Harris for HM Plant Fireblade
After an up and down year competing for Honda-Racing.co.uk in the British Superbike Championship, Karl Harris has been signed by HM Plant Honda Racing for the same series in 2006. The 25-year-old Yorkshireman will be joined by Japanese rider Ryuichi Kiyonari on the HRC-prepared CBR1000RR Fireblades for the team's third consecutive assault in the BSB championship.
Harris, riding a Dunlop-shod machine which was run out of the same workshop as the HM Plant bikes, started the season strongly but a series of crashes and injuries compromised his season. Harris' season ended early with a crash in the opening race at Brands Hatch, the final round of the championship, which left him with a broken bone in his right foot.
This will be Harris's fourth season with the Louth-based Honda Racing team. The Sheffield rider won the British Supersport Championship on the CBR600RR in 2003 and 2004, before being rewarded with a ride on Honda Racing's CBR1000RR Fireblade in 2005. His Supersport title in 2004 was won in HM Plant Honda Racing colours alongside the factory Superbike team.
Harris has played a key part in Honda Racing's British Superbike campaign over the past season. He finished seventh overall in the 13-round series with best results of two third positions at Oulton Park in May.
The retention of Kiyonari will not come as a surprise to those who have witnessed his rise to the position of one of the world's leading Superbike riders in 2005. As well as winning the prestigious Suzuka 8-hour endurance race in Japan, Kiyo won 12 races in the British Superbike Championship and finished second overall behind Gregorio Lavilla. His mission will undoubtedly be to win the British Superbike Championship title for HM Plant Honda Racing at his third attempt.
“There isn't a rider in the British Superbike Championship paddock who would have turned down this opportunity. Riding the HRC-backed CBR1000RR Fireblade is the pinnacle of my career so far and I am determined to succeed. I'm also looking forward to returning to HM Plant Honda Racing colours and would like to thank them for their continued support.” said Harris in what looks suspiciously like a doctored PR-friendly quote. Why do we think this? Because nowhere is the word 'mega' or 'dude' used – which, I think you'll agree, is a real pity. Go Carlos!
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