RUTTER SET FOR FINAL SHOWDOWN
16 September 2004 - Honda Racing

HM Plant Honda Racing’s Michael Rutter is set for the final British Superbike Championship showdown of the season with series leader John Reynolds at Donington Park this weekend.

The 31-year-old Leicestershire rider has admitted that he will need a minor miracle to catch his rival. However, the unpredictable nature of motorcycle racing means that nothing is guaranteed until the final chequered flag of the season has been shown.

Rutter’s goal of winning the series on the new CBR1000RR Fireblade suffered a major setback when he finished second to Reynolds in both races at the penultimate round at Oulton Park last weekend. Reynolds only needs to collect eight points from the remaining two races to secure the title. The pair have thrilled crowds at the 13-round championship this year with their season-long battle.

Rutter and team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari have worked with the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) to develop the factory HM Plant Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade in its debut year. With an already impressive six race wins to his name this season, Rutter is looking to achieve his second double victory at the 2.5-mile Leicestershire circuit. The Kirkby Mallory-based rider is also determined to maintain his record as the only Superbike competitor to have started every race of the 2004 season from the front row of the grid.

Kiyonari is concentrating on aiding his team-mate’s championship challenge at round 13. Recent results have seen the 21-year-old Japanese rider make an impressive return to form after securing podium finishes at Mallory Park and Cadwell Park. He is involved in his own personal battle with Dean Thomas and James Haydon to secure a top six finish in the championship at the end of his rookie season.

Michael Rutter (2nd = 377 points): “I’m going to Donington Park with the same attitude that I have had for every race this season. I’m focusing on the races and letting the championship take care of itself. Obviously, John has got a massive advantage over me ahead of the final round and I have got to face up to the reality of the situation. I enjoy riding at Donington and I expect the HM Plant Honda to go well there, so I’ll be hoping to add to my tally of race wins for the year.”

Ryuichi Kiyonari (6th = 184 points): “I need to work hard in qualifying and hope to get better starts at Donington Park. I made life difficult for myself at Oulton Park last weekend and therefore wasn’t able to help Michael as much as I would have liked. This is my last chance to reach the top step of the podium in the British Superbike Championship this season, so I’ll be giving 100 per cent on the HM Plant Honda as always.”

www.honda-racing.co.uk

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