MANY seasons of separation might have cooled Blackburn's rivalry with Burnley on the football field - but a brand new East Lancashire conflict is about to begin in the glamourous and high tension world of World Superbikes.

Burnley hero Neil Hodgson is ready to embark on his first ever Superbike season, which begins at Misano in San Marino this weekend, and is setting his sights on snatching 'friend' and Blackburn double world champion rival Carl Fogarty's crown.

And in an ironic twist, Hodgson will be riding for Fogarty's old team Ducati, following the Blackburn man's move to Japanese giants Honda in the close season.

"It would be nice to beat Carl with all the Blackburn versus Burnley stuff that goes on and Ducati definitely want me to beat him in the first race," said Hodgson.

But the rising star is not going to rush into things and will use the first few rounds to bed in and get used to his new team.

"I have a two-year deal with Ducati. That is signed and sealed.

"The team keep telling me to take it easy, but obviously I want to impress.

"Ducati see me as more of long-term bet and that does take some of the pressure off," said Hodgson.

And the rider does not expect to get any help from American team-mate John Kocinski. "I've never had an ex-world champion as a team-mate before and it's been a bit difficult.

"He's got a big ego and has stated that I cannot expect any help from him, which is fine. At least I know where I stand."

Hodgson's path to the Superbikes began in 1994.

After a series of impressive performances in the World 125cc Championship, Hodgson was given the chance to show what he could do with the big boys on the 500cc bikes with a number of guest rides at the back end of that season.

Determined not to waste his chance Hodgson produced some fine performances and duly secured a place with Team WCM for the 1995 season.

Once again Hodgson impressed despite having to do battle on an inferior machine and it was these displays which caught the eye with the powers that be at Ducati.

Hodgson had to make a decision: wait to see if he could secure a factory ride with a 500cc team, or take up the opportunity to test with Ducati.

"A lot of Superbike teams were interested in me after my displays," he added.

It was a tough decision to make, but he opted for Ducati and is now determined to make his mark.

Unfortunately pre-season testing has proved difficult.

"The Burnley weather seems to have followed me around," said Hodgson, who had to cut short his American test due to rain and was hampered by cold conditions and more rain in Italy.

Worse was to come in Indonesia where Hodgson had to have stitches in his knee after coming off.

"I just lost it going into a corner, but it was an experience out there. On one test I was going about 140mph and all of a sudden a dog ran into the track!"

"But I'm learning all the time and did post some good times.

"In Australia I was only two tenths outside the lap record," he added.

However the time for testing is over and with the first of the 12 round championship only four days away Hodgson is ready to show what he's made of.

"There will be a lot of pressure on me to perform but I'm pretty confident and am setting my sights on top five finishes in the opening two rounds.

"I'm sick of riding around empty circuits. I'm a racer and want some real racing," he said.

And Hodgson knows with his Ducati Corse ADVF he has the machinery to win.

"The bike's won two world championships in a row and is proven. It is a new model but is just as reliable and even quicker, maybe half-a-second a lap, which is a lot," he added.

So the time for talking is over.

Foggy may be the reigning king of the track, but he has a new determined and confident rival.

And don't be surprised if East Lancashire has two smiling faces on the victory podium this coming Sunday.

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