we've got a new local hero with Taz Mackenzie. He's won a race this year already down south so he's coming up in contention and we could be on for a home win for the first time since the mid-'90s when Steve Hislop won. We've never had a Scot who has been so competitive as Taz so there might be even more Saltires flying and cheering on a home win!"

A unique addition to this year's championship is the Integro Summer Triple Crown, a mini challenge within the overall championship that offers a rider the potential to win £75,000.

Based over races at Brands Hatch, Knockhill and Snetterton, the three-round challenge sees winning riders able to tap into the huge prize fund if they can win at any of the venues, and leading the way is Australian Josh Brooks, who claimed the race double at Brands Hatch.

Leading the overall championship standings is Oxford Racing Ducati rider Tommy Bridewell, while Perthshire's Rory Skinner, and fellow Scot Taylor Mackenzie, will chase glory in their respective championships in the support classes.

Free practice begins tomorrow (Friday), and is followed by qualifying on Saturday and both races on Sunday.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and, to buy and for more information, call 01383 723337, or visit www.knockhill.com.

The winner of Press Sport's competition to win a pair of tickets for Sunday's race day was Andrew Wilson of Dunfermline.