MICHAEL RUTTER NAMED BY FANS AS THEIR BENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE ‘RIDER OF THE YEAR’
02 November 2005 - Bennetts

Bennetts, title sponsor of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, has revealed that Michael Rutter has been voted as the fans’ ‘Rider of the Year’.

Motorcycling fans have been casting their votes in the official Bennetts British Superbike Fans Awards by logging onto the Bennetts website (www.bennetts.co.uk) and also filling out questionnaires at the final rounds of the Championship to have their say.

Rutter, currently without a team after being ousted by HM Plant Honda at the end of the season, was named the Bennetts British Superbike Fans ‘Rider of the Year’ for his superb form during the first nine rounds of the Championship, before injury put him out of the running for the title.

Rutter is looking to secure a ride for 2006 but this latest award is a clear indication he has the fans backing who would like to see him return and challenge for the British Superbike title next season.

Michael Rutter said: “It’s a great honour to receive the award – especially as it’s voted for by the fans who have been so loyal this season. I was frustrated that HM Plant Honda Racing was unable to win the title this year, but I can take heart from all the fans'' backing.''

Retired former champion, John Reynolds won over fans with his courageous battle with injury to take second place in the awards and team-mates Leon Haslam and the eventual championship winner Gregorio Lavilla claimed third and fourth places respectively, following a remarkable season for the Airwaves Ducati team.

Reynolds affinity with the fans was further emphasised when he was named as the rider most fans would like to invite round for dinner to relive victories from seasons past and the rider most bikers would like to ride pillion with.

There was further reason to cheer for Leon Haslam after he beat off strong competition from Ryuichi Kiyonari, Lavilla and Tommy Hill to claim the Bennetts British Superbike Fans ‘Most Improved Rider’ award.

The Derbyshire rider finished fourth in the championship standings and helped the Airwaves Ducati team to second in the manufacturers table after recording 11 podium finishes (three first, five second and three third places) during the season.

Gregorio Lavilla, Haslam’s teammate, said: “Leon had an excellent season finishing fourth and it is great the fans voted for him. I’m sure he will show further improvement next season and is sure to be challenging me for the Championship crown in 2006.”

In other categories fans were also asked to vote for their favourite circuits from the 2005 Championship, picking out the best tracks for atmosphere, viewing and racing action.

Topping the table for all-round racing action, viewing and atmosphere was legendary Northamptonshire circuit Silverstone.

Other tracks ranked highly by fans were Cadwell Park, Oulton Park and Brands Hatch.

Meeting the Official Grid Girls for the Championship, the Bennetts Babes, was listed as the number one highlight of the day at a Bennetts British Superbike round, whilst fans named Suzi Perry as the celebrity most bikers would like to see join the ranks as a Bennetts Grid Girl!

Kal Samra, Director of Bennetts, said: “The Bennetts British Superbike fans survey has been very revealing, and I would like to congratulate all the winners. We have been delighted to be title sponsors of the British Superbike Championship for 2005 and it was a thrilling climax to the series. The fans survey has been just one of a number of initiatives we introduced to get the fans closer to the action.”

Full Results:

Bennetts BSB Fans ‘Rider of the Year’:

1. Michael Rutter – HM Plant Honda

2. John Reynolds – Rizla Suzuki

3. Leon Haslam – Airwaves Ducati

4. Gregorio Lavilla – Airwaves Ducati

Bennetts BSB ‘Most Improved Rider’:

1. Leon Haslam – Airwaves Ducati

2. Ryuichi Kiyonari – HM Plant Honda

3. Gregorio Lavilla – Airwaves Ducati

4. Tommy Hill – Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha

Best Track for viewing:

1. Silverstone

2: Brands Hatch / Cadwell Park

3: Mallory Park

Best Track for action:

1. Silverstone

2. Brands Hatch

3. Oulton Park

Best Track for atmosphere:

1. Silverstone

2. Brands Hatch

3. Cadwell Park

Highlight of attending a British Superbike Championship round:

1. Meeting the Official Bennetts Grid Girls

Favourite British Superbike Championship Team:

1. Rizla Suzuki

2. Airwaves Ducati

3. HM Plant Honda

Favourite Rider to go out for a ride with:

1. John Reynolds

Favourite Rider to invite round to dinner:

1. John Reynolds

Favourite rider to ride pillion with:

1. John Reynolds

www.bennetts.co.uk

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