HM Plant Honda's Cal Crutchlow feels that the sixth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Mallory Park on the 27th-29th June could make a huge difference in his Championship chase.
The 23-year old, from Coventry is currently in t
hird place in the Championship just one point behind Leon Camier on the Airwaves Ducati but a challenging 84 points behind Camier's team-mate and Championship leader, Shane 'Shakey' Byrne.
"I like Mallory as a circuit and it is my home round," he explained. "It's not a long lap so it always makes for good, close racing, plus there are lots of passing places and it is great for the fans as they can see most of the track."
Crutchlow needs to reel in Byrne's awesome lead: "It is a very important round for me; it could make or break the Championship. Ideally, I could do with a race win or a double to pull in as many points as possible. I'd like to be up there and I can't see any reason why not. If I can take the fight to Shakey and the Ducatis then I'll do that."
Local company CIA Insurance is a personal sponsor to Cal and has also joined forces with Mallory Park, a joint venture which Cal has given his blessing to. "It is a good deal for CIA, Mallory Park and for me," he said. "Everyone is local so I'm pleased we can all work together. It is a good project for all associated with it - CIA is a good company, Mallory is a good circuit, it is a win-win situation."
CIA provides the official Honda Insurance as well as general bike Insurance, it also does car, home, let property and commercial insurance too. If you are looking for a competitive quote please give CIA Insurance a call on 0844 888 8575 or visit www.cia-insurance.co.uk – you'll find exclusive columns and news from Cal on its website as well.
Byrne determined to be on the podium at Mallory Park
The sixth round the of the British Superbikes arrives at Mallory Park this weekend, 27th-29th June, and Championship leader, Airwaves Ducati's Shane Byrne, is determined to leave the Friendly Circuit with and even bigger points lead.
Mallory Park marks the half way point in the season and although Byrne has an 83 point lead he hasn't got complacent. "I know I've got a good lead but there are still 300 points up for grabs so there is a long way to go," he said."The Championship isn't won until no one else can get more points than you. If I ended up with 299 points and someone else got 300 then I've lost the Championship. I'm going to keep trying hard until I've enough points to not be caught."
Byrne appreciates the friendly atmosphere at the Little Circuit with the Big View saying: "I like the people who run Mallory Park, it always gets a good crowd and the fans are close to the track." The intricate 1.41 mile circuit lends itself to close fought racing and Byrne believes it won't pose much of a problem to the conquering Ducati.
"The track should suit the Ducati," he explained. "I've been pleasantly surprised, considering the amount of testing we had, that the bike needs very little work no matter where we go, it is just fine adjustments. I've always had decent results at Mallory so I've got no problems with the track."
His aim this weekend is simple – pull in as many points as possible as points make Championships He said: "I want to try and have two good races. The race results in themselves are important but they are a small part of a bigger puzzle. I need to keep finishing on the podium and at the end of the year the Championship should be the big picture."
Advanced ticket sales have now closed but they can be purchased on the gate and costs range from £8 for a practice day ticket, through to £48 for the weekend including paddock on practice and qualifying days but not race day.
Mallory Park is situated in the heart of the midlands in Leicestershire just off the A47 between Leicester and Hinckley and easily accessible from the M1, M69 or M6. For further directions, please visit www.mallorypark.co.uk.
