By Carly Rathmell
March 20 2006

After a very successful pre-season test at Snetterton at the weekend (19th March), Stuart Hicken and his Hawk Kawasaki team are in high spirits as they head for the first round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, at Brands Hatch this weekend (24th to 26th March). In the extremely cold conditions, the three Hawk riders, Dean Thomas, Craig Coxhell and Peter Hickman, managed a number of consistent lap times at the Norfolk based circuit. Riding on board the Dunlop shod Kawasaki ZX-10s, each are feeling confident as they head to the opening round.

33-year-old Dean Thomas will be contending his second season for Hawk, and the Australian is extremely excited about the prospect of racing again.
“It seems like it’s been a long time since we last raced at Brands Hatch in October. I’ve been lucky that I was granted two wildcard rides in the opening rounds of the World Supersport series, which has made me more eager to get back to racing in the UK. I’m feeling very different this season, and looking forward to gaining some strong and positive results for the Hawk Kawasaki team.”

Fellow Australian, 23-year-old Craig Coxhell, will join Thomas during 2006. Coxhell has not competed in British Superbikes since 2004, and spent last year competing in the European Superstock Championship, securing a fantastic third position overall. He is eager to get the British season underway.
“I’m really looking forward to racing in the UK again, especially with a team like Hawk. I’ve learnt so much in the last twelve months, and I’m keen to demonstrate that on the tracks over here. Racing abroad taught me a number of new skills and disciplines. I know the championship is extremely tough, but I know I will never improve if I am not mixing in with it all.”

Peter Hickman is the youngster of the group. At only 18 years of age he will be the youngest rider in the British Superbike class this season. Hickman, has had the support from Hawk before, most notably when he lifted the British Superstock Cup Championship in 2004. An exceptionally talented rider, he is looking forward to his rookie year in the British Superbike class.
“Stuart (Hicken) has given me a huge opportunity this year, and one that I couldn’t possibly refuse. I like the way the team works, and I am hoping to put what I have learnt over the last few years into good use on a Superbike. It will be an all new experience for me, but I am looking at securing some good top 15 finishes at the start of the year - and working my way up to a top ten by the end of the season.”

Team Manager Stuart Hicken is delighted with his rider line up this year.
“I’m extremely happy with the riders that I have riding for me this season. It’s good to have Dean back on board, and also the two younger riders in the team, who I am hoping will develop and progress through the season. Everyone in the Hawk team has been working around the clock to ensure that the team is ready for the first race at Brands Hatch on the 26th March. We’ve had a lot of work to do with the arrival on the new ZX-10s, but I am confident that we will be able to gather a good assortment of positive results throughout the season.”

The British Superbikes will be shown on ITV1 at 14:45, and will be shown ‘As Live’ on Sky Sports Xtra at 21:15, on Sunday 26th March.

2006 British Superbike calendar:
Round 1, 24–26 March, Brands Hatch, Kent
Round 2, 07–09 April, Donington Park, Derbyshire
Round 3, 14–17 April, Thruxton, Hampshire
test, 21 April, official test, Oulton Park
Round 4, 29 Apr–01 May, Oulton Park, Cheshire
Round 5, 19–21 May, Mondello Park, Southern Ireland
Round 6, 02–04 June, Mallory Park, Leicestershire
Round 7, 16–18 June, Snetterton, Norfolk
test, 05–06 July, official test, Croft
Round 8, 14–16 July, Knockhill, Scotland
Round 9, 21–23 July, Oulton Park, Cheshire
Round 10, 11–13 August, Croft, North Yorkshire
test, 17 August, official test, Cadwell Park
Round 11, 26–28 August, Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire
test, 31 August, official test, Silverstone
Round 12, 15–17 September, Silverstone, Northamptonshire
Round 13, 29 Sept–01 Oct Brands Hatch, Kent