On his way to victory he picked up pole position and the fastest lap of the race with a time of 51.582secs. Cal, aboard his Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000, quickly got to grips with the 1.39-mile circuit and led from the first corner to the chequered flag. He was delighted to win on his last outing as a Rizla Suzuki Superbike racer.


Rizla Suzuki guest rider Jenny Tinmouth became the first woman in the UK to race a Superbike. She had a successful day on track and went faster with every lap – eventually finishing 20th.


As the team heads into the winter break outgoing Team Manager Simon Buckmaster will hand-over to Jack Valentine at the start of November. News of the 2008 Rizla Suzuki rider line-up will be announced soon.


Cal:

“That was brilliant! I’m really pleased to have taken my first Superbike win with Rizla Suzuki. The team has worked hard all year and it is nice to repay it with a win. The Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 has been really good all weekend. I couldn’t have asked for more, a podium at Brands one week ago and now a win here is fantastic.


“I got a great start and controlled the race from the front. I’m really pleased to have put my name on that trophy alongside the likes of Barry Sheene and Giacomo Agostini. I’ve got to say a big thanks to Team Manager Simon Buckmaster and my Crew Chief, Pete Jennings for a great season and wish them all the best for the future.”


Jenny:


“This weekend has been great. I’ve learned so much from both Cal and the team, they are really relaxed to work with and so methodical. In the race I got with another rider who I passed at the hairpin but he got me back at Edwina’s. I did try and pass him again on the last lap but didn’t manage it! I would have liked to have finished in the points, but I’m happy to have posted my fastest ever lap of Mallory Park.


“Thank you to Rizla Suzuki and the team for allowing me to race the GSX-R1000 Superbike today, it has been a dream come true and I’ll never forget it.”


Simon Buckmaster, Team Manager:


“It is good to end the season with a win – something the whole Rizla Suzuki team and Cal have thoroughly deserved. The team has worked hard and over the second part of the season the results have been consistently improving which shows a good direction for the future.


“I’m feel privileged to have managed Rizla Suzuki in 2007 and want to thank Crescent and everyone in the team for the opportunity and their support. I feel I’m leaving the team in a strong position and on a high. I’d like to wish the team and Cal all the best in the future.”


***Check out the video content from the Race of the Year in the video library on www.rizla-suzuki.co.uk.


Race results:


1: CAL CRUTCHLOW (RIZLA SUZUKI) 17:27.722


2: Scott Smart (Kawasaki) +2.378


3: Billy McConnell (Yamaha) +16.244


4: James Haydon (Kawasaki) +16.900


5: Tristan Palmer (Yamaha) +25.522


6: Peter Ward (Yamaha) +25.735


7: Kenny Gilbertson (Kawasaki) +40.864


8: Peter Baker (Suzuki) +43.582


9: Dean Johnson (Kawasaki) +50.479


10: Kieran Blair (Suzuki) +50.716


20: JENNY TINMOUTH (RIZLA SUZUKI) +1 lap