Impact Images

Is there such a thing as a home race advantage" Or are MotoGP, WSBK and BSB riders all  professional enough to be just as fast wherever they go" Well, if you ask me, the stupendous performance by FS-3 Racing Kawasaki?s Rory Skinner at Knockhill at the weekend only goes to prove there is such a thing. If you watched the British Superbike races on Sunday you?ll have seen the young Scottish lad score two second place finishes in only his fifth and sixth ever Superbike races. And it?s not the first time we?ve seen stellar performances by local heroes. So what?s going on" And how do they do it" Is it the crowd" The local knowledge" What gives"

Maybe it?s the fact that they know they haven?t got a long journey ahead of them, once the racing?s finished. Or maybe, after a night in their own bed, they?re better rested. Because no matter how nice your motorhome or hotel room is, there?s nothing like your own bed, is there" But I don?t think it?s that.
Va Va Voom

There?s an argument to suggest that the extra support you receive at your home race is the thing that puts the lead in your pencil. The thing that gives you that extra ?va va voom?. And I?m sure seeing a few banners and flags waving in the crowd with your name on won?t hurt. But at the same time, you can have too much support. When you?re trying to concentrate on the job in hand, and you?ve got all and sundry wanting a piece of you, it?s a bit of a pain in the...