A DREAM COME TRUE: Hodgson’s "most special race" with Donington wildcard win
2003 World Champion Neil Hodgson made his name in WorldSBK when he won as a wildcard on home soil three years prior to his title success
With the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heading to Donington Park, now is the perfect time to look at one of the many stand-out memories from the iconic circuit’s history. Back in 2000, Neil Hodgson claimed a stunning career-first victory when racing as a wildcard. Racing for the INS – GSE Racing team with Ducati machinery, he took a podium in Race 1 and went one in Race 2 with a hard-fought victory. He battled against Chris Walker and Noriyuki Haga throughout the majority of the encounter before catching up with long-time leader Pierfrancesco Chilli in the final two laps as the Italian’s softer tyre started to wear, giving Hodgson a dream first World Championship win on an incredible last lap.
Looking back on his victory, the Brit said: “I have every memory of that day. It was the most special race of my career! Race 2 in 2000 at Donington Park was the most beautiful race because it was my first World Championship win. On the last lap, halfway around, I thought ‘maybe this could be possible’ and then he had a slide and… I was there!”
Watch the FULL Neil Hodgson flashback at the top of this page and don’t miss any incredible WorldSBK action from 2023 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
