Honda BSB press day at the NEC

Raceline photography
By blue2bikes
November 8 2004

Honda announced their line up at the NEC today, stating that it will be a four bike attack for the BSB crown next year. Honda UK racing boss Neil Tuxworth told a press conference that HM Plant HRC would run a two bike team of Michael Rutter and Ryuichi Kiyonari, the two main riders from this season.

As reported earlier, Karl Harris will be in the four bike team on the Honda Britain FireBlade, which surprisingly doesn’t have a sponsor as yet. Jonathan Rea, on a Red Bull backed Honda UK FireBlade, will be the fourth member of the team.

Jonathan was a competitor this year in the Supersport championship series, before a major crash put him out of contention half through the season - which left him unable to race for the rest of the year.

Michael Rutter in action - photo by Raceline photography

Ryuichi Kiyonari in action - photo by Raceline photography

They all get on well together, so it should be good to see them ride against each other. With Michael’s undoubted experience and Ryuichi’s riding style they will certainly be a team to watch.

Eugene Laverty in action - photo by Raceline photography

Youngster Eugene Laverty, who contested the 125cc series, will also be moving upwards into the 600cc class on a Red Bull backed Honda, having fought for a gallant last race second place finish at Donington Park in the final round of the 125 championship this year.

Red Bull will still be contesting the 125 class but have yet to name a rider to take Eugene’s place.