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Local hero at the double

Author: HM Plant Honda Press Release
Posted on: Sunday, Apr 24 2005



The first race was stopped after Kiyonari crashed on the approach to Edwina’s chicane. The 22-year-old Japanese star lost control under heavy braking, ran on to the grass and parted company with his HM Plant Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade. After being temporarily knocked unconscious, Kiyo recovered in the circuit medical centre from concussion, but played no further part in the day’s proceedings.



Rutter led the first race from start to finish after the restart using the power and handling characteristics of his factory Fireblade to best effect. Third into the first turn, the 31-year-old Midlander swept into the lead on the entry to Edwina’s chicane before establishing a race-winning advantage. With the help of a new lap record (0:51.590) on lap three, the HM Plant Honda Racing star’s winning advantage over Glen Richards was more than six seconds at the chequered flag.



The second race was stopped and restarted twice with one consistent factor – Michael Rutter at the head of the Superbike field on the all-conquering factory HRC-prepared Fireblade. The final positions were decided at the third time of asking over 12 laps of the 1.39-oval circuit. Rutter made the early running with Glen Richards, before the Kirkby Mallory resident made good use of his local knowledge to pull away over the shortened race distance.



With six wins from six starts – HM Plant Honda Racing’s Ryuichi Kiyonari and Michael Rutter –have claimed four and two victories respectively in the 2005 British Superbike Championship. Rutter has taken the initiative from his team-mate at the top of the points table after Kiyo’s enforced absence at Mallory Park. Attention now shifts to Oulton Park in Cheshire where the drama will unfold once again on Bank Holiday Monday.



Michael Rutter: “I’m obviously a happy man tonight, but it’s such a shame that Kiyo had to miss out. I would rather be winning when he’s out there with me. There’s no doubt that the HM Plant Honda is going well at the moment. The input that we’ve had over the past two seasons from HRC and Michelin has been invaluable. We’re now seeing the fruits of our labour. It’s a special feeling for me at Mallory in particular to win in front of my family and friends.”



Ryuichi Kiyonari: “The crash was directly as a result of my mistake under braking. After my check-up in the medical centre, I feel OK except for a bit of a sore head and neck. If I’m fit to ride, I’ll be aiming to return to action at Oulton Park next weekend. I’m happy that Michael has done so well today for HM Plant Honda Racing, which makes up in some way for my disappointment.”


Superbike race one result: 1. M. Rutter (HM Plant Honda Racing) 21:48.024; 2. G. Richards (Kawasaki) +6.706; 3. L. Haslam (Ducati) +10.354; 4. S. Emmett (Yamaha) +11.299; 5. S. Smart (Suzuki) +13.465; 6. D. Thomas (Kawasaki) +17.638; 7. M. Laverty (Honda) +18.015; 8. G. Mason (Honda) +21.170; 9. D. Beaumont (Honda) +23.640; 10. S. Brogan (Honda) +30.548; DNF R. Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda Racing)


Fastest lap: 51.590 – M. Rutter (lap 3) new lap record



Superbike race two result: 1. M. Rutter (HM Plant Honda Racing) 10:27.220; 2. G. Richards (Kawasaki) +0.946; 3. G. Lavilla (Ducati) +0.997; 4. D. Thomas (Kawasaki) +2.021; 5. L. Haslam (Ducati) +2.513; 6. K. Harris (Honda-Racing.co.uk) +8.390; 7. G. Mason (Honda) +8.603; 8. S. Smart (Suzuki) +8.826; 9. M. Laverty (Honda) +9.086; 10. S. Emmett (Yamaha) +9.601; DNS. R. Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda Racing)



Fastest lap: 0:51.513 – G. Lavilla (lap 8) new lap record



Championship points after three rounds: 1. Rutter – 119; 2. Kiyonari – 100; 3. Lavilla – 88; 4. Richards – 83; 5. Emmett – 65; 6. Haslam – 62; 7. Thomas – 54 8. Harris 48; 9. Smart – 36; 10. Mason – 30


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