2007 British Superbike Motorcycle Racing

Race Results
Rizla Suzuki racers Chris "Stalker" Walker and Cal Crutchlow showed impressive pace to mix it at the sharp end of today's double-header ninth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Mallory Park in Leicestershire.

Despite practice and qualification being cancelled due to torrential rain and floods, the Rizla Suzuki aces made the most of a 35-minute morning practice session to set their bikes up for the dry and sunny race day conditions.

In the absence of qualification, starting positions were determined by current Championship standings and Stalker got off to a blistering start in both races from eighth. 

In the opener he was always in contention for the podium and ended up fourth. In the second race he was at the front again and fighting for third when a red flag brought the race to an early end and he was sixth.

Crutchlow, starting from 11th, made early progress in the opening race and was looking strong for a top six finish until his quick-shifter malfunctioned and he was reduced to manual gear changes, ending up ninth. In race two he set the second fastest lap of the race and was menacing for the podium when the red flag cut his challenge short.

Honda's Shane Byrne won the first race and Ryuichi Kiyonari the second.  Rizla Suzuki is back in action on Sunday, August 12th, at the 10th round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Croft in North Yorkshire.

Chris Walker:  "It's a relief to be racing in the dry for the first time in what seems like ages. It's also great to be running at the front at a technically-difficult track and that goes to prove the sort of progress Rizla Suzuki has made in the last few rounds, we are getting closer and closer to challenging for race wins, which is just what we all want.

"Thanks to all the Stalker fans who made the trip to support me today. It was great to hear the cheers in the crowd and I really enjoyed myself.  Everything is starting to come together and I can't wait until the next round to keep the momentum going."

Cal Crutchlow:  "The second race was slightly disappointing as it was red flagged and I was sure I had the speed to take a couple of the riders in front - fourth or even third may have been possible.  However, I've equaled my best-ever BSB fifth place from last week and I'm happy with that, it shows we are capable of running consistently toward the front of the field.

"Mallory Park is my home circuit and the fans have been really great this weekend.  It's been tough with a lack of practice and qualification but I'm leaving here knowing we are at our most competitive of the season and now targeting podium finishes for the rest of the year. Bring it on."

Simon Buckmaster - Team Manager: "Rizla Suzuki proved at the last round it could compete in the wet and this round we have shown we can do it in the dry.  It's great to be mixing it in the thick of the action - that's where we want to be for the rest of the season.

"Chris had a superb first race and Cal a brilliant second. Between them they showed guts, determination and sheer speed. We are starting to unlock the potential of the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 and we like what we see, so the next round at Croft in three weeks time cannot come quick enough for us.

"On a final note, I'd like to congratulate the MCRCB - the BSB organisation - for its excellent handling of a very difficult weekend of very wet weather and tragedy."

Qualifying - Cancelled
Torrential rain and standing water on the circuit cut short today's Superbike practice for the ninth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Mallory Park in Leicestershire after just 17 minutes.

On-track activity was limited with only 19 racers taking to the 1.41-mile circuit at the start of the shortened 20-minute session.  After 16-minutes Rizla Suzuki's Chris Walker and Cal Crutchlow both went on to the track but a red flag meant they didn't complete a single lap.  The red flag was caused by Naturally Best Suzuki's 21-year-old Ollie Bridewell suffering a fatal crash.

Rizla Suzuki Team Manager Simon Buckmaster said: "The circuit was that waterlogged the riders would have learnt next to nothing, so cancelling the day is not a big issue for us as it is the same for all the teams and riders.  Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow and we can all get out on track.

"On behalf of Team Rizla Suzuki, I wish to pass on our sympathies to the Bridewell family and the Naturally Best Suzuki team after today's tragic loss."

Race Preview
July 20, 2007 - The last time Chris "Stalker" Walker raced at Mallory Park was in the 2006 Race of the Year when he took victory and secured his seat with Rizla Suzuki.

Returning to the 1.41-mile track for the ninth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship this weekend there's nothing he'd like more than to top the podium again.

"I've always liked Mallory Park as it is one of my home tracks and I've won quite a few times there in the past," said Stalker.

"It's also a circuit we have tested at earlier in the season and will start with a direction and idea how we want to set-up my Rizla Suzuki.

"I'm happy with achieving another podium at Oulton Park last weekend and think there is a bit of momentum with the team.  We all want to get back on the rostrum so much you can taste it. We'll be going for it at Mallory."

Rizla Suzuki's Cal Crutchlow, from nearby Coventry, also counts Mallory Park as a home round. He took a career best BSB result with fifth place in the opening race at Oulton Park last weekend and is on top form.

Crutchlow said: "My Rizla Suzuki is improving very quickly and we will make more progress this weekend. Every time we go out on the bike we develop it a little further, learn more and become more competitive.

"I've achieved my season goal of getting in the top six and now I'll concentrate on repeating that and if possible, going for a podium or two. That's the performance I need and the whole team wants - and in fairness, I think we are capable of and deserve."

Rizla Suzuki Team Manager Simon Buckmaster is upbeat. He said: "The hard work and graft the team is putting in is starting to pay off. Chris and Cal enjoyed their season best results at the last round and the performance we have been building all season is now starting to show. We are re-energized for Mallory Park and the target for Chris is to take a step up the podium and Cal to get on it himself."

Superbike racing starts at 1300 on Sunday, July 22nd, at the twisty historically Leicestershire circuit.

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