Suzuki rider John Hopkins excited with wild card entry at Silverstone WSBK event – WSBK news
Samsung Crescent Suzuki team rider John Hopkins is excited with his wild card entry into World Superbike Championship event held at Silverstone recently.
The former MotoGP, American rider is currently playing his role in the British Superbike Championship with the Samsung Suzuki team. Along many other wild card appearances, was called in to race in the WSBK championship event that took place at Silverstone.
‘Hopper’ marked his performance and stole the pole seat for the event.
Hopkins said, “Boy that was a lot of fun. The first race was a bit of a disappointment with the rear brake pad issues, but I managed to alter my corner entry and keep my focus to bag that fifth place. Race two felt better, but to keep with those factory
bikes you really need to make up time on the brakes and on the gas out of the turns.”
In 2011, Hopkins is the only rider to enjoy wild card entries in MotoGP and WSBK along with his full race season commitment in the British Superbike series.
Hopkins added, “I knew that would kill my tyre, so it was no surprise in the closing stages of race two when we started losing the times. Overall, I'm really pumped about this weekend.”
John ‘Hopper’ Hopkins also said that the British WSBK event has highlighted the potential of his Samsung Crescent Suzuki team that it has the ability and agility to challenge one of the high-class motorcycle racing championships.
Hopkins was also quick to avail the opportunity as he scored his maiden pole seat in the WSBK series. Despite his good start and strong effort, he finished fifth in the race one. His performance was hampered by the malfunction of rear brake pads.
Despite the faltering rear brake pads, he managed to change his riding style during the race but later the tyre wear out added to his difficulties.
However, the race weekend ended and he was extremely grateful to his Samsung Suzuki team for giving him the opportunity to race on a new platform.
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