The 2007 Bennetts British Superbike Championship heads home next weekend to the circuit where the series first began 20 years ago. The first race took place at Donington Park in 1988 and will play host to the penultimate round of this year’s championship. HM Plant Honda team mates Jonathan Rea and Ryuichi Kiyonari will battle it out for the 2007 title at the Leicestershire track. This round may be the decider as to who secures the crown – the defending champion or the Superbike newcomer. Kiyonari, who has a clear 41-point advantage over Rea, has won nine races so far this season, compared with the Ulsterman’s five. With 100 points left to play for, Rea can still fulfil his dream of winning the Bennetts British Superbike Championship before his move to the World Supersport Championship next season. However, with the 41-point deficit to make up, Rea needs to focus on race wins to gain the title. However, the fight is still not over for Airwaves Ducati’s Leon Haslam. The local rider will be looking to re-establish himself as a serious title contender at his home track ahead of the final event at Brands Hatch on 14 October. Gregoria Lavilla also has an advantage at Donington Park as this is the track where, in 2006, he gained the fastest lap record with a time of 1:31.243. With at least three riders still in contention for the coveted crown, the penultimate round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship is set to be a thrilling showdown. All of the edge-of-the-seat action can be witnessed live at Donington Park on Sunday 23 September or on ITV1. “It’s fantastic to see so much competition in the world’s leading domestic motorcycle racing championship,” says Bennetts Marketing Director Mark Fells. “We are looking forward to an exciting final two events.” 2007 Standings (after round 11) British Superbike Championship 1. Ryuichi KIYONARI 388; 2= Jonathan REA 347; 3=. Leon HASLAM 313; 4= Gregoria LAVILLA 294; 5= Shane BYRNE 257. 6= Tom SYKES 230; 7=Leon CAMIER 199; 8= Chris WALKER 183; 9= Tommy HILL 135; 10= Cal CRUTCHLOW 125.
Kiyonari Takes 41-point Lead Into Penultimate Round Of British Superbike Championship This Weekend At Donington Park
Kiyonari Takes 41-point Lead Into Penultimate Round Of British Superbike Championship This Weekend At Donington Park
© 2007, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.