CROFT Circuit, near Darlington, could miss out on hosting a round of the 2001 British Superbike Championship for the third year in a row.

Series organisers British Motorsports Promotors have recently announced the revised dates with a number of major changes to the provisional calendar released last summer.

Croft was on the original list of dates for the popular series, which has been increased from 12 to 13 rounds, but the additional round on September 30 is still to be awarded and is seen as a three-way battle to host the penultimate round of the series.

Both Snetterton in Norfolk and the new Rockingham track near Corby are also in the running to host the meeting, but if it does go south North East fans would again have to travel to Knockhill in Fife or Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire to see the nearest action.

BMP general manager Jos Foulston would not comment on the situation from his London office, but a spokesperson for Croft remained optimistic about hosting the race.

He said: "We're not on the calendar, but that could change at any time. We'd love to stage the meeting both for Croft and the North East, but we're not in a position to say anything else at this stage".

The championship now avoids a controversial date clash with the Isle of Man TT Races.