The British Superbike Championship heads to Brands Hatch for the second round of the season this weekend, as 36 riders from across the globe prepare to tackle the 1.2-mile Indy circuit.

The season opened in spectacular style at Donington Park on Easter Monday as the established contenders went head-to-head with the next generation of stars and both races went down to the wire, with each decided by less than one second after 20 laps.

Defending champion Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne scored a win and a second place despite the Sittingbourne ace still recovering from broken bones in his hand sustained in a pre-season crash.

Still, the competition proved fierce all weekend and it is clear Shakey will have a battle on his hands to secure a record fifth title in 2015.

James Ellison shared the victories at Donington Park as he returns after missing out on the title chase last season with a broken femur.

His Godstone-based JG Speedfit Kawasaki team are looking for more of the same at Brands Hatch, where they scored a double podium finish in 2014.

Australia’s Josh Brookes, Scotland’s Stuart Easton and Honda Racing’s Dan Linfoot all scored podium finishes at Donington Park, with 26-year-old Linfoot narrowly missing out on a maiden victory after a race-long tussle with Byrne.

Other riders expected to be in contention for wins at Brands Hatch include Tommy Bridewell on the Tyco BMW, who finished third in last year’s title stakes.

There is also three-time champion Ryuichi Kiyonari and the Be Wiser Kawasaki pairing of 21-year-old Danny Buchan (Essex) and fans’ favourite Chris Walker.

The Be Wiser Kawasaki team is managed by MCE BSB champion Tommy Hill, who has a wealth of experience at his home circuit.

Hill lifted the 2011 title at Brands Hatch by just 0.006s in 2011, and his young charger Buchan has been tipped as a future star after running at the front last time out at Donington.

Byrne, though, is ready to take them all on and hopes to be boosted by the support from his home crowd.

“Every rider looks forward to their home round,” he said.

“At Brands Hatch I am always really lucky to have such incredible support.

“The circuit has such a great history and there is nowhere else on the calendar where you can see almost the whole circuit and that is worth its weight in gold – because I think there will be a lot of action this weekend you won’t want to miss!

“After my injury from testing I am just so happy to be in the position we are ahead of round two.

“There was a point where I wasn’t sure if I would be even able to ride at the test before Donington, so to have a win and another podium exceeded my expectations.

“I just have to keep the momentum going and do everything we can do keep up the strive for five titles.”

Adult online admission starts from £26, with free admission all weekend to under 13s.

To purchase tickets, call 0843 453 9000 or visit brandshatch.co.uk