Cadwell Park British Superbikes: Rizla Suzuki aim for second spot in championship

Rizla Suzuki Team Manager Jack Valentine has set his sights on second position in the riders standings at Cadwell Park this weekend.

The recent run of incredible form from Tom Sykes, including three wins in the last four races, has catapulted him within eight points of Cal Crutchlow in the race for second spot in the title chase.

Sykes’ double win at Oulton Park and race one victory at Knockhill was bolstered by a stunning World Superbike wildcard appearance at Brands earlier this month.

And with Cadwell suiting the aggressive riding style of the 23-year old, Valentine’s expectations are high for the bank holiday race weekend.

“Cadwell Park always produces close and spectacular racing and I’m sure that will be the case this weekend,” Valentine said.

“Tom is on top of his game at the moment and with three wins under his belt he will be going all out for more. He is really closing down the points deficit in the Championship chase. The Rizla Suzuki team is working well and would love to leave Cadwell with second place in the Championship under its belt.”

For BSB rookie Atsushi Watanabe it will be a slightly different story. The double Japanese Superbike Champion has had a tough first British Superbike season so far, but appeared to have a breakthrough at Knockhill for round eight up until a coming together with Billy McConnell at the Hairpin in race one.

“Atsu has visited Cadwell for a track day and he liked the circuit,” added Valentine. “However it is a tough track and he has a mountain to climb quite literally this weekend. He was really showing his potential last time out at Knockhill battling for ninth place when he was taken down by another rider. I’d like to see him pick up from where he left off at Knockhill.”