TOP SIX FINISH FOR CHAMPION HARRIS
19 September 2004 - Honda Racing

British Supersport Champion Karl Harris was unable to end the series in the way that he wanted to, following a challenging weekend at Donington Park.

The 24-year-old had struggled to find the correct set-up for the HM Plant Honda Racing CBR600RR during changeable weather conditions in free practice and qualifying.

After starting from fifth position on the grid, Harris was unable to propel the double championship-winning motorcycle any further up the field. A tense yet thrilling battle between the top five looked as though it could end in disaster several times in the last three laps. Yorkshireman Harris remained behind the leading pack.

Harris passed Honda-mounted Paul Young on lap nine and pulled away for a lonely ride throughout the remainder of the 18-lap race.

Team-mate Billy McConnell just missed out on a points-scoring finish at the final round of the season aboard the Red Bull Rookies Honda CBR600RR. The young Australian passed the chequered flag in 16th position after powering the Honda machine from 21st place on the grid.

Karl Harris: “I didn’t get away from the line as well as I would have liked. That left me with a lot of work to do. I got caught up in a group that lost touch with the leaders, and by the time I got through, it was too late. Today’s result doesn’t detract from the fantastic year that I’ve had with HM Plant Honda Racing. I am now looking forward to making my debut in the Superbike class next weekend at Castle Combe.”

Billy McConnell: “I really enjoyed my first race at Donington Park with Red Bull Rookies Honda. I got quite a good start but then got a bit tangled up on the first lap. After that it was a question of putting my head down and going for it. I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made in qualifying and over race distance. With that in mind, I’d like to thank Red Bull and Honda for helping me so much in my first racing season.”

Result: 1. C. Jones (Triumph) 29:00.659; 2. M. Laverty (Ducati) +0.417; 3. T. Sykes (Suzuki) +0.797; 4. J. Vincent (Honda) +0.880; 5. P. Riba (Kawasaki) +1.094; 6. K. Harris (HM Plant Honda Racing) +2.731; 7. C. Crutchlow (Honda) +8.577; 8. P. Young (Honda) +11.489; 9. L. Quigley (Suzuki) +16.350; 10. S. Andrews (Yamaha) +18.433; 16. B. McConnell (Red Bull Rookies Honda) +33.358

Final points: 1. Harris – 232 (champion); 2. Vincent – 196; 3. Laverty – 178; 4. Riba – 128; 5. Sykes –123; 6. Quigley –102; 7. Camier – 99; 8. Jones – 93; 9. Andrews – 89; 10. Crutchlow – 75

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