World Superbike

British Superbike double race winner Tom Sykes and newly signed Ian Lowry head to the historic and famous Nurburgring in Germany this weekend ready for Round 11 of the Hannspree World Superbike Championship, where they hope to continue to bring their Paul Bird Motorsports Kawasaki motorcycle home in the points.

Replacing the injured Chris Vermuelen, 23-year-old Ian Lowry from Northern Ireland will continue his run with the Kawasaki Racing team after a successful run on the Ninja ZX-10R at the MCE British Superbikes at Brands Hatch in early August and a good test in Spain last week.

Sykes has not had much of a break during August having competed in and won both races at Brands Hatch at the British Superbikes in early August and also accomplished two-test runs on the new 2011 Ninja.

Sykes hopes he can secure strong point scoring finishes on the run down to the season end. Sykes, who turned 24 during August, is ready for the challenge at the Nurburgring circuit, which is known to be one of the fastest tracks on the Championship calendar. Renowned for its fast and furious racing, the 5.137km circuit is a favourite among the WSB riders.

Lowry's career highlights to date include a second place in British Supersport in 2007 followed by a third in 2008. The youngster made the leap to British Superbikes in 2009 and was awarded top Rookie after a being fifth in the Championship overall.

Ian Lowry says: "I am really grateful for this opportunity to ride for the Factory Kawasaki squad and just cannot wait to get to the Nurburgring this weekend. It's a dream to compete in the World Superbike Championship at this level and with the support of such a professional team who give me an immense amount of confidence."

"I enjoyed riding for the team at Brands Hatch and the test in Almeria Spain last week. I know how competitive the World Superbike Championship is and I intend to make the most of this opportunity and repay the team with two strong finishes. I'm really looking forward to getting a full spin out on the bike again and am really excited to head to the Nurburgring. "

Tom Sykes says: "I'm looking forward to the race this weekend despite not having had too much of a summer break off the bike. I moved house and had a birthday during August as well as a test in Japan on the new bike straight after Silverstone, then a wildcard ride at Brands Hatch British Superbikes, where the team enjoyed some well earned race wins."

"We then had another test last week in Almeria which was cut short due to horrendous high temperatures but still managed over a day and half of track time. Needless to say I'm still feeling very fit and motivated and am looking forward to turning the previous development into some decent race results at the Nurburgring."

Round 11 of the Hannspree World Superbike Series Germany gets under way on Sept 4-6.