SAFE SECOND ROW FOR HARRIS
18 September 2004 - Honda Racing

Champion Karl Harris will start the final race of the British Supersport Championship at Donington Park from the front of row two.

The 24-year-old Yorkshireman qualified in fifth position in changeable weather conditions at the 2.5-mile Leicestershire circuit.

Having already claimed the championship for the second consecutive year at the last round at Oulton Park, the HM Plant Honda Racing rider is relaxed ahead of tomorrow’s race. Despite the lack of pressure, Harris remains intent on finishing the 2004 series with a victory.

Tomorrow’s race is only the third of the season that Harris has started from outside the front row. However, both times that the Sheffield star has started further back on the grid – at Mondello Park and Knockhill – he has seized a podium finish in the race.

Red Bull Rookies Honda team-mate Billy McConnell has secured his best qualifying position of the season. The young Australian will start his final race for the team from 21st position. McConnell was brought in at the tenth round at Croft to replace the injured Jonathan Rea on the number 65 Honda CBR600RR. He has steadily improved after previously qualifying in 23rd and 22nd at Croft and Cadwell Park respectively.

Karl Harris: “It’s been quite a challenge for us here this week. The variable conditions with the wind and the rain haven’t helped. Even today there have been a few drops of rain that have disrupted qualifying. Fortunately, we raced here over the British GP weekend and that has obviously helped. Starting from row two isn’t ideal, but I’m sure that will only add to the fun tomorrow.”

Billy McConnell: “I’ve really enjoyed riding at Donington Park this weekend. It’s the British GP track and I’m really thankful to Red Bull Rookies Honda for giving me this opportunity. We’ve managed to move forward with the set-up on the CBR600RR this weekend and that has helped me to make a significant improvement on my time this afternoon. I’ll be trying hard to get into the points again tomorrow, but we’ll have to see how it goes.”

Qualifying times: 1. T. Sykes (Suzuki) 1:35.559; 2. C. Jones (Triumph) 1:35.801; 3. P. Riba (Kawasaki) 1:35.963; 4. J. Vincent (Honda) 1:36.177; 5. K. Harris (HM Plant Honda Racing) 1:36.219; 6. M. Laverty (Ducati) 1:36.408; 7. C. Crutchlow (Honda) 1:36.437; 8. A. Coates (Suzuki) 1:36.515; 9. P. Young (Honda) 1:36.576; 10. M. Llewellyn (Ducati) 1:36.614; 21. B. McConnell (Red Bull Rookies Honda) 1:38.430

www.honda-racing.co.uk

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