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The traditional SBK Hall of Fame ceremony that took place shortly before race 1 at Donington Park last weekend saw awards going to two British riders who, albeit belonging to two different generations, have been linked on a professional and friendship level for a long time. The two men in question are Roger Burnett and James Toseland, who were awarded their prestigious 25th anniversary medal by SBK General Manager Paolo Ciabatti.

Roger Burnett goes down in the record books as the first man ever to set pole position in the history of World Superbike. It came about on 2 April 1988 when Donington Park was the venue for the opening round of the new production-based championship. Burnett took part in a total of 17 rounds in four seasons, scoring three podiums, all at the Leicestershire circuit (third in race 2 in 1988, second and third in the two races in 1989). At the age of 52, Burnett still forms part of the racing world having undertaken a career as PR and rider manager since he retired from competition in 1991.

Amongst those riders managed by Burnett is a certain James Toseland, who was born in Sheffield on 5 October 1980 and who retired from racing last year after being forced to stop due to an injury to his right wrist. "Giacomino" (Little Jimmy), as he was affectionately known in Italy in the years he raced for Ducati, took part in nine seasons of World Superbike, scoring a total of 16 wins and 61 podiums, together with two world titles (in 2004 with Ducati Fila and in 2007 with HANNspree Ten Kate Honda). In the year of his second title, Toseland scored his only win at Donington Park - in race 1 - after a race he led from lap 6 until the chquered flag. Toseland is one of the most accomplished riders in the history of World Superbike, as well as being a fan favourite all over the world.