HARRIS’S CHAMPAGNE ON ICE
30 August 2004 - Honda Racing

Karl Harris’s hopes of winning the British Supersport Championship at Cadwell Park for the second consecutive year were thwarted today.

The Sheffield rider’s race came to a premature end at the 2.2-mile Lincolnshire circuit when the chain came off his HM Plant Honda Racing CBR600RR.

Harris powered into second place from the same position on the grid, before seizing the lead from fellow Honda rider Leon Camier. The 24-year-old Yorkshireman extended his advantage at the front of the field to put a significant gap between himself and the rest of the pack.

However, misfortune struck on the exit from the Mountain section. The chain on Harris’s CBR600RR jumped off the sprocket and he came to a halt at Hall Bends. The defending champion tried desperately to rectify the problem, but was unable to resume his bid to win the championship with two rounds to spare.

The blow was slightly softened by Harris’s nearest rival Michael Laverty being denied the race win. The Ulster rider was in second place on the final lap and challenging the Padgetts’ Honda of Jay Vincent when he made a mistake at the chicane. He managed to stay upright but dropped back to fourth at the chequered flag.

Vincent claimed the race win, and in doing so, has now moved up to second in the championship. Harris maintains a strong advantage at the top of the standings with a 30-point lead going into the final two rounds.

Red Bull Rookies Honda’s Billy McConnell put in an impressive second performance for the team. The young Australian crossed the line in 16th after making good progress through the competitive field from 22nd position on the grid. During the course of the 16-lap race he was able to improve on his best times from qualifying and lapped closer to the leading riders.

Karl Harris: “What can you say, except that’s racing! At the moment, I’m feeling really frustrated with what happened in the race. I had made a good start and was able to take the early advantage, before disaster struck. I have to bounce back at the next round at Oulton Park – where I won earlier in the season – and not take anything for granted. If anything, today has demonstrated that you need a bit of luck on your side too.”

Billy McConnell: “I really enjoyed my second race with Red Bull Rookies Honda. It’s a shame that I missed out on a point, but my performance made up for that. I’m learning all the time and I’m happy with the progress I’ve made since the last round. At the next race, I’ll be aiming for a better start and a stronger first lap. It’s all part of the experience that I’m gaining in my first season.”

Result: 1. J. Vincent (Honda) 25:40.032; 2. T. Sykes (Suzuki) +0.417; 3. S. Easton (Ducati) +0.526; 4. M. Laverty (Ducati) +1.145; 5. M. Llewellyn (Ducati) +6.255; 6. L. Quigley (Suzuki) +6.644; 7. P. Riba (Kawasaki) +15.572; 8. C. Jones (Triumph) +15.815; 9. S. Andrews (Yamaha) +16.503; 10. P. Young (Honda) +20.002; 16. B. McConnell (Red Bull Rookies Honda) +29.206; DNF – K. Harris (HM Plant Honda Racing)

Points after round 11: 1. Harris – 197; 2. Vincent – 167; 3. Laverty – 158; 4. Riba – 110; 5. Quigley - 91; 6. Sykes – 87; 7. Camier – 85; 8. Andrews – 83; 9=. Crutchlow, Jones – 57

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