Both have moved on, and in recent weeks been involved in more changes. Smart, after a disappointing early season campaign, has parted company with Rizla Suzuki and signed to ride a third Vivaldi Kawasaki. Meanwhile Haydon, having deputised for Rizla Suzuki and Yamaha during the current campaign, has signed to replace Smart with the reigning champions.
Both riders will be keen to prove a point or two, and that should add to the front-running action, which is expected to again see challenges coming in from Aussie Glen Richards aboard the Hawk Kawasaki and the emerging threat of Leon Haslam on the second Airwaves Ducati.
Sean Emmett, having missed the previous round to undergo further treatment on his injured elbow, will be spearheading the Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha challenge, alongside Tommy Hill, while defending champion John Reynolds, getting fitter and stronger by the day, as he recovers from the serious leg injuries suffered in a pre-season testing crash, intends to be back on podium form.
Gary Mason and Michael Laverty should continue their improving form aboard the Stobart Hondas, while Steve Plater needs a positive result aboard the Sendo Kawasaki.
In the race within a race for the British Superbike Cup, James Buckingham will be hard pressed to defend his slender three points advantage over Steve Brogan, with both Marty Nutt and Chris Martin keen to spoil their private duel for supremacy.
Around the two Superbike races, in which points are at stake in the continuing competition for the £30,000 Audi road car on offer for the best all-rounder in the Audi Performance Award, there is also a packed support race programme.
In the Metabo British Supersport Championship, Flying Scot Stuart Easton is hoping to make home advantage pay as he bids to regain that crown, there are rounds of the British 125cc Championship and the Virgin Mobile Cup and races counting to both the Metzeler Racetec National Superstock Championship and Cup.
