Kagayama fit for 2004 BSB

Yukio Kagayama has confirmed that he will be racing again with Crescent Suzuki in the British Superbike Championship next year.

Speaking from Japan, Kagayama said: “I can’t wait to be back in Britain and see my fans. My true fans are in Britain and I want to thank them for helping me through my recovery. For them I will win as many races as possible.”

The Japanese rider crashed heavily at Cadwell Park in August breaking his pelvis in two places. The accident forced him to sit out the rest of the year and doubts were raised as to whether he would be fit to compete at the start of the 2004 season.

Kagayama is also an official Suzuki test rider and it was unclear whether the company would still want him racing in the British series in 2004.

But Suzuki has given the all clear for his return saying they cannot underestimate the importance of the UK championship and the success that Kagayama had prior to his accident.

Doctors have told Kagayama that he is well on track to being fit enough to race. He now plans to return to the UK early in the new year so he can take part in all the team’s pre-season testing.

“My injuries are healing well. I can feel the improvements in my body and condition and all I can think of is racing. The doctors say I will be okay for racing in March and I know in my mind I will be able to race at the front.”

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