HARRIS GOING FOR A HOME WIN
11 August 2004 - Honda Racing

Karl Harris is determined to ensure that a Yorkshireman will win on a North Yorkshire track when he races at Croft this weekend for the circuit’s inaugural British Supersport Championship event.

Riding the HM Plant Honda Racing CBR600RR, the Sheffield-based 24-year-old intends to claim his sixth victory of the season and extend an impressive 36-point series lead. Harris is determined that nothing will stop him reclaiming the Supersport title for the second consecutive year.

Despite the fiercely strong competition in the class, the Yorkshireman is hoping to wrap-up the season early – just as he did when he won the 2003 championship with two rounds remaining.

Harris proved his supremacy at Mallory Park when he seized the race lead from Jay Vincent on a dramatic final lap and took the chequered flag for victory.

Karl Harris will be joined by a new team-mate at Croft; Billy McConnell has joined Red Bull Rookies Honda as a replacement for the injured Jonathan Rea. McConnell, a 17-year-old Australian, competed in the National Superstock Cup in the last round at Mallory and was first across the finishing line after qualifying on pole and setting a lap record.

Karl Harris (1st = 181 points): “I’m looking forward to going to a new circuit and finding out how the HM Plant Honda Racing CBR600RR performs. It’s refreshing not to have to travel too far from home either so I’ll be relaxed and ready for the race. I already have a strong lead so all I have to do now is maintain it – which I’m confident I can do.”

Billy McConnell: “Croft will be my first ride on the Red Bull Rookies Honda CBR600RR but I’m really looking forward to it. I feel less intimidated knowing that some of the other riders have never ridden at the circuit before either. I’ve heard that it’s quite flat and other Australian riders have told me that it’s like some of the tracks in Australia that I know quite well. The team are really helpful too, so I’m feeling positive about my introduction to Supersport racing in the UK with such a competitive package.”

www.honda-racing.co.uk

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