Louth rider Peter Hickman rides for Red Viper Honda at the penultimate round of British Superbikes at Silverstone this weekend, replacing regular rider Aaron Zanotti who has been forced out due to injury.
Zanotti is still very bruised and battered following a crash at the previous round at Croft in which he sustained a couple of broken ribs.  He is aiming to return to the track in the season’s grand finale at Brands Hatch.
Team Manager Ady Butterworth contacted Hickman on Tuesday to see if he would be interested in taking over the seat. Following a successful test at Mallory Park mid-week, Hickman confirmed his ride for the weekend.
“It’s a great opportunity and also for me and my team we also decided it would be a good idea for the track time to help me with the Superstock," he said.  "I have never ridden a Honda before and we were 14th in first practice so I am really pleased especially as it’s been over a year since I last rode a Superbike.
“We have just been playing with little things setup wise, but the bike is close enough.  It is a little down on power, which is only because it is a slightly older bike.  It’s a beast.  It is good to be back on a Superbike.”
When asked why he chose Hickman, Butterworth said: “I have watched him for a while, you have to keep an eye on what the guys in the Superstock are doing.  Peter always gives it 100% and also he recently has had a good couple of races. We have made very little changes to the bike and he is running really well.”
Regarding the 2009 season, Butterworth said: “Next year we are looking to run a two rider team.  We have the capability and logistics to do it so we will see, but we will definitely be in the paddock again next year.”
Hickman’s aim is to get a top 15 finish in BSB this weekend, but this in no way has made him lose focus on his Metzeler Racetec National Superstock 1000 challenge.  Hickman is battling for third place within the championship over the next two rounds and this is the most important focus of this weekend.
“The Superstock is my main focus, it has to be because I am fighting for third.  It’s good on Sunday as my Superstock race is first before any of the BSBs so once I have finished that race I can concentrate fully on the Superbike races.  I want to do the best I can for Red Viper, they have given me a great opportunity,” he said.
The Louth rider can’t get enough of being on two wheels following his three race weekend Hickman goes over to Magny Cours in France to ride as a wildcard entry in the European Superstock before returning for Brands Hatch.