As the name Superstock suggests, this class is for ‘stock’ road-going production motorcycles which feature only minor modifications, including, the removal of all stock road gear such as lights and mirrors. The rear shock can be replaced and front fork internals can be modified. The exhaust system can be replaced and the fitment of a power commander is also allowed to aid performance.

Running as a support race in the BSB Championship, British Superstock includes two separate classes – Superstock 1000 and 600 – and both championships run a control tyre system similar to the World and British championships. The tyre manufacturer is Metzeler who supply the entire grid in both classes.

Despite the Superstock bikes being close to standard, the 1000cc machines can still lap most circuits only a few seconds off of the full Superbike machines and produce over 180bhp at the rear wheel. Both the 600 and 1000 classes are a breeding ground for up and coming bike racing talent and are a cost effective way of proving a rider’s ability on the BSB stage.

Grid positions are derived on the basis of performance by all riders over two timed qualifying sessions, with the fastest rider taking pole position through to the slowest rider taking the final position of the grid. There are four riders on each row of the grid. Points scoring is awarded to the top 15 finishers on the basis of 25-20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1.

Honda race ace Steve Brogan ran away with the British Superstock 1000 title in 2008 with an impressive 8 out of 11 race wins on his CBR1000RR Fireblade.

In 2009, Honda (UK) chose to withdraw directly from the Superstock 1000 class, but Brogan and John McGuinness – operating under the Padgetts Motorcycle team banner – were front-runners helping to produce season-long nail biting track action.

For 2010, Honda (UK) has a strong line-up with 2009 Supersport champion Steve Plater aiming to make it two championships in a row. Meanwhile, former HM Plant Honda rider Glen Richards joins John McGuinness in the Padgetts Motorcycle team on similarly-prepared CBR1000RR Fireblades.