THRUXTON circuit will host seven rounds of a superbike championship next weekend.

The Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSC) is returning to the Hampshire venue and promises sensational racing as last year's three races are described as some of the best in the whole series.

Spectators will have the chance to get up close to the riders with a pitlane walkabout and autograph session.

This year will have fun for all as family-friendly activities in the Kids Zone will feature face painting, bouncy castles and fairground rides.

Leading the way after the opening 18 races is local hero Tommy Bridewell who enjoys a 34.5-point advantage at the head of the standings ahead of BeerMonster Ducati teammate Glenn Irwin.

Andover Advertiser: Tommy Bridewell hopes for success at Thruxton.Tommy Bridewell hopes for success at Thruxton. (Image: Double Red)

Mr Bridewell, from Etchilhampton, has won six races so far this season, including five of the last six so arrives at Thruxton in great form.

There will be three main Bennetts BSC races over the weekend in addition to various support classes including the Quattro Group British Supersport/GP2 Championship, Pirelli National Superstock and Junior Superstock Championships, R&G British Talent Cup, ABK Beer 0% BMW Motorrad F900R Cup and the British Sidecar Championship.

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Amesbury Sergeant Stephen 'Tommo' Thomas works in the Royal Military Police, based in Bulford, and will be racing in the Quattro Group.

Last year was Sgt Thomas' national motorcycling championship debut at Thruxton and this year he will partner with ABF: The Soldiers Charity to raise awareness for the cause.

Andover Advertiser: Stephen Thomas is a sergeant in the Royal Military Police and is sponsored as an elite sportsman. Stephen Thomas is a sergeant in the Royal Military Police and is sponsored as an elite sportsman. (Image: Peter Davies)

The championship runs from Friday, August 11, until Sunday, August 13, with paddock walkabouts taking place at 9.30am on the Sunday.

Tickets are priced at £16 for adults on Saturday and £36 for Sunday, ages 13-15, are £8 on Saturday and £12 for Sunday. Adult weekend tickets are £47, teen weekend tickets are £17 and a family weekend ticket £107.

Children under 12 go free and paddock access is free for all ticketholders.

For further information including how to buy tickets and a timetable visit thruxtonracing.co.uk.