Defending British Superbike champion Ryuichi Kiyonari is barely holding onto his spot as a title fighter as the British Superbike series heads to Cadwell Park for a three race weekend.
Kiyonari is currently holding on to the coveted top 6 spot by just five points ahead of Michael Rutter. King Kiyo heads to the Lincolnshire round with the confidence of his past successes. Kiyonari has only taken one win at Cadwell Park, but he's grabbed 7 other podium finishes.
"We tested again before Cadwell Park as we needed to make more improvements for this weekend from me and the HM Plant Honda," Kiyonari said. "This is the home round for me and the team and I know I need to push here for results in order to fight for the championship.
"We have lots of ideas for improvements and have been trying very hard as I know this is going to be a very tough round because there are lots of riders who are trying to be in the top six for the Showdown. We will be doing everything this weekend to get back on the podium again as I want to be winning again and I have to try and do that here. The most important thing for me is to be inside the top six for the Showdown."
Rutter will be gunning for Kiyonari this weekend. With just five points keeping Rutter from the title fight, Ducati rider will leave everything on the track at Cadwell Park.
"We are only five points adrift of Kiyonari in sixth and 16 off Brookes so we are still in with a shot that's for sure," Rutter said. "I can only go out and do my best and if they struggle then we can take the advantage as anything can still happen. The position is there for me to take so all we can do is go out at Cadwell Park and give it everything at the Rapid Solicitors' home round."
British Superbike Standings
- Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) 255 (Clinched Title Fighter Spot)
- John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) 231 (Clinched Title Fighter Spot)
- Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 210 (Clinched Title Fighter Spot)
- Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) 163
- Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 146
- Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 135
Possible Title Fighters
- Michael Rutter (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) 130
- Gary Mason (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) 115
- Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) 112
