HM PLANT HONDA 1-2
30 August 2004 - Honda Racing

Michael Rutter and Ryuichi Kiyonari claimed first and second places respectively at HM Plant Honda Racing’s home round of the British Superbike Championship.

The race one victory at Cadwell Park for round 11 was made even sweeter for 31-year-old Rutter as his biggest rival John Reynolds crashed out unhurt on lap five.

Rutter took the holeshot from second on the grid and Kiyonari powered into an early third place. The Japanese rider then passed Scott Smart on the opening lap for second position. The black and orange HM Plant Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblades then led the British Superbike field for the entire race, which was prematurely ended at the start of lap 16.

A Steve Plater crash forced the red flags to come out, meaning that the race was declared as a result from the end of lap 15. Yukio Kagayama claimed the final place on the podium. He had battled with Scott Smart for third place but Smart had to pull into the pit lane after his chain jumped off the sprocket on the exit from the Mountain. Despite rejoining the race, it was impossible for Smart to make up for the time that he had lost.

British Superbike rookie Kiyonari pushed Rutter hard throughout the race at the 2.2-mile circuit and looked as though he might try to pass his team-mate in the closing stages. The 21-year-old Japanese star was challenging for his maiden victory in the series, but the Leicestershire rider hung on for his sixth win of the season.

Michael Rutter: “The HM Plant Honda is performing well and I have a really strong package here, so I’ve just got to keep trying to go out and win races. The title is definitely still within reach for me and I have time left to bridge the gap but nothing can be taken for granted. Kiyonari definitely had the measure of me in that race but I think he was kind to me. We don’t have any team orders so I have to focus on beating him as much as the other riders out there.”

Ryuichi Kiyonari: “I’m happy with that result – it’s the best finish I’ve had since the opening round at Silverstone. It’s also good for Michael and I because this is an important round for HM Plant Honda Racing. The team has provided me with an excellent set-up, so I was faster than Michael in some sections but he was better on the brakes. Afterwards, everyone asked me about team orders, but I just ran my own race. I’ll definitely be going for my first win in the next leg though.”

Race one result: 1. M. Rutter (HM Plant Honda Racing) 22:31.896; 2. R. Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda Racing) +0.195; 3. Y. Kagayama (Suzuki) +0.493; 4. J. Haydon (Yamaha) +7.093; 5. T. Hill (Yamaha) +8.034; 6. D. Thomas (Ducati) +9.011; 7. G. Richards (Kawasaki) +12.671; 8. K. Clarke (Yamaha) +13.291; 9. J. McGuinness (Kawasaki) +1 lap; 10. S. Emmett (Ducati) + 1 lap

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