RUTTER PUTS PRESSURE ON REYNOLDS
09 September 2004 - Honda Racing

Michael Rutter is heading for Oulton Park in Cheshire intent on claiming a second successive double victory in this weekend’s penultimate round of the 2004 British Superbike Championship.

The HM Plant Honda Racing rider needs to maintain a winning momentum with two more wins on the CBR1000RR Fireblade if he is to overhaul series leader John Reynolds.

In the last two rounds at Croft and Cadwell Park, 31-year-old Rutter has reduced the points difference at the top of the championship table from 73 to 33. A further reduction in the deficit on the 2.692-mile Cheshire track would set up a frantic final round at Donington Park – and, a ‘no holds barred’ Rutter-Reynolds showdown for the title.

Oulton Park is one of the 31-year-old Honda rider’s favourite circuits. During the championship’s earlier round this year at the Cheshire circuit, Rutter achieved two podium finishes. Despite starting from the back of the grid in race two because of an electrical problem, Rutter set a new lap record as he charged through the field to pass the chequered flag in third position.

Rutter’s team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari was unable to race at that meeting following an accident during practice but he is determined to master the track this weekend. The 21-year-old Japanese rider has thrilled crowds with his recent all-action performances. He finished race one at Cadwell Park in second position, just behind Rutter, and is hoping for a repeat performance at Oulton Park in support of his team-mate’s championship challenge.

Michael Rutter (2nd = 337 points): “I had a couple of good races at Oulton Park last time round. I managed to take two third-place finishes for the HM Plant Honda Racing team but this time, I’ll be hoping for two wins. I had a good first race in the last round at Cadwell Park but the second race result was disappointing. I think the main thing though, was that I managed to pull some points back from John [Reynolds]. My main aim at Oulton Park will be to close the gap in the championship even further.”

Ryuichi Kiyonari (6th = 170 points): “Although I was unable to race at Oulton Park last time, I did get a good feel of the track during practice. I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge because it is a tricky circuit. I was pleased with my race one result at Cadwell Park. It was good to be back on the podium – especially alongside Michael [Rutter]. I hope Oulton brings us the same luck and the same finish for the HM Plant Honda Racing team in both races.”

www.honda-racing.co.uk

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